Character, Setting, and Plot

These are the core elements of any narrative. In this fully online, self-paced course, Prof. Carmen Imes introduces students to each of these elements and how to analyze them. Using the book of Ruth as an example, she help us recognize the artful technique of the biblical authors in order to better understand the messages they hoped to convey through their stories.

In This Course You Will Be Invited To:

•Recognize the key elements of narrative.

•Explore the power of narrative to reveal truths about God and humanity

•Gain a greater appreciation for the literary techniques of the biblical authors.

• Practice using analytic tools while reading the book of Ruth

Course Outline

What is the purpose of narrative as a genre? How do biblical narratives work? In what sense is the Bible artful?

3 Lessons

• Reading the Bible Well

• The Art of Narrative

• How Narrative Works

What information does setting provide us? How does it serve the story? What can we learn about setting in Ruth?

3 Lessons

• Introduction to Setting: Place

• Introduction to Setting: Time

• Narrative in Ruth

In what different ways do the biblical authors present their characters? What do the characters in Ruth reveal about the purpose of the story?

2 Lessons

• Introduction to Characterization

• Characterization in Ruth

How do we determine the conflict of a story? What does plot structure reveal about biblical narratives? What do we know about the conflict in Ruth?

2 Lessons

• Introduction to Plot

• Plot in Ruth

2.5 Hours of Video Content
Reflection & Practice Activities
$29.99

Meet Your Instructor

Carmen Imes

Associate Professor of Old Testament

Dr. Carmen Imes is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology. She is passionate about helping students and other laypeople engage the Old Testament and discover its relevance for Christian identity and mission. She has published the books Bearing God's Name (IVP 2019) and Being God's Image (IVP 2023), and has appeared on over 150 podcasts and radio shows. She releases weekly "Torah Tuesday" videos on her YouTube channel. She writes for Christianity Today, Politics of Scripture, and The Well (InterVarsity). Her academic journey began when Carmen and her husband served as missionaries in the Philippines with SIM International, reaching out to ethnic minorities. Prof. Imes loves introducing students to the rich insights of the global church.

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Courses developed for Admirato are made possible by the generous donations of people who support the Wisconsin Center for Christian Studies, Inc., a registered 501c3 non-profit organization. Tuition paid enables us to provide scholarships for those in need and allows us to fund new courses and translations of existing courses, and we are able to offer courses at significant discounts. Admirato is the online home for N.T. Wright Online courses and other resources developed by the Wisconsin Center for Christian Studies, Inc. Admirato exists as a legal entity under the umbrella of the Wisconsin Center for Christian Studies, Inc., and is considered part of the non-profit work according to the laws for 501c3 organizations.