Think of it as telling a story. This type of essay can be used for many purposes, such as to inform, instruct, persuade, or entertain. Narrative essays can be creative fictional stories, memoirs, anecdotes, and autobiographies.
Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative:
The essay must include all the necessary parts of a story:
- Introduction: at the beginning, set out a problem, situation, or observation-- establish a point of view, and introduce a narrator and/or characters; set the tone for the rest of the story.
- Plot: sequence of events-- the storyline
- Characters: people/individuals in the story
- Setting: the place and time in which the story takes place
- Conflict: a struggle between two opposing forces (or people); can be internal or external
- Climax: the moment at which the conflict reaches its peak and begins to be resolved.
- Conclusion: reflect on what is experienced, observed, or resolved throughout the narrative.
The essay must have a purpose.
- Make a point! Think of this as the thesis of your story. Do not leave the reader guessing about the purpose of your narrative. You are in control of the essay, so guide it where you desire (just make sure your audience can follow your lead).
- Commonly, it is written from the standpoint of the author, but that is not the only option.
Use clear and concise language throughout the essay.
- Use precise words and phrases, details, and sensory language-- to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters.
- Language must be carefully, particularly, and artfully chosen to evoke specific emotions and senses in the reader.
- The use of the first person pronoun ‘I’ is welcomed, but do not abuse this guideline.
- Paste your essay into this site to check for conciseness http://www.hemingwayapp.com/
Use narrative techniques
Used to develop experiences, events, and/or characters. For example:
- Description: describe specific actions of characters; describe visual details.
- Dialogue: use conversation and thoughts to show personalities and motives.
- Pacing: how fast or slow the story moves-- to point out important events or add tension.
- Reflection: in the conclusion, look back on the purpose and make it clear.
- Multiple plot lines: plot has several strings of different storylines that connect at the end.
As always, be organized!
- Create a smooth progression of experiences or events.
- Sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole.
From: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/04/ and http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/9-10
