Abstract: The content of narrative works can be examined from two aspects: the elements of characters, plots, environments, events, settings, details and the total number of the elements, and the connection and organization of elements. Western narrative lays particular emphasis on the detailed demonstration of elements, while Chinese narrative focuses on the interrelationship of elements. Specifically, in terms of content, Western narrative literature pays attention to the details of elements, while Chinese narrative literature pays attention to the thickness of elements. As for the form, Western narrative strategies serve for the presentation of element, while Chinese narrative techniques work for the relationship of elements. Given the correlation between content and form, the form of traditional Chinese narrative works is conditioned by their content, while Western novels enjoy more freedom in form.

Key words: Chinese narrative, Western narrative, elements, correlation, difference