Interpretating the symbols in the story is also essential. Symbols can add depth. For instance, in 'The Great Gatsby', the green light at the end of Daisy's dock is a symbol. It represents Gatsby's dreams and hopes, and as the story progresses, our understanding of what that symbol means also evolves.
Another step is to study the narrative voice. Is it first - person, third - person limited or omniscient? In a first - person narrative like 'The Catcher in the Rye', the voice of Holden Caulfield gives a very personal and often unreliable view of the events. This affects how we perceive the story and its characters.
Yes, closely reading the plot structure. Understanding how the story is organized, like whether it follows a linear or non - linear plot. A non - linear plot, like in 'Memento', can be tricky but by analyzing the sequence of events carefully, you can see how the fragmented parts fit together to create a unique narrative.