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Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Examples

10+ Interesting Narrative Essay Examples Plus Writing Tips!

Narrative Essay Definition

Writing a narrative essay is a unique form of storytelling that revolves around personal experiences, aiming to immerse the reader in the author's world. It's a piece of writing that delves into the depths of thoughts and feelings.

In a narrative essay, life experiences take center stage, serving as the main substance of the story. It's a powerful tool for writers to convey a personal journey, turning experiences into a captivating tale. This form of storytelling is an artful display of emotions intended to engage readers, leaving the reader feeling like they are a part of the story.

By focusing on a specific theme, event, emotions, and reflections, a narrative essay weaves a storyline that leads the reader through the author's experiences.

The Essentials of Narrative Essays

Let's start with the basics. The four types of essays are argumentative essays , descriptive essays , expository essays , and narrative essays.

The goal of a narrative essay is to tell a compelling tale from one person's perspective. A narrative essay uses all components you’d find in a typical story, such as a beginning, middle, and conclusion, as well as plot, characters, setting, and climax.

The narrative essay's goal is the plot, which should be detailed enough to reach a climax. Here's how it works:

It's usually presented in chronological order.
It has a function. This is typically evident in the thesis statement's opening paragraph.
It may include speech.
It's told with sensory details and vivid language, drawing the reader in. All of these elements are connected to the writer's major argument in some way.

Before writing your essay, make sure you go through a sufficient number of narrative essay examples. These examples will help you in knowing the dos and don’ts of a good narrative essay.

It is always a better option to have some sense of direction before you start anything. Below, you can find important details and a bunch of narrative essay examples. These examples will also help you build your content according to the format.

Here is a how to start a narrative essay example:

Sample Narrative Essay

The examples inform the readers about the writing style and structure of the narration. The essay below will help you understand how to create a story and build this type of essay in no time.

Here is another narrative essay examples 500 words:

Narrative Essay Examples for Students

Narrative essays offer students a platform to express their experiences and creativity. These examples show how to effectively structure and present personal stories for education.

Here are some helpful narrative essay examples:

Narrative Essay Examples Middle School

Narrative Essay Examples for Grade 7

Narrative Essay Examples for Grade 8

Grade 11 Narrative Essay Examples

Narrative Essay Example For High School

Narrative Essay Example For College

Personal Narrative Essay Example

Descriptive Narrative Essay Example

3rd Person Narrative Essay Example

Narrative Essay Topics

Here are some narrative essay topics to help you get started with your narrative essay writing.

When I got my first bunny
When I moved to Canada
I haven’t experienced this freezing temperature ever before
The moment I won the basketball finale
A memorable day at the museum
How I talk to my parrot
The day I saw the death
When I finally rebelled against my professor

Need more topics? Check out these extensive narrative essay topics to get creative ideas!

Narrative Essay Writing Tips

Narrative essays give you the freedom to be creative, but it can be tough to make yours special. Use these tips to make your story interesting:

Share your story from a personal viewpoint, engaging the reader with your experiences.
Use vivid descriptions to paint a clear picture of the setting, characters, and emotions involved.
Organize events in chronological order for a smooth and understandable narrative.
Bring characters to life through their actions, dialogue, and personalities.
Employ dialogue sparingly to add realism and progression to the narrative.
Engage readers by evoking emotions through your storytelling.
End with reflection or a lesson learned from the experience, providing insight.

Now you have essay examples and tips to help you get started, you have a solid starting point for crafting compelling narrative essays.

However, if storytelling isn't your forte, you can always turn to our essay service for help.

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How to write a narrative essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Narrative Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A narrative essay tells a story. In most cases, this is a story about a personal experience you had. This type of essay , along with the descriptive essay , allows you to get personal and creative, unlike most academic writing .

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What is a narrative essay for, choosing a topic, interactive example of a narrative essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about narrative essays.

When assigned a narrative essay, you might find yourself wondering: Why does my teacher want to hear this story? Topics for narrative essays can range from the important to the trivial. Usually the point is not so much the story itself, but the way you tell it.

A narrative essay is a way of testing your ability to tell a story in a clear and interesting way. You’re expected to think about where your story begins and ends, and how to convey it with eye-catching language and a satisfying pace.

These skills are quite different from those needed for formal academic writing. For instance, in a narrative essay the use of the first person (“I”) is encouraged, as is the use of figurative language, dialogue, and suspense.

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See an example

Narrative essay assignments vary widely in the amount of direction you’re given about your topic. You may be assigned quite a specific topic or choice of topics to work with.

Write a story about your first day of school.
Write a story about your favorite holiday destination.

You may also be given prompts that leave you a much wider choice of topic.

Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself.
Write about an achievement you are proud of. What did you accomplish, and how?

In these cases, you might have to think harder to decide what story you want to tell. The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to talk about a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

For example, a trip where everything went according to plan makes for a less interesting story than one where something unexpected happened that you then had to respond to. Choose an experience that might surprise the reader or teach them something.

Narrative essays in college applications

When applying for college , you might be asked to write a narrative essay that expresses something about your personal qualities.

For example, this application prompt from Common App requires you to respond with a narrative essay.

In this context, choose a story that is not only interesting but also expresses the qualities the prompt is looking for—here, resilience and the ability to learn from failure—and frame the story in a way that emphasizes these qualities.

An example of a short narrative essay, responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how the structure works.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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If you’re not given much guidance on what your narrative essay should be about, consider the context and scope of the assignment. What kind of story is relevant, interesting, and possible to tell within the word count?

The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to reflect on a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

Don’t worry too much if your topic seems unoriginal. The point of a narrative essay is how you tell the story and the point you make with it, not the subject of the story itself.

Narrative essays are usually assigned as writing exercises at high school or in university composition classes. They may also form part of a university application.

When you are prompted to tell a story about your own life or experiences, a narrative essay is usually the right response.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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General Education

A narrative essay is one of the most intimidating assignments you can be handed at any level of your education. Where you've previously written argumentative essays that make a point or analytic essays that dissect meaning, a narrative essay asks you to write what is effectively a story .

But unlike a simple work of creative fiction, your narrative essay must have a clear and concrete motif —a recurring theme or idea that you’ll explore throughout. Narrative essays are less rigid, more creative in expression, and therefore pretty different from most other essays you’ll be writing.

But not to fear—in this article, we’ll be covering what a narrative essay is, how to write a good one, and also analyzing some personal narrative essay examples to show you what a great one looks like.

What Is a Narrative Essay?

At first glance, a narrative essay might sound like you’re just writing a story. Like the stories you're used to reading, a narrative essay is generally (but not always) chronological, following a clear throughline from beginning to end. Even if the story jumps around in time, all the details will come back to one specific theme, demonstrated through your choice in motifs.

Unlike many creative stories, however, your narrative essay should be based in fact. That doesn’t mean that every detail needs to be pure and untainted by imagination, but rather that you shouldn’t wholly invent the events of your narrative essay. There’s nothing wrong with inventing a person’s words if you can’t remember them exactly, but you shouldn’t say they said something they weren’t even close to saying.

Another big difference between narrative essays and creative fiction—as well as other kinds of essays—is that narrative essays are based on motifs. A motif is a dominant idea or theme, one that you establish before writing the essay. As you’re crafting the narrative, it’ll feed back into your motif to create a comprehensive picture of whatever that motif is.

For example, say you want to write a narrative essay about how your first day in high school helped you establish your identity. You might discuss events like trying to figure out where to sit in the cafeteria, having to describe yourself in five words as an icebreaker in your math class, or being unsure what to do during your lunch break because it’s no longer acceptable to go outside and play during lunch. All of those ideas feed back into the central motif of establishing your identity.

The important thing to remember is that while a narrative essay is typically told chronologically and intended to read like a story, it is not purely for entertainment value. A narrative essay delivers its theme by deliberately weaving the motifs through the events, scenes, and details. While a narrative essay may be entertaining, its primary purpose is to tell a complete story based on a central meaning.

Unlike other essay forms, it is totally okay—even expected—to use first-person narration in narrative essays. If you’re writing a story about yourself, it’s natural to refer to yourself within the essay. It’s also okay to use other perspectives, such as third- or even second-person, but that should only be done if it better serves your motif. Generally speaking, your narrative essay should be in first-person perspective.

Though your motif choices may feel at times like you’re making a point the way you would in an argumentative essay, a narrative essay’s goal is to tell a story, not convince the reader of anything. Your reader should be able to tell what your motif is from reading, but you don’t have to change their mind about anything. If they don’t understand the point you are making, you should consider strengthening the delivery of the events and descriptions that support your motif.

Narrative essays also share some features with analytical essays, in which you derive meaning from a book, film, or other media. But narrative essays work differently—you’re not trying to draw meaning from an existing text, but rather using an event you’ve experienced to convey meaning. In an analytical essay, you examine narrative, whereas in a narrative essay you create narrative.

The structure of a narrative essay is also a bit different than other essays. You’ll generally be getting your point across chronologically as opposed to grouping together specific arguments in paragraphs or sections. To return to the example of an essay discussing your first day of high school and how it impacted the shaping of your identity, it would be weird to put the events out of order, even if not knowing what to do after lunch feels like a stronger idea than choosing where to sit. Instead of organizing to deliver your information based on maximum impact, you’ll be telling your story as it happened, using concrete details to reinforce your theme.

3 Great Narrative Essay Examples

One of the best ways to learn how to write a narrative essay is to look at a great narrative essay sample. Let’s take a look at some truly stellar narrative essay examples and dive into what exactly makes them work so well.

A Ticket to the Fair by David Foster Wallace

Today is Press Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and I’m supposed to be at the fairgrounds by 9:00 A.M. to get my credentials. I imagine credentials to be a small white card in the band of a fedora. I’ve never been considered press before. My real interest in credentials is getting into rides and shows for free. I’m fresh in from the East Coast, for an East Coast magazine. Why exactly they’re interested in the Illinois State Fair remains unclear to me. I suspect that every so often editors at East Coast magazines slap their foreheads and remember that about 90 percent of the United States lies between the coasts, and figure they’ll engage somebody to do pith-helmeted anthropological reporting on something rural and heartlandish. I think they asked me to do this because I grew up here, just a couple hours’ drive from downstate Springfield. I never did go to the state fair, though—I pretty much topped out at the county fair level. Actually, I haven’t been back to Illinois for a long time, and I can’t say I’ve missed it.

Throughout this essay, David Foster Wallace recounts his experience as press at the Illinois State Fair. But it’s clear from this opening that he’s not just reporting on the events exactly as they happened—though that’s also true— but rather making a point about how the East Coast, where he lives and works, thinks about the Midwest.

In his opening paragraph, Wallace states that outright: “Why exactly they’re interested in the Illinois State Fair remains unclear to me. I suspect that every so often editors at East Coast magazines slap their foreheads and remember that about 90 percent of the United States lies between the coasts, and figure they’ll engage somebody to do pith-helmeted anthropological reporting on something rural and heartlandish.”

Not every motif needs to be stated this clearly , but in an essay as long as Wallace’s, particularly since the audience for such a piece may feel similarly and forget that such a large portion of the country exists, it’s important to make that point clear.

But Wallace doesn’t just rest on introducing his motif and telling the events exactly as they occurred from there. It’s clear that he selects events that remind us of that idea of East Coast cynicism , such as when he realizes that the Help Me Grow tent is standing on top of fake grass that is killing the real grass beneath, when he realizes the hypocrisy of craving a corn dog when faced with a real, suffering pig, when he’s upset for his friend even though he’s not the one being sexually harassed, and when he witnesses another East Coast person doing something he wouldn’t dare to do.

Wallace is literally telling the audience exactly what happened, complete with dates and timestamps for when each event occurred. But he’s also choosing those events with a purpose—he doesn’t focus on details that don’t serve his motif. That’s why he discusses the experiences of people, how the smells are unappealing to him, and how all the people he meets, in cowboy hats, overalls, or “black spandex that looks like cheesecake leotards,” feel almost alien to him.

All of these details feed back into the throughline of East Coast thinking that Wallace introduces in the first paragraph. He also refers back to it in the essay’s final paragraph, stating:

At last, an overarching theory blooms inside my head: megalopolitan East Coasters’ summer treats and breaks and literally ‘getaways,’ flights-from—from crowds, noise, heat, dirt, the stress of too many sensory choices….The East Coast existential treat is escape from confines and stimuli—quiet, rustic vistas that hold still, turn inward, turn away. Not so in the rural Midwest. Here you’re pretty much away all the time….Something in a Midwesterner sort of actuates , deep down, at a public event….The real spectacle that draws us here is us.

Throughout this journey, Wallace has tried to demonstrate how the East Coast thinks about the Midwest, ultimately concluding that they are captivated by the Midwest’s less stimuli-filled life, but that the real reason they are interested in events like the Illinois State Fair is that they are, in some ways, a means of looking at the East Coast in a new, estranging way.

The reason this works so well is that Wallace has carefully chosen his examples, outlined his motif and themes in the first paragraph, and eventually circled back to the original motif with a clearer understanding of his original point.

When outlining your own narrative essay, try to do the same. Start with a theme, build upon it with examples, and return to it in the end with an even deeper understanding of the original issue. You don’t need this much space to explore a theme, either—as we’ll see in the next example, a strong narrative essay can also be very short.

Death of a Moth by Virginia Woolf

After a time, tired by his dancing apparently, he settled on the window ledge in the sun, and, the queer spectacle being at an end, I forgot about him. Then, looking up, my eye was caught by him. He was trying to resume his dancing, but seemed either so stiff or so awkward that he could only flutter to the bottom of the window-pane; and when he tried to fly across it he failed. Being intent on other matters I watched these futile attempts for a time without thinking, unconsciously waiting for him to resume his flight, as one waits for a machine, that has stopped momentarily, to start again without considering the reason of its failure. After perhaps a seventh attempt he slipped from the wooden ledge and fell, fluttering his wings, on to his back on the window sill. The helplessness of his attitude roused me. It flashed upon me that he was in difficulties; he could no longer raise himself; his legs struggled vainly. But, as I stretched out a pencil, meaning to help him to right himself, it came over me that the failure and awkwardness were the approach of death. I laid the pencil down again.

In this essay, Virginia Woolf explains her encounter with a dying moth. On surface level, this essay is just a recounting of an afternoon in which she watched a moth die—it’s even established in the title. But there’s more to it than that. Though Woolf does not begin her essay with as clear a motif as Wallace, it’s not hard to pick out the evidence she uses to support her point, which is that the experience of this moth is also the human experience.

In the title, Woolf tells us this essay is about death. But in the first paragraph, she seems to mostly be discussing life—the moth is “content with life,” people are working in the fields, and birds are flying. However, she mentions that it is mid-September and that the fields were being plowed. It’s autumn and it’s time for the harvest; the time of year in which many things die.

In this short essay, she chronicles the experience of watching a moth seemingly embody life, then die. Though this essay is literally about a moth, it’s also about a whole lot more than that. After all, moths aren’t the only things that die—Woolf is also reflecting on her own mortality, as well as the mortality of everything around her.

At its core, the essay discusses the push and pull of life and death, not in a way that’s necessarily sad, but in a way that is accepting of both. Woolf begins by setting up the transitional fall season, often associated with things coming to an end, and raises the ideas of pleasure, vitality, and pity.

At one point, Woolf tries to help the dying moth, but reconsiders, as it would interfere with the natural order of the world. The moth’s death is part of the natural order of the world, just like fall, just like her own eventual death.

All these themes are set up in the beginning and explored throughout the essay’s narrative. Though Woolf doesn’t directly state her theme, she reinforces it by choosing a small, isolated event—watching a moth die—and illustrating her point through details.

With this essay, we can see that you don’t need a big, weird, exciting event to discuss an important meaning. Woolf is able to explore complicated ideas in a short essay by being deliberate about what details she includes, just as you can be in your own essays.

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

On the twenty-ninth of July, in 1943, my father died. On the same day, a few hours later, his last child was born. Over a month before this, while all our energies were concentrated in waiting for these events, there had been, in Detroit, one of the bloodiest race riots of the century. A few hours after my father’s funeral, while he lay in state in the undertaker’s chapel, a race riot broke out in Harlem. On the morning of the third of August, we drove my father to the graveyard through a wilderness of smashed plate glass.

Like Woolf, Baldwin does not lay out his themes in concrete terms—unlike Wallace, there’s no clear sentence that explains what he’ll be talking about. However, you can see the motifs quite clearly: death, fatherhood, struggle, and race.

Throughout the narrative essay, Baldwin discusses the circumstances of his father’s death, including his complicated relationship with his father. By introducing those motifs in the first paragraph, the reader understands that everything discussed in the essay will come back to those core ideas. When Baldwin talks about his experience with a white teacher taking an interest in him and his father’s resistance to that, he is also talking about race and his father’s death. When he talks about his father’s death, he is also talking about his views on race. When he talks about his encounters with segregation and racism, he is talking, in part, about his father.

Because his father was a hard, uncompromising man, Baldwin struggles to reconcile the knowledge that his father was right about many things with his desire to not let that hardness consume him, as well.

Baldwin doesn’t explicitly state any of this, but his writing so often touches on the same motifs that it becomes clear he wants us to think about all these ideas in conversation with one another.

At the end of the essay, Baldwin makes it more clear:

This fight begins, however, in the heart and it had now been laid to my charge to keep my own heart free of hatred and despair. This intimation made my heart heavy and, now that my father was irrecoverable, I wished that he had been beside me so that I could have searched his face for the answers which only the future would give me now.

Here, Baldwin ties together the themes and motifs into one clear statement: that he must continue to fight and recognize injustice, especially racial injustice, just as his father did. But unlike his father, he must do it beginning with himself—he must not let himself be closed off to the world as his father was. And yet, he still wishes he had his father for guidance, even as he establishes that he hopes to be a different man than his father.

In this essay, Baldwin loads the front of the essay with his motifs, and, through his narrative, weaves them together into a theme. In the end, he comes to a conclusion that connects all of those things together and leaves the reader with a lasting impression of completion—though the elements may have been initially disparate, in the end everything makes sense.

You can replicate this tactic of introducing seemingly unattached ideas and weaving them together in your own essays. By introducing those motifs, developing them throughout, and bringing them together in the end, you can demonstrate to your reader how all of them are related. However, it’s especially important to be sure that your motifs and clear and consistent throughout your essay so that the conclusion feels earned and consistent—if not, readers may feel mislead.

5 Key Tips for Writing Narrative Essays

Narrative essays can be a lot of fun to write since they’re so heavily based on creativity. But that can also feel intimidating—sometimes it’s easier to have strict guidelines than to have to make it all up yourself. Here are a few tips to keep your narrative essay feeling strong and fresh.

Develop Strong Motifs

Motifs are the foundation of a narrative essay . What are you trying to say? How can you say that using specific symbols or events? Those are your motifs.

In the same way that an argumentative essay’s body should support its thesis, the body of your narrative essay should include motifs that support your theme.

Try to avoid cliches, as these will feel tired to your readers. Instead of roses to symbolize love, try succulents. Instead of the ocean representing some vast, unknowable truth, try the depths of your brother’s bedroom. Keep your language and motifs fresh and your essay will be even stronger!

Use First-Person Perspective

In many essays, you’re expected to remove yourself so that your points stand on their own. Not so in a narrative essay—in this case, you want to make use of your own perspective.

Sometimes a different perspective can make your point even stronger. If you want someone to identify with your point of view, it may be tempting to choose a second-person perspective. However, be sure you really understand the function of second-person; it’s very easy to put a reader off if the narration isn’t expertly deployed.

If you want a little bit of distance, third-person perspective may be okay. But be careful—too much distance and your reader may feel like the narrative lacks truth.

That’s why first-person perspective is the standard. It keeps you, the writer, close to the narrative, reminding the reader that it really happened. And because you really know what happened and how, you’re free to inject your own opinion into the story without it detracting from your point, as it would in a different type of essay.

Stick to the Truth

Your essay should be true. However, this is a creative essay, and it’s okay to embellish a little. Rarely in life do we experience anything with a clear, concrete meaning the way somebody in a book might. If you flub the details a little, it’s okay—just don’t make them up entirely.

Also, nobody expects you to perfectly recall details that may have happened years ago. You may have to reconstruct dialog from your memory and your imagination. That’s okay, again, as long as you aren’t making it up entirely and assigning made-up statements to somebody.

Dialog is a powerful tool. A good conversation can add flavor and interest to a story, as we saw demonstrated in David Foster Wallace’s essay. As previously mentioned, it’s okay to flub it a little, especially because you’re likely writing about an experience you had without knowing that you’d be writing about it later.

However, don’t rely too much on it. Your narrative essay shouldn’t be told through people explaining things to one another; the motif comes through in the details. Dialog can be one of those details, but it shouldn’t be the only one.

Use Sensory Descriptions

Because a narrative essay is a story, you can use sensory details to make your writing more interesting. If you’re describing a particular experience, you can go into detail about things like taste, smell, and hearing in a way that you probably wouldn’t do in any other essay style.

These details can tie into your overall motifs and further your point. Woolf describes in great detail what she sees while watching the moth, giving us the sense that we, too, are watching the moth. In Wallace’s essay, he discusses the sights, sounds, and smells of the Illinois State Fair to help emphasize his point about its strangeness. And in Baldwin’s essay, he describes shattered glass as a “wilderness,” and uses the feelings of his body to describe his mental state.

All these descriptions anchor us not only in the story, but in the motifs and themes as well. One of the tools of a writer is making the reader feel as you felt, and sensory details help you achieve that.

What’s Next?

Looking to brush up on your essay-writing capabilities before the ACT? This guide to ACT English will walk you through some of the best strategies and practice questions to get you prepared!

Part of practicing for the ACT is ensuring your word choice and diction are on point. Check out this guide to some of the most common errors on the ACT English section to be sure that you're not making these common mistakes!

A solid understanding of English principles will help you make an effective point in a narrative essay, and you can get that understanding through taking a rigorous assortment of high school English classes !

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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The Ultimate Narrative Essay Guide for Beginners

A narrative essay tells a story in chronological order, with an introduction that introduces the characters and sets the scene. Then a series of events leads to a climax or turning point, and finally a resolution or reflection on the experience.

Speaking of which, are you in sixes and sevens about narrative essays? Don’t worry this ultimate expert guide will wipe out all your doubts. So let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Everything You Need to Know About Narrative Essay

What is a narrative essay.

When you go through a narrative essay definition, you would know that a narrative essay purpose is to tell a story. It’s all about sharing an experience or event and is different from other types of essays because it’s more focused on how the event made you feel or what you learned from it, rather than just presenting facts or an argument. Let’s explore more details on this interesting write-up and get to know how to write a narrative essay.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of a narrative essay:

A narrative essay has a beginning, middle, and end. It builds up tension and excitement and then wraps things up in a neat package.

Real people, including the writer, often feature in personal narratives. Details of the characters and their thoughts, feelings, and actions can help readers to relate to the tale.

It’s really important to know when and where something happened so we can get a good idea of the context. Going into detail about what it looks like helps the reader to really feel like they’re part of the story.

Conflict or Challenge

A story in a narrative essay usually involves some kind of conflict or challenge that moves the plot along. It could be something inside the character, like a personal battle, or something from outside, like an issue they have to face in the world.

Theme or Message

A narrative essay isn’t just about recounting an event – it’s about showing the impact it had on you and what you took away from it. It’s an opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings about the experience, and how it changed your outlook.

Emotional Impact

The author is trying to make the story they’re telling relatable, engaging, and memorable by using language and storytelling to evoke feelings in whoever’s reading it.

Narrative essays let writers have a blast telling stories about their own lives. It’s an opportunity to share insights and impart wisdom, or just have some fun with the reader. Descriptive language, sensory details, dialogue, and a great narrative voice are all essentials for making the story come alive.

The Purpose of a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is more than just a story – it’s a way to share a meaningful, engaging, and relatable experience with the reader. Includes:

Sharing Personal Experience

Narrative essays are a great way for writers to share their personal experiences, feelings, thoughts, and reflections. It’s an opportunity to connect with readers and make them feel something.

Entertainment and Engagement

The essay attempts to keep the reader interested by using descriptive language, storytelling elements, and a powerful voice. It attempts to pull them in and make them feel involved by creating suspense, mystery, or an emotional connection.

Conveying a Message or Insight

Narrative essays are more than just a story – they aim to teach you something. They usually have a moral lesson, a new understanding, or a realization about life that the author gained from the experience.

Building Empathy and Understanding

By telling their stories, people can give others insight into different perspectives, feelings, and situations. Sharing these tales can create compassion in the reader and help broaden their knowledge of different life experiences.

Inspiration and Motivation

Stories about personal struggles, successes, and transformations can be really encouraging to people who are going through similar situations. It can provide them with hope and guidance, and let them know that they’re not alone.

Reflecting on Life’s Significance

These essays usually make you think about the importance of certain moments in life or the impact of certain experiences. They make you look deep within yourself and ponder on the things you learned or how you changed because of those events.

Demonstrating Writing Skills

Coming up with a gripping narrative essay takes serious writing chops, like vivid descriptions, powerful language, timing, and organization. It’s an opportunity for writers to show off their story-telling abilities.

Preserving Personal History

Sometimes narrative essays are used to record experiences and special moments that have an emotional resonance. They can be used to preserve individual memories or for future generations to look back on.

Cultural and Societal Exploration

Personal stories can look at cultural or social aspects, giving us an insight into customs, opinions, or social interactions seen through someone’s own experience.

Format of a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays are quite flexible in terms of format, which allows the writer to tell a story in a creative and compelling way. Here’s a quick breakdown of the narrative essay format, along with some examples:

Introduction

Set the scene and introduce the story.

Engage the reader and establish the tone of the narrative.

Hook: Start with a captivating opening line to grab the reader’s attention. For instance:

Example: “The scorching sun beat down on us as we trekked through the desert, our water supply dwindling.”

Background Information: Provide necessary context or background without giving away the entire story.

Example: “It was the summer of 2015 when I embarked on a life-changing journey to…”

Thesis Statement or Narrative Purpose

Present the main idea or the central message of the essay.

Offer a glimpse of what the reader can expect from the narrative.

Thesis Statement: This isn’t as rigid as in other essays but can be a sentence summarizing the essence of the story.

Example: “Little did I know, that seemingly ordinary hike would teach me invaluable lessons about resilience and friendship.”

Body Paragraphs

Present the sequence of events in chronological order.

Develop characters, setting, conflict, and resolution.

Story Progression : Describe events in the order they occurred, focusing on details that evoke emotions and create vivid imagery.

Example : Detail the trek through the desert, the challenges faced, interactions with fellow hikers, and the pivotal moments.

Character Development : Introduce characters and their roles in the story. Show their emotions, thoughts, and actions.

Example : Describe how each character reacted to the dwindling water supply and supported each other through adversity.

Dialogue and Interactions : Use dialogue to bring the story to life and reveal character personalities.

Example : “Sarah handed me her last bottle of water, saying, ‘We’re in this together.'”

Reach the peak of the story, the moment of highest tension or significance.

Turning Point: Highlight the most crucial moment or realization in the narrative.

Example: “As the sun dipped below the horizon and hope seemed lost, a distant sound caught our attention—the rescue team’s helicopters.”

Provide closure to the story.

Reflect on the significance of the experience and its impact.

Reflection : Summarize the key lessons learned or insights gained from the experience.

Example : “That hike taught me the true meaning of resilience and the invaluable support of friendship in challenging times.”

Closing Thought : End with a memorable line that reinforces the narrative’s message or leaves a lasting impression.

Example : “As we boarded the helicopters, I knew this adventure would forever be etched in my heart.”

Example Summary:

Imagine a narrative about surviving a challenging hike through the desert, emphasizing the bonds formed and lessons learned. The narrative essay structure might look like starting with an engaging scene, narrating the hardships faced, showcasing the characters’ resilience, and culminating in a powerful realization about friendship and endurance.

Different Types of Narrative Essays

There are a bunch of different types of narrative essays – each one focuses on different elements of storytelling and has its own purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the narrative essay types and what they mean.

Personal Narrative

Description : Tells a personal story or experience from the writer’s life.

Purpose: Reflects on personal growth, lessons learned, or significant moments.

Example of Narrative Essay Types:

Topic : “The Day I Conquered My Fear of Public Speaking”

Focus: Details the experience, emotions, and eventual triumph over a fear of public speaking during a pivotal event.

Descriptive Narrative

Description : Emphasizes vivid details and sensory imagery.

Purpose : Creates a sensory experience, painting a vivid picture for the reader.

Topic : “A Walk Through the Enchanted Forest”

Focus : Paints a detailed picture of the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings experienced during a walk through a mystical forest.

Autobiographical Narrative

Description: Chronicles significant events or moments from the writer’s life.

Purpose: Provides insights into the writer’s life, experiences, and growth.

Topic: “Lessons from My Childhood: How My Grandmother Shaped Who I Am”

Focus: Explores pivotal moments and lessons learned from interactions with a significant family member.

Experiential Narrative

Description: Relays experiences beyond the writer’s personal life.

Purpose: Shares experiences, travels, or events from a broader perspective.

Topic: “Volunteering in a Remote Village: A Journey of Empathy”

Focus: Chronicles the writer’s volunteering experience, highlighting interactions with a community and personal growth.

Literary Narrative

Description: Incorporates literary elements like symbolism, allegory, or thematic explorations.

Purpose: Uses storytelling for deeper explorations of themes or concepts.

Topic: “The Symbolism of the Red Door: A Journey Through Change”

Focus: Uses a red door as a symbol, exploring its significance in the narrator’s life and the theme of transition.

Historical Narrative

Description: Recounts historical events or periods through a personal lens.

Purpose: Presents history through personal experiences or perspectives.

Topic: “A Grandfather’s Tales: Living Through the Great Depression”

Focus: Shares personal stories from a family member who lived through a historical era, offering insights into that period.

Digital or Multimedia Narrative

Description: Incorporates multimedia elements like images, videos, or audio to tell a story.

Purpose: Explores storytelling through various digital platforms or formats.

Topic: “A Travel Diary: Exploring Europe Through Vlogs”

Focus: Combines video clips, photos, and personal narration to document a travel experience.

How to Choose a Topic for Your Narrative Essay?

Selecting a compelling topic for your narrative essay is crucial as it sets the stage for your storytelling. Choosing a boring topic is one of the narrative essay mistakes to avoid . Here’s a detailed guide on how to choose the right topic:

Reflect on Personal Experiences

Significant Moments:

Moments that had a profound impact on your life or shaped your perspective.

Example: A moment of triumph, overcoming a fear, a life-changing decision, or an unforgettable experience.

Emotional Resonance:

Events that evoke strong emotions or feelings.

Example: Joy, fear, sadness, excitement, or moments of realization.

Lessons Learned:

Experiences that taught you valuable lessons or brought about personal growth.

Example: Challenges that led to personal development, shifts in mindset, or newfound insights.

Explore Unique Perspectives

Uncommon Experiences:

Unique or unconventional experiences that might captivate the reader’s interest.

Example: Unusual travels, interactions with different cultures, or uncommon hobbies.

Different Points of View:

Stories from others’ perspectives that impacted you deeply.

Example: A family member’s story, a friend’s experience, or a historical event from a personal lens.

Focus on Specific Themes or Concepts

Themes or Concepts of Interest:

Themes or ideas you want to explore through storytelling.

Example: Friendship, resilience, identity, cultural diversity, or personal transformation.

Symbolism or Metaphor:

Using symbols or metaphors as the core of your narrative.

Example: Exploring the symbolism of an object or a place in relation to a broader theme.

Consider Your Audience and Purpose

Relevance to Your Audience:

Topics that resonate with your audience’s interests or experiences.

Example: Choose a relatable theme or experience that your readers might connect with emotionally.

Impact or Message:

What message or insight do you want to convey through your story?

Example: Choose a topic that aligns with the message or lesson you aim to impart to your readers.

Brainstorm and Evaluate Ideas

Free Writing or Mind Mapping:

Process: Write down all potential ideas without filtering. Mind maps or free-writing exercises can help generate diverse ideas.

Evaluate Feasibility:

The depth of the story, the availability of vivid details, and your personal connection to the topic.

Imagine you’re considering topics for a narrative essay. You reflect on your experiences and decide to explore the topic of “Overcoming Stage Fright: How a School Play Changed My Perspective.” This topic resonates because it involves a significant challenge you faced and the personal growth it brought about.

Narrative Essay Topics

50 easy narrative essay topics.

Learning to Ride a Bike
My First Day of School
A Surprise Birthday Party
The Day I Got Lost
Visiting a Haunted House
An Encounter with a Wild Animal
My Favorite Childhood Toy
The Best Vacation I Ever Had
An Unforgettable Family Gathering
Conquering a Fear of Heights
A Special Gift I Received
Moving to a New City
The Most Memorable Meal
Getting Caught in a Rainstorm
An Act of Kindness I Witnessed
The First Time I Cooked a Meal
My Experience with a New Hobby
The Day I Met My Best Friend
A Hike in the Mountains
Learning a New Language
An Embarrassing Moment
Dealing with a Bully
My First Job Interview
A Sporting Event I Attended
The Scariest Dream I Had
Helping a Stranger
The Joy of Achieving a Goal
A Road Trip Adventure
Overcoming a Personal Challenge
The Significance of a Family Tradition
An Unusual Pet I Owned
A Misunderstanding with a Friend
Exploring an Abandoned Building
My Favorite Book and Why
The Impact of a Role Model
A Cultural Celebration I Participated In
A Valuable Lesson from a Teacher
A Trip to the Zoo
An Unplanned Adventure
Volunteering Experience
A Moment of Forgiveness
A Decision I Regretted
A Special Talent I Have
The Importance of Family Traditions
The Thrill of Performing on Stage
A Moment of Sudden Inspiration
The Meaning of Home
Learning to Play a Musical Instrument
A Childhood Memory at the Park
Witnessing a Beautiful Sunset

Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

Discovering a New Passion
Overcoming Academic Challenges
Navigating Cultural Differences
Embracing Independence: Moving Away from Home
Exploring Career Aspirations
Coping with Stress in College
The Impact of a Mentor in My Life
Balancing Work and Studies
Facing a Fear of Public Speaking
Exploring a Semester Abroad
The Evolution of My Study Habits
Volunteering Experience That Changed My Perspective
The Role of Technology in Education
Finding Balance: Social Life vs. Academics
Learning a New Skill Outside the Classroom
Reflecting on Freshman Year Challenges
The Joys and Struggles of Group Projects
My Experience with Internship or Work Placement
Challenges of Time Management in College
Redefining Success Beyond Grades
The Influence of Literature on My Thinking
The Impact of Social Media on College Life
Overcoming Procrastination
Lessons from a Leadership Role
Exploring Diversity on Campus
Exploring Passion for Environmental Conservation
An Eye-Opening Course That Changed My Perspective
Living with Roommates: Challenges and Lessons
The Significance of Extracurricular Activities
The Influence of a Professor on My Academic Journey
Discussing Mental Health in College
The Evolution of My Career Goals
Confronting Personal Biases Through Education
The Experience of Attending a Conference or Symposium
Challenges Faced by Non-Native English Speakers in College
The Impact of Traveling During Breaks
Exploring Identity: Cultural or Personal
The Impact of Music or Art on My Life
Addressing Diversity in the Classroom
Exploring Entrepreneurial Ambitions
My Experience with Research Projects
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in College
The Importance of Networking in College
Finding Resilience During Tough Times
The Impact of Global Issues on Local Perspectives
The Influence of Family Expectations on Education
Lessons from a Part-Time Job
Exploring the College Sports Culture
The Role of Technology in Modern Education
The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Education

Narrative Essay Comparison

Narrative essay vs. descriptive essay.

Here’s our first narrative essay comparison! While both narrative and descriptive essays focus on vividly portraying a subject or an event, they differ in their primary objectives and approaches. Now, let’s delve into the nuances of comparison on narrative essays.

Narrative Essay:

Storytelling: Focuses on narrating a personal experience or event.

Chronological Order: Follows a structured timeline of events to tell a story.

Message or Lesson: Often includes a central message, moral, or lesson learned from the experience.

Engagement: Aims to captivate the reader through a compelling storyline and character development.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s point of view, using “I” and expressing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Emphasizes a plot with a beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Character Development: Focuses on describing characters, their interactions, emotions, and growth.

Conflict or Challenge: Usually involves a central conflict or challenge that drives the narrative forward.

Dialogue: Incorporates conversations to bring characters and their interactions to life.

Reflection: Concludes with reflection or insight gained from the experience.

Descriptive Essay:

Vivid Description: Aims to vividly depict a person, place, object, or event.

Imagery and Details: Focuses on sensory details to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.

Emotion through Description: Uses descriptive language to evoke emotions and engage the reader’s senses.

Painting a Picture: Creates a sensory-rich description allowing the reader to visualize the subject.

Imagery and Sensory Details: Focuses on providing rich sensory descriptions, using vivid language and adjectives.

Point of Focus: Concentrates on describing a specific subject or scene in detail.

Spatial Organization: Often employs spatial organization to describe from one area or aspect to another.

Objective Observations: Typically avoids the use of personal opinions or emotions; instead, the focus remains on providing a detailed and objective description.

Comparison:

Focus: Narrative essays emphasize storytelling, while descriptive essays focus on vividly describing a subject or scene.

Perspective: Narrative essays are often written from a first-person perspective, while descriptive essays may use a more objective viewpoint.

Purpose: Narrative essays aim to convey a message or lesson through a story, while descriptive essays aim to paint a detailed picture for the reader without necessarily conveying a specific message.

Narrative Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

The narrative essay and the argumentative essay serve distinct purposes and employ different approaches:

Engagement and Emotion: Aims to captivate the reader through a compelling story.

Reflective: Often includes reflection on the significance of the experience or lessons learned.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s point of view, sharing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Emphasizes a storyline with a beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Message or Lesson: Conveys a central message, moral, or insight derived from the experience.

Argumentative Essay:

Persuasion and Argumentation: Aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s viewpoint on a specific topic.

Logical Reasoning: Presents evidence, facts, and reasoning to support a particular argument or stance.

Debate and Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and counter them with evidence and reasoning.

Thesis Statement: Includes a clear thesis statement that outlines the writer’s position on the topic.

Thesis and Evidence: Starts with a strong thesis statement and supports it with factual evidence, statistics, expert opinions, or logical reasoning.

Counterarguments: Addresses opposing viewpoints and provides rebuttals with evidence.

Logical Structure: Follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, and a conclusion reaffirming the thesis.

Formal Language: Uses formal language and avoids personal anecdotes or emotional appeals.

Objective: Argumentative essays focus on presenting a logical argument supported by evidence, while narrative essays prioritize storytelling and personal reflection.

Purpose: Argumentative essays aim to persuade and convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, while narrative essays aim to engage, entertain, and share personal experiences.

Structure: Narrative essays follow a storytelling structure with character development and plot, while argumentative essays follow a more formal, structured approach with logical arguments and evidence.

In essence, while both essays involve writing and presenting information, the narrative essay focuses on sharing a personal experience, whereas the argumentative essay aims to persuade the audience by presenting a well-supported argument.

Narrative Essay vs. Personal Essay

While there can be an overlap between narrative and personal essays, they have distinctive characteristics:

Storytelling: Emphasizes recounting a specific experience or event in a structured narrative form.

Engagement through Story: Aims to engage the reader through a compelling story with characters, plot, and a central theme or message.

Reflective: Often includes reflection on the significance of the experience and the lessons learned.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s viewpoint, expressing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Focuses on developing a storyline with a clear beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Character Development: Includes descriptions of characters, their interactions, emotions, and growth.

Central Message: Conveys a central message, moral, or insight derived from the experience.

Personal Essay:

Exploration of Ideas or Themes: Explores personal ideas, opinions, or reflections on a particular topic or subject.

Expression of Thoughts and Opinions: Expresses the writer’s thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on a specific subject matter.

Reflection and Introspection: Often involves self-reflection and introspection on personal experiences, beliefs, or values.

Varied Structure and Content: Can encompass various forms, including memoirs, personal anecdotes, or reflections on life experiences.

Flexibility in Structure: Allows for diverse structures and forms based on the writer’s intent, which could be narrative-like or more reflective.

Theme-Centric Writing: Focuses on exploring a central theme or idea, with personal anecdotes or experiences supporting and illustrating the theme.

Expressive Language: Utilizes descriptive and expressive language to convey personal perspectives, emotions, and opinions.

Focus: Narrative essays primarily focus on storytelling through a structured narrative, while personal essays encompass a broader range of personal expression, which can include storytelling but isn’t limited to it.

Structure: Narrative essays have a more structured plot development with characters and a clear sequence of events, while personal essays might adopt various structures, focusing more on personal reflection, ideas, or themes.

Intent: While both involve personal experiences, narrative essays emphasize telling a story with a message or lesson learned, while personal essays aim to explore personal thoughts, feelings, or opinions on a broader range of topics or themes.

5 Easy Steps for Writing a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is more than just telling a story. It’s also meant to engage the reader, get them thinking, and leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s to amuse, motivate, teach, or reflect, these essays are a great way to communicate with your audience. This interesting narrative essay guide was all about letting you understand the narrative essay, its importance, and how can you write one.

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Narrative Essay Writing

Narrative Essay Examples

20+ Top Narrative Essay Examples by Experts

12 min read

Published on: Apr 12, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 24, 2024

Personal Narrative Essay Example

Are you looking for a sample to draft a personal narrative essay ? Go through the example provided below to understand how the first-person and third-person perspectives are used in a narrative essay.

Sample Personal Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Example for Middle School

A narrative essay is frequently assigned to middle school students to assess their writing and creative skills. If you are a student looking for a sample narrative essay for your middle school assignment, go through the example provided below.

Narrative Essay Example: 7th Grade

Narrative Essay Example for Grade 8

Grade 9 Narrative Essay Example

Sample Narrative Essay Grade 12

Narrative Essay Example for High School

When drafting assignments for high school, professional writing is essential. Your essays and papers should be well structured and written in order to achieve better grades. If you are assigned a narrative essay, go through the sample provided to see how an effective essay is written.

Sample Narrative Essay For High School

Good Narrative Essay Examples for College

College essays are more complex in nature than other academic levels. They require a better understanding of the concept, following a proper writing procedure, and an outline.

Although you are to draft a narrative essay for your college assignment, make sure it is professionally written. Read the sample narrative essay provided below.

Descriptive Narrative Essay Example

If you are to draft a document on the recreation of an event, a descriptive narrative essay is written. It presents an incident that happened to the writer and the backed-up information that supports the story.

The following is a perfect example of a descriptive narrative essay.

Sample Descriptive Narrative Essay

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Literacy Narrative Essay Example

Academic assignments often require students to draft essays on education. Education is the most significant topic of discussion, and for this purpose, almost every essay type and research paper studies it.

If you are drafting a narrative essay on literacy, go through the sample provided.

Fictional Narrative Essay Example

Drafting a fictional piece of document requires a more vivid description and detail. If you are assigned a narrative essay to draft on a fictional theme, read the example provided below.

Sample Fictional Narrative Essay

The Essentials of Narrative Essays

In a narrative essay, the goal is to write a story from one person's perspective. To do this well requires incorporating all of these aspects:

Below are some golden points that you should keep in mind when writing a narrative essay.

Chronological order is the most common way to present information.
A thesis statement has a function in an essay. This is typically evident in the opening paragraph.
The writer's argument is clearly communicated through the use of sensory details and vivid language.
This draws the reader in and makes them interested in what the writer has to say. Everything in the passage is somehow related to the main point.

How to Start a Narrative Essay?

When you start writing the narrative essay, you should follow some steps and make your writing process easy.

For your help, we gathered some steps that you should follow when starting writing the essay.

Choose a narrative essay topic that is engaging and interesting.
Do some research and then start writing the essay.
Create an outline.
Start writing the essay. The way you describe things should be creative and colorful. Thus, the reader can feel as if they are right there with what's happening.
Proofread the essay before submitting it.

Watch the video below for tips on how to write a narrative essay:

Narrative Essay Writing Tips

Professional essay writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some tips and tricks for you to follow to make your narrative essay remarkable. Even if you are aware of the writing procedure, it is advised to use expert tips to make your documents flawless.

Follow the tips provided below to draft an exceptional narrative essay.

Clear Content: The narrative essay content should be clear. All the details and descriptions provided should be readable and understandable by the audience. Avoid using complex words and distribute content into paragraphs.
Keep it concise: Avoid describing every minor detail or movement. Provide only explanations that are important for the readers to imagine.
Use first-person perspective: To make something believable and interesting for the readers, state it from the first-person perspective. Share your personal experiences, stories, and opinions to make the content impactful.
Use limited referencing: When drafting an essay, according to the instructed format, avoid using frequent in-text citations.
Use Clear Stance: Write your point of view clearly, so the readers feel that it is a genuine piece of writing.

Keep in mind that a narrative essay is different from an expository essay but the same as a descriptive essay .

In conclusion,

Using the tips provided by the professionals and going through the narrative essay examples will let you draft an effective paper.

Looking for top-tier essay writing help online ?

Our narrative essay writing service offers unparalleled expertise to bring your stories to life with clarity and creativity.

Also, elevate your writing journey with the best essay writer , our AI-driven tool that combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly functionality. Experience the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation in your next essay. Try it now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a narrative paragraph.

Paragraphs vary in length depending on the content, but a standard 5-sentence paragraph usually isn't enough to tell an interesting story.

How do I write a narrative essay?

Here are some steps that will help you to write a great narrative essay.

Consider the topic
Start writing the draft
Provide supporting facts
Revise your essay

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How To Write a Narrative Essay: Guide With Examples
Learn English
James Prior
No Comments
Updated December 12, 2023

Welcome to the creative world of narrative essays where you get to become the storyteller and craft your own narrative. In this article, we’ll break down how to write a narrative essay, covering the essential elements and techniques that you need to know.

Table of Contents

What is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay is a form of writing where the author recounts a personal experience or story. Unlike other types of essays, a narrative essay allows you to share a real-life event or sequence of events, often drawing from personal insights and emotions.

In a narrative essay, you take on the role of a storyteller, employing vivid details and descriptive language to transport the reader into the world of your story. The narrative often unfolds in chronological order, guiding the audience through a journey of experiences, reflections, and sometimes, a lesson learned.

The success of a narrative essay lies in your ability to create a compelling narrative arc. This means establishing a clear beginning, middle, and end. This structure helps build suspense, maintain the reader’s interest, and deliver a cohesive and impactful story. Ultimately, a well-crafted narrative essay not only narrates an event but also communicates the deeper meaning or significance behind the experience, making it a powerful and memorable piece of writing and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Types of Narrative Essays

Narrative essays come in various forms, each with unique characteristics. The most common type of narrative essay are personal narrative essays where you write about a personal experience. This can cover a whole range of topics as these examples of personal narrative essays illustrate. As a student in school or college, you’ll often be asked to write these types of essays. You may also need to write them later in life when applying for jobs and describing your past experiences.

However, this isn’t the only type of narrative essay. There are also fictional narrative essays that you can write using your imagination, and various subject specific narrative essays that you might have come across without even realizing it.

So, it’s worth knowing about the different types of narrative essays and what they each focus on before we move on to how to write them.

Here are some common types of narrative essays:

Focus on a personal experience or event from the author’s life.
Use the first-person perspective to convey the writer’s emotions and reflections.
Can take many forms, from science fiction and fantasy to adventure and romance.
Spark the imagination to create captivating stories.
Provide a detailed account of the author’s life, often covering a significant timespan.
Explore key life events, achievements, challenges, and personal growth.
Reflect on the writer’s experiences with language, reading, or writing.
Explore how these experiences have shaped the writer’s identity and skills
Document the author’s experiences and insights gained from a journey or travel.
Describe places visited, people encountered, and the lessons learned during the trip.
Explore historical events or periods through a personal lens.
Combine factual information with the writer’s perspective and experiences.

The narrative essay type you’ll work with often depends on the purpose, audience, and nature of the story being told. So, how should you write narrative essays?

How To Write Narrative Essays

From selecting the right topic to building a captivating storyline, we explore the basics to guide you in creating engaging narratives. So, grab your pen, and let’s delve into the fundamentals of writing a standout narrative essay.

Before we start, it’s worth pointing out that most narrative essays are written in the first-person. Through the use of first-person perspective, you get to connect with the reader, offering a glimpse into your thoughts, reactions, and the significance of the story being shared.

Let’s get into how to create these stories:

Write your plot

If you want to tell a compelling story you need a good plot. Your plot will give your story a structure. Every good story includes some kind of conflict. You should start with setting the scene for readers. After this, you introduce a challenge or obstacle. Readers will keep reading until the end to find out how you managed to overcome it.

Your story should reach a climax where tension is highest. This will be the turning point that leads to a resolution. For example, moving outside of your comfort zone was difficult and scary. It wasn’t easy at first but eventually, you grew braver and more confident. Readers should discover more about who you are as a person through what they read.

A seasoned writer knows how to craft a story that connects with an audience and creates an impact.

Hook readers with your introduction

In your introduction, you will introduce the main idea of your essay and set the context. Ways to make it more engaging are to:

Use sensory images to describe the setting in which your story takes place.
Use a quote that illustrates your main idea.
Pose an intriguing question.
Introduce an unexpected fact or a statement that grabs attention.

Develop your characters

You need to make readers feel they know any characters you introduce in your narrative essay. You can do this by revealing their personalities and quirks through the actions they take. It is always better to show the actions of characters rather than giving facts about them. Describing a character’s body language and features can also reveal a great deal about the person. You can check out these adjectives to describe a person to get some inspiration.

Use dialogue

Dialogue can bring your narrative essay to life. Most fiction books use dialogue extensively . It helps to move the story along in a subtle way. When you allow characters to talk, what they have to say seems more realistic. You can use similes , metaphors, and other parts of speech to make your story more compelling. Just make sure the dialogue is written clearly with the right punctuation so readers understand exactly who is talking.

Work on the pace of the story

Your story must flow along at a steady pace. If there’s too much action, readers may get confused. If you use descriptive writing, try not to overdo it. The clear, concise language throughout will appeal to readers more than lengthy descriptions.

Build up towards a climax

This is the point at which the tension in your story is the highest. A compelling climax takes readers by surprise. They may not have seen it coming. This doesn’t mean your climax should come out of left field. You need to carefully lead up to it step by step and guide readers along. When you reveal it they should be able to look back and realize it’s logical.

Cut out what you don’t need

Your story will suffer if you include too much detail that doesn’t move your story along. It may flow better once you cut out some unnecessary details. Most narrative essays are about five paragraphs but this will depend on the topic and requirements.

In a narrative essay, you share your experiences and insights. The journey you take your readers on should leave them feeling moved or inspired. It takes practice to learn how to write in a way that causes this reaction. With a good plot as your guide, it’s easier to write a compelling story that flows toward a satisfying resolution.

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The narrative essay is a unique and creative form of academic writing. It tests your ability to narrate personal anecdotes in a structured, meaningful, and engaging manner. This type of writing vastly differs from other academic writing types, which rely more on facts and statistics.

In this article, we’re going to understand what is a narrative essay, how to write one, and its various types with the help of plenty of examples. We have also provided a narrative essay outline to help you craft a foolproof essay. But before we get into all of that, let’s start with something simple: what’s a narrative essay in the first place?

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What is a narrative essay?

A narrative essay is a highly creative form of academic writing which involves recounting personal anecdotes in an organized and climactic format. Although not as frequently used as expository essays or argumentative essays , this type of essay is a common requirement in high schools and creative writing courses in colleges. A personal statement is also a common requirement for many college admissions.

A narrative essay uses literary devices such as similes, metaphors, and alliteration that add depth and character to your essay. The objective is to express yourself in a creative and compelling way, and not just convey information.

Now that you understand the narrative essay definition, it’s time to look at some common topics you may have to write on.

Topics for a narrative essay

Narrative essay topics can range from a personal narrative and specific essay topics to loose open-ended prompts. Let’s better understand this with the help of a few good narrative essay topics.

Here are a few topics.

1. Write about your last day of school.

2. Write about your favorite book and your interpretation of its message.

3. An awkward encounter that led to a long-lasting friendship.

4. Your favorite vacation.

5. The moment you realized, you’re finally an adult.

Here are a few narrative essay examples of open-ended prompts.

1. Describe a life changing event and how it impacted you.

2. What is your favorite childhood memory?

3. A personal accomplishment that you are proud of and how it has shaped you as a person.

4. The time when you overcame a fear or obstacle and how it helped you grow as a person.

5. A moment of personal growth and reflection that helped you realize something important about yourself.

Here are a few personal narrative essay topics.

1. The moment you realized what you wanted to do with your life.

2. A time when you felt like an outsider and how you dealt with it.

3. A moment when you had to make a difficult moral decision.

4. An experience that changed your perspective on a particular issue.

5. A personal passion or interest and how it has impacted your life.

Narrative essay structure

Although less formulaic than an expository or argumentative essay, your narrative essay format still needs to be well-structured and cohesive for it to be impactful. Like all essay types, the narrative format essay consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. However, this structure is less rigid than most essay types and mainly serves as a guideline.

Let’s look at the main components of the structure of a narrative essay.

1. Introduction

In order to write a well-structured narrative essay, you need to know how to start it. The introduction of a narrative essay plays a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the stage for the story that follows.

A good introduction should include three key elements. First, an attractive, eye-catching opening statement that intrigues the reader and creates suspense. Second, background information that provides context for the story. Finally, a central idea or narrative that serves as a foundation of the story.

Here are examples of a narrative essay introduction:

Background information
Central idea

As I stepped off the plane and took my first breath of the humid air, I knew my life was about to change forever. The next few weeks would be filled with new experiences, new people, and a new perspective that would stay with me for a long time. My study trip to Costa Rica was an unforgettable experience that had a significant impact on me.

2. Body paragraph

You can showcase most of your creative writing skills in the body paragraphs of your narrative essay. Use a topic sentence to introduce each experience, provide detailed elaboration, and conclude with a key takeaway or moral.

The body paragraphs of a narrative essay are also used to showcase numerous artistic elements. These elements may include the introduction of fresh characters, vivid descriptions of settings, subtle hints toward the conclusion, and the build-up of a pivotal event or a climactic situation. You can use these elements to transform a boring piece of writing into an impactful and captivating essay.

Here’s an example of a vivid and highly descriptive body paragraph:

Topic sentence with descriptions of setting
Sensory descriptors elaborating the topic sentences
Key takeaway

The moment I set foot on Central American soil, I was welcomed by the tropical rainforest, the vibrant colors of the flowers, and the sounds of exotic birds. The air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh fruits, and I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. This trip was not only a cultural and educational experience, but it was also an adventure of a lifetime.

3. Conclusion

When writing the conclusion of a narrative essay, it’s important to include three essential elements: an updated version of your thesis statement, reflections on all your experiences, and your final thoughts and key takeaways.

You can remind your readers of the central idea you explored throughout your essay, by revisiting your thesis statement. Reflecting on your experiences allows you to explore the personal impact of your narrative. Whereas, your final thoughts help in providing a cohesive and impactful summary of your message.

Here’s an example of a strong conclusion:

Updated thesis statement
Reflections on experiences
Final thought

My study trip to Costa Rica was certainly a transformative experience. This trip taught me how to approach the world with an open mind and strive in the face of difficulties. It also inspired me to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Experiencing the rich culture of Costa Rica is something I would highly recommend to all students. It’s an opportunity to break free from our comfort zones, challenge our perspectives, and immerse ourselves in a world of stunning natural beauty.

Now that we’ve looked at how to structure a narrative essay, let’s move on to writing a narrative essay.

How to write a narrative essay

Writing narrative essays is not just about telling a captivating story, but also about communicating a message to the reader. Although less formal than other types of essays, it still requires a coherent sequence of events, a clear central idea, a moral or message, and a structured outline.

Let’s understand how to write a narrative essay step by step.

1. Choose an appropriate topic.

While essay topics are often predetermined, certain classes may give you the freedom to select your own topic. When choosing a topic for your narrative essay, it is crucial to consider the message that you want to convey.

Simply recounting a one-dimensional, uneventful story can bore the reader. It is necessary to keep the reader in mind and choose an engaging story topic. This topic should encompass surprising plot twists, a recurring theme, and a significant takeaway or moral.

Here are a few examples of narrative essay topics for college:

Describe a moment in your life that challenged your beliefs or values and forced you to reconsider your perspective.

Describe a time in your life when you faced a difficult decision that required you to choose between two equally compelling options.

2. Form a central idea.

Your narrative essay should revolve around a central idea or theme, which is similar to a thesis statement. This idea should be unique and have a moral or message that sets the tone for your entire essay. Keep in mind that the central idea is crucial to your essay, so choose one carefully and make sure it’s unique and impactful.

Here are a few examples of central ideas:

Growing up as a first-generation immigrant, I faced several setbacks. But these setbacks motivated me to overcome language barriers and also taught me the value of hard work, and determination.

My journey of learning a new language in a foreign country challenged me in ways I never imagined. However, it also taught me the importance of persistence, adaptability, and embracing discomfort to achieve personal growth and success.

3. Construct an essay outline.

While a narrative essay allows for a great deal of creative expression, it still sticks to a loose structure that includes a clear beginning, middle, and end. A well-organized narrative allows readers to follow and understand your story. Before writing your essay it’s crucial to answer key questions in your narrative essay outline.

Here are a few questions you need to answer before starting your essay:

What central idea or message do I want to convey through my essay?
Which personal experiences and anecdotes will best support my central idea?
In what ways can I incorporate dialogues or other creative expressions to enhance my essay?
How can I effectively structure my essay to ensure it flows cohesively and logically?
What techniques can I use to build up to a climactic end that leaves a lasting impression on the reader?
What key takeaway do I want my audience to have after reading my essay?

4. Begin writing your essay.

The narrative essay differs from other forms of essay writing and typically follows a chronological order. Hence, it’s advisable to start by fleshing out your introduction and providing sufficient background information to give relevance to your central idea.

Written in the first-person point of view, the narrative essay shares several similarities with a short story. These include a clear plot structure with a beginning, middle, and end, vivid and detailed settings, a climactic point or peak, dialogues, and a key takeaway or moral. These elements can be incorporated to add depth and dimension to your essay.

Narrative essay outline

An outline for a narrative essay differs significantly from that of an evidence-based essay. The narrative essay outline provides structure and coherence to your essay, helping you map out a clear and logical flow of your ideas. This can guide your writing and help ensure that your story is well-organized, engaging, and effectively conveys your central message.

Here’s an example of a personal narrative essay outline that focuses on the challenges of low self-esteem and the ways to overcome them.

Journey to Self-Acceptance

I. Introduction

A. Hook: Start with an anecdote or a shocking statistic that highlights the rampantness of low self-esteem.

B. Background information: Explain what low self-esteem is, how it affects people, and how it can manifest in different ways.

C. Thesis statement: Describe your challenges with low self-esteem and how you overcame them.

II. Tackling Challenges

A. Describe the situation that challenged your self-esteem, such as a particular event or a persistent feeling.

B. Explain how it affected your life, such as your relationships, academic and professional performance, or your mental health.

C. Share your thoughts and feelings about the situation, and how they contributed to your low self-esteem.

III. Seeking Help

A. Describe how you recognized that you needed help, and what motivated you to seek it.

B. Discuss the steps you took, such as talking to a friend or therapist.

C. Explain the challenges you faced, such as stigma, fear of judgment, or financial barriers.

IV. Building Self-Esteem

A. Describe the strategies you used to build your self-esteem, such as positive self-talk, affirmations, or therapy.

B. Share your progress, and how you measured it, such as tracking your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

C. Explain how these strategies helped you, and how they impacted your life, such as improved relationships, academic or professional success, or mental health.

V. Maintaining Self-Esteem

A. Describe how you maintain your self-esteem on a daily basis, and what routines or habits you have developed.

B. Share your challenges and setbacks, and how you cope with them.

C. Explain the importance of self-care in maintaining self-esteem, and what self-care practices you use.

VI. Conclusion

A. Summarize the key points of your essay, and what you have learned from them.

B. Restate your thesis, and how you successfully overcame the challenge of low self-esteem.

C. Discuss how the experience has impacted your life, and what advice you would give to someone who is struggling with low self-esteem.

Narrative essay examples

To guide you in writing a foolproof narrative essay, we’ve constructed an example of a narrative essay. The following is a personal narrative essay example that explores the challenges faced by a student who was bullied in school. This personal narrative essay example will guide you on how you write a personal narrative essay.

Beyond the Shadows

Starting high school as a timid and shy kid was a daunting experience for me. I craved new opportunities and friendships but was overcome by the fear of being judged. Unfortunately, my fears soon became a reality as I found myself being relentlessly bullied.

It began with verbal abuse but soon escalated to physical aggression. Consulting my teachers was of no help since they did not understand the gravity of the situation. The only option was to ignore the bullies and concentrate on my classes, but the constant harassment made it difficult.

The bullying soon took its toll on my mental health, and I spiraled into a pit of anxiety and depression. I lost faith in myself and I believed I was undeserving of happiness. I retreated from my loved ones and spent my days battling my inner demons.

Despite the pain and anguish, I still decided to hold onto hope. I realized that standing up for myself and others was the only way to combat the bullying. I began speaking out against the harassment and also spoke up for those who were scared to raise their voice.

In an attempt to break out of my shell, I made a conscious effort to socialize with my fellow students and offered support to those going through a tough time. As a result, I encountered several friends who had shared experiences with mine. We bonded over our shared struggles and formed a tight-knit community of support and solidarity. Together, we worked to raise awareness of the devastating impact of bullying.

With time and effort, I began to heal from the trauma of my experiences. I learned to embrace my unique qualities and appreciate myself for who I am. The challenges I faced made me stronger and more resilient. As a result, I became more outgoing and confident, which allowed me to forge genuine friendships with my peers.

The bullying I experienced during high school transformed me in ways I could never have imagined. It instilled in me the value of empathy and courage and compelled me to use my voice to create positive change in the world.

Once you’re done writing your narrative essay, the process of editing and proofreading still remains. You can either choose to do this on your own or consider working with an essay editing service .

Keep reading with more resources from your loyal editors and proofreaders:

What is an Expository Essay?
What are the Different Types of Essays
What is an Essay and What are the Parts of an Essay
How to Write an Essay Header
How to Write an Argumentative Essay

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How to write a narrative essay [Updated 2023]

A narrative essay is an opportunity to flex your creative muscles and craft a compelling story. In this blog post, we define what a narrative essay is and provide strategies and examples for writing one.

What is a narrative essay?

Similarly to a descriptive essay or a reflective essay, a narrative essay asks you to tell a story, rather than make an argument and present evidence. Most narrative essays describe a real, personal experience from your own life (for example, the story of your first big success).

Alternately, your narrative essay might focus on an imagined experience (for example, how your life would be if you had been born into different circumstances). While you don’t need to present a thesis statement or scholarly evidence, a narrative essay still needs to be well-structured and clearly organized so that the reader can follow your story.

When you might be asked to write a narrative essay

Although less popular than argumentative essays or expository essays, narrative essays are relatively common in high school and college writing classes.

The same techniques that you would use to write a college essay as part of a college or scholarship application are applicable to narrative essays, as well. In fact, the Common App that many students use to apply to multiple colleges asks you to submit a narrative essay.

How to choose a topic for a narrative essay

When you are asked to write a narrative essay, a topic may be assigned to you or you may be able to choose your own. With an assigned topic, the prompt will likely fall into one of two categories: specific or open-ended.

Examples of specific prompts:

Write about the last vacation you took.
Write about your final year of middle school.

Examples of open-ended prompts:

Write about a time when you felt all hope was lost.
Write about a brief, seemingly insignificant event that ended up having a big impact on your life.

A narrative essay tells a story and all good stories are centered on a conflict of some sort. Experiences with unexpected obstacles, twists, or turns make for much more compelling essays and reveal more about your character and views on life.

If you’re writing a narrative essay as part of an admissions application, remember that the people reviewing your essay will be looking at it to gain a sense of not just your writing ability, but who you are as a person.

In these cases, it’s wise to choose a topic and experience from your life that demonstrates the qualities that the prompt is looking for, such as resilience, perseverance, the ability to stay calm under pressure, etc.

It’s also important to remember that your choice of topic is just a starting point. Many students find that they arrive at new ideas and insights as they write their first draft, so the final form of your essay may have a different focus than the one you started with.

How to outline and format a narrative essay

Even though you’re not advancing an argument or proving a point of view, a narrative essay still needs to have a coherent structure. Your reader has to be able to follow you as you tell the story and to figure out the larger point that you’re making.

You’ll be evaluated on is your handling of the topic and how you structure your essay. Even though a narrative essay doesn’t use the same structure as other essay types, you should still sketch out a loose outline so you can tell your story in a clear and compelling way.

To outline a narrative essay, you’ll want to determine:

how your story will start
what points or specifics that you want to cover
how your story will end
what pace and tone you will use

In the vast majority of cases, a narrative essay should be written in the first-person, using “I.” Also, most narrative essays will follow typical formatting guidelines, so you should choose a readable font like Times New Roman in size 11 or 12. Double-space your paragraphs and use 1” margins.

To get your creative wheels turning, consider how your story compares to archetypes and famous historical and literary figures both past and present. Weave these comparisons into your essay to improve the quality of your writing and connect your personal experience to a larger context.

How to write a narrative essay

Writing a narrative essay can sometimes be a challenge for students who typically write argumentative essays or research papers in a formal, objective style. To give you a better sense of how you can write a narrative essay, here is a short example of an essay in response to the prompt, “Write about an experience that challenged your view of yourself.”

Narrative essay example

Even as a child, I always had what people might call a reserved personality. It was sometimes framed as a positive (“Sarah is a good listener”) and at other times it was put in less-than-admiring terms (“Sarah is withdrawn and not very talkative”). It was the latter kind of comments that caused me to see my introverted nature as a drawback and as something I should work to eliminate. That is, until I joined my high school’s student council.

The first paragraph, or introduction, sets up the context, establishing the situation and introducing the meaningful event upon which the essay will focus.

The other four students making up the council were very outspoken and enthusiastic. I enjoyed being around them, and I often agreed with their ideas. However, when it came to overhauling our school’s recycling plan, we butted heads. When I spoke up and offered a different point of view, one of my fellow student council members launched into a speech, advocating for her point of view. As her voice filled the room, I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. I wondered if I should try to match her tone, volume, and assertiveness as a way to be heard. But I just couldn’t do it—it’s not my way, and it never has been. For a fleeting moment, I felt defeated. But then, something in me shifted.

In this paragraph, the writer goes into greater depth about how her existing thinking brought her to this point.

I reminded myself that my view was valid and deserved to be heard. So I waited. I let my fellow council member speak her piece and when she was finished, I deliberately waited a few moments before calmly stating my case. I chose my words well, and I spoke them succinctly. Just because I’m not a big talker doesn’t mean I’m not a big thinker. I thought of the quotation “still waters run deep” and I tried to embody that. The effect on the room was palpable. People listened. And I hadn’t had to shout my point to be heard.

This paragraph demonstrates the turn in the story, the moment when everything changed. The use of the quotation “still waters run deep” imbues the story with a dash of poetry and emotion.

We eventually reached a compromise on the matter and concluded the student council meeting. Our council supervisor came to me afterward and said: “You handled that so well, with such grace and poise. I was very impressed.” Her words in that moment changed me. I realized that a bombastic nature isn't necessarily a powerful one. There is power in quiet, too. This experience taught me to view my reserved personality not as a character flaw, but as a strength.

The final paragraph, or conclusion, closes with a statement about the significance of this event and how it ended up changing the writer in a meaningful way.

Narrative essay writing tips

1. pick a meaningful story that has a conflict and a clear “moral.”.

If you’re able to choose your own topic, pick a story that has meaning and that reveals how you became the person your are today. In other words, write a narrative with a clear “moral” that you can connect with your main points.

2. Use an outline to arrange the structure of your story and organize your main points.

Although a narrative essay is different from argumentative essays, it’s still beneficial to construct an outline so that your story is well-structured and organized. Note how you want to start and end your story, and what points you want to make to tie everything together.

3. Be clear, concise, concrete, and correct in your writing.

You should use descriptive writing in your narrative essay, but don’t overdo it. Use clear, concise, and correct language and grammar throughout. Additionally, make concrete points that reinforce the main idea of your narrative.

4. Ask a friend or family member to proofread your essay.

No matter what kind of writing you’re doing, you should always plan to proofread and revise. To ensure that your narrative essay is coherent and interesting, ask a friend or family member to read over your paper. This is especially important if your essay is responding to a prompt. It helps to have another person check to make sure that you’ve fully responded to the prompt or question.

Frequently Asked Questions about narrative essays

A narrative essay, like any essay, has three main parts: an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Structuring and outlining your essay before you start writing will help you write a clear story that your readers can follow.

The first paragraph of your essay, or introduction, sets up the context, establishing the situation and introducing the meaningful event upon which the essay will focus.

In the vast majority of cases, a narrative essay should be written in the first-person, using “I.”

The 4 main types of essays are the argumentative essay, narrative essay, exploratory essay, and expository essay. You may be asked to write different types of essays at different points in your education.

Most narrative essays will be around five paragraphs, or more, depending on the topic and requirements. Make sure to check in with your instructor about the guidelines for your essay. If you’re writing a narrative essay for a college application, pay close attention to word or page count requirements.

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How to Write a Good Narrative Essay: Tips, Examples, & Step-by-Step Guide

How to write a narrative essay? To do that, you need to know what a narrative essay is. It is an academic text usually written as a story and containing all the usual elements of a story. Narrative essays are often personal, experiential, and creative. Still, they should be made according to the rules of academic writing.

Want to know how to write a good narrative essay for college or middle school? In this guide by Custom Writing experts, you’ll find a step-by-step guide, narrative essay examples, advice on choosing a topic, outlining and writing your text, as well as useful narrative essay tips.

❔ What Makes a Good Narrative Essay?

👣 Narrative Writing Guide
💡 Writing Tips

🔗 References

A narrative essay is usually a story about your own or somebody’s experience. We tell stories every day. So, when you ask “How to write a narrative essay,” you should think of a story you want to write about. Stories don’t need to be very accurate. They should be engaging, that is their most important quality. If written as a story, your narrative essay should contain all the necessary parts of it: an introduction, a rising action, a climax, a falling action, and a denouement.

Check out information below to learn what each part of a good narrative essay includes:

📌 Introduction

The introduction of a narrative essay consists of exposition and conflict:

The exposition presents the setting (time and place), characters, and mood.
The conflict is the main problem that drives the plot. It is an internal or external challenge the main character faces.

📌 Rising action

The rising action includes the events that lead up to the climax. They usually make the issue worse.

The climax is a turning point in the plot. It is the moment when opposing forces confront each other, make significant decisions, or take action.

📌 Falling action

The falling action refers to the events that occur after the climax, such as character development, answers to key questions, etc.

📌 Denouement

The denouement, also known as resolution, reveals how things turn out in the end, leaving readers with questions, answers, frustration, or satisfaction.

👣 How to Write a Good Narrative Essay

Below are five simple writing steps for a narrative essay. Here are simple things you should do before you start writing your story:

Think about your narrative essay topic and how your life experience correlates with it. Even a small fact, idea, or goal can become a good story idea.
Think about your emotions. The more passionate you will be – the more effective your assignment.
Recall your story’s details : people and objects, setting, and season. Think about the sequence of events and remember; no detail is too small. Remember: the small details reveal big ideas!

Step 1. Choose Your Narrative Essay Topic

If you are free to select your own topic for a narrative essay, you still need to read what is expected from you carefully and to follow the requirements stated in the assignment. These are the most common characteristics of a narrative essay for college students to mind when choosing a topic:

A challenge or conflict: an exciting or dangerous incident that creates suspense.
A protagonist: a character facing the challenge or conflict as mentioned above. If you are not the protagonist and the story is a third-person, it is better to choose a relatable character.
Evolution, growth, and change: when protagonists live through a conflict or challenge, their personality changes. Difficulties spark insights that may be used as a moral of the story.

To come up with a successful narrative topic, brainstorm the following directions of thought:

Think of a problem that bothers you and you’d like to share
Have you had any memorable experiences that have changed your view on life?
What kind of stories raises your interest? You can invent something similar.

Step 2. Make Your Narrative Essay Outline

A narrative essay is a less formal kind of academic paper. Still, it shall also conform with arrangement rules. This outline template will help you structure a narrative essay according to the traditional format.

Narrative Essay Outline

Background information about the protagonist
Thesis statement
Setting (place and time)
Preceding events
Secondary characters
Action and culmination
Outcome or morale
Summary of main events
Thesis restatement

Narrative Essay Introduction

The components of an introduction are:

Hook. Your narration needs to be moving, personal, and reflective. But in the first place, you shall engage your reader with the story. A hook sets the necessary tone from the beginning. An intriguing revelation or confession is the best choice here.
Background. Who is the protagonist of your story? Additional information helps the reader to put themselves into your shoes.
Thesis . It is an argumentative sentence where you specify the point of the piece of writing.

Narrative Essay Body

The components of a body are:

Setting. Make a visual and emotional description that suggests what experiences you will share. State when and where the action takes place.
Preceding events. In continuation of the previous point, sketch the circumstances under which the scenario unfolds.
Characters. Describe the secondary characters of your story.
Action and climax. Use the chronological order format throughout the main part. All the events shall culminate with a climax, the most emotional point of the plot.
Morale. What was the result of everything described above? What lessons can be learned from your story?

Narrative Essay Conclusion

The components of a conclusion are:

Summarizing paragraph . List the key points of your narration.
Thesis restatement. Reiterating your purpose in different words relating to the content of the main body finalizes your paper.

Step 3. Write Your Narrative Essay Introduction

Well, you have chosen the topic of your future writing and created your narrative essay outline. What’s next? Start writing your narrative essay with an introduction.

The introduction is an important part of your essay paper as it grabs the reader’s attention. And here are some basic guidelines for a narrative essay introduction.

Start with an introductory phrase. It has to be short and catchy. An unexpected point of view is always interesting to get acquainted with.
State the thesis. It doesn’t need to be as formal as in other types of academic papers. However, it’s worth saying a couple of words on why you decided to tell this particular story to the reader.
Write supporting sentences. Give reasons why the story you are sharing is significant.
Remember that the reader was not there when the story happened. He (or she) is trying to catch up with it while reading. Be polite and thoughtful, don’t get into useless details or get swept away by the story, leaving your reader wondering and wandering.

Step 4. Create Your Narrative Essay Body

Your entire story is concentrated in body paragraphs: from three to as many as you wish.

Check the general guidelines on how to write a good narrative body!

Provide one idea per paragraph. Don’t try to put too many details in each of the logical parts.
Follow some logical pattern when presenting your narrative. Chronological is the easiest one.
Search for your personal writing style. It can be philosophical (careful! That requires specific knowledge), ironical, critical, romantic. Whatever you choose, it has to be you from top to bottom. The writing style is like an autograph. Work on it.

Step 5. Make a Narrative Essay Conclusion

You’re almost there. You just need to write good concluding sentences for your essay.

The conclusion is as important as an introduction. It leaves the aftertaste. Here you should make some final comments about your narrative. Restate some of the essential ideas and details and mention the most important lessons learned from your shared experience.

How to End a Narrative Essay?

Summarize. If you don’t like summarizing, or it doesn’t fit the style of the story, wrap it up with a rhetorical question or plans for the future.
Give your readers an idea. Think about the central message of the story and remind them of it.
Leave your readers experiencing a pleasant aftertaste. Give them a feeling that they need to sit back and think about the problems you brought up.

Step 6. Revise & Format Your Narrative Essay

Huh! You’ve done it. You finished the assignment. Now take a deep breath, go for a walk, or have some sleep. And then revise it. Here are some questions you should keep in mind when you review, reorganize, and modify your narrative essay to make it the best possible.

If you have any questions on how to format your narrative essay in MLA or APA, use our complete citation style guidebook .

Narrative Essay Checklist

Does the reader easily understand the progression of events? Do the transitions confuse or facilitate your readers?
Do I involve my readers in my experience? Should I add some details or remove extraneous ones that distract the attention?
How adequately did I convey the primary message of the essay? Does the experience described and its significance to me have a connection?

By the way, do you know which part of the writing process is usually the most underestimated? Proofreading . At this point, you should check and correct punctuation and grammar mistakes, improve clarity, and writing style. Ask your friend to read your narrative paper. You’ll get a fresh look at your writing.

📚 Narrative Essay Topics

If you need specific ideas to write your story about, explore the following narrative essay topics:

The most exciting day of your life.
A serious life lesson you learned.
A rebellious act that made a change.
A revelation that made you a different kind of person.
A moment you took a stand for yourself.
A situation when you protected someone.
An exciting discovery.
A moment when you had to overcome fear .
A dangerous situation you managed to escape.
What type of learner are you?
Detail how you used to handle stress at high school.
Describe the situation that helped you to understand the notion of race and ethnicity.
Discuss your experience of keeping to a financial plan .
Outline the day you attended court and how it influenced you.
Describe your experience of riding a bicycle .
Detail the parenting style of your parents and its impact on your personality.
Tell about the day you or your friend tried challenging gender norms.
Discuss your experience with writing.
Describe your traveling experience and the lessons you learned thanks to it.
Narrate how getting a degree changed your life.
Give details about your visit to a jazz concert.
What was the most embarrassing episode in your life?
Describe the peculiarities of the celebration of the traditional Thai New Year.
Tell a story that illustrates the influence of culture on human life.
Discuss the challenges you’ve faced when buying your first laptop .
Specify the situation when you faced racism.
What was the most memorable event in your childhood?
Write about your experience of trying dance movement therapy and its results.
Describe the case when you had a conflict and how you managed to resolve it.
Your experience of learning English.
Tell about your high school challenges and how you overcame them.
Give details about your experience of a cover conflict .
Recall and describe the moment of happiness .
Depict the last live concert you visited and the impression it made.
Write about your job experience.
Describe your visit to Australia and what you’ve learned from it.
Detail your experience of starting college and how it changed your life.
Tell about your first date .
Explain how a vacation in Mexico City added to your life experience.
Discuss the effect of the logic course on your life.
Describe your experience of bullying and its impact on your life.
Give details about your experience of global lockdown and how it changed your life values.
Tell a story that shows the role of technology in your life.
How was your first day at college?
Describe the most memorable event that had a positive impact on your life .
Narrate the story that happened to you on Christmas.
How did you meet your best friend ?
Write about the case of jealousy in friendship and how you managed to cope with it.
Describe your experience of adopting a cat from Humane Society.
Tell the story that shows how practicing mindfulness changed your life.

😸 Narrative Essay Examples

Example #1: live-saving experience.

In this essay, I would like to narrate a story that occurred with me and my friend when we were visiting a large shopping mall. It was the weekends, and our meeting in the café was planned in advance, but my friend suggested that we can go to the mall as she needed a new dress. I agreed with her and arrived a little earlier than it was arranged. I took a seat on the bench near the mall, sipping my cappuccino and looking around while waiting for my friend. The next 20 minutes were one of the most stressful and important in my life as I significantly contributed to saving a human life.

Example #2: Creating a Business with a Friend

I have been in business for more than ten years. I have seen crises, success, failures, tears, sweat, and hard work everywhere. Nevertheless, each time it was also about opportunities to grow both as an individual and as an entrepreneur. But I had one that was particularly memorable emotionally. This is a story about creating a business with a friend. I worked in various fields, and I started four of my companies with friends.

💡 Narrative Essay Tips

Do you need more tips for narrative writing? Keep reading!

Keep it clear. Avoid complex words and syntax.
Search for the balance when describing details . Don’t go into them too deeply. At the same time, even a single lost detail can skew the reader’s understanding.
Use the first-person narrative . Good narrative stories are usually written in the first person. When you use “I”, you’re engaging your readers with an immediacy of the story.
Use dynamic words and active voice . Think about your writing as it was the speech: what words, idioms, slang, and turns of phrase would you use? Try not to sound too clinical – no passive constructions.
Limit references . When you look through citation style guides, you’ll find the recommendations to include citations into your assignment. But not in a narrative essay – it is disruptive. When you find a useful piece of content, just cite it in the reference list after the essay.

Thank you for reading! Whenever you feel that you could use some help in writing your paper, take a closer look at these tips – you’ll definitely be able to develop your own signature style once you start following them. Keep up the good work!

Essay Writing: Purdue Online Writing Lab
How to Write an Making an Argument: Creating a Thesis (BMCC Writing Center)
Beginning the Academic Essay: Harvard College Writing Center
Conclusions: University of North Carolina Writing Center
Editing and Revision Tips: Indiana University Northwest
Narrative Essays // Purdue Writing Lab
Narrative Essay: Definition, Examples & Characteristics
Narrative Essays – National Geographic Learning – Cengage
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I will comment as soon as i finish reading your samples

Thanks guys it helped alot. i have my exam in 2 hours!

Thanks for sharing this 🙂

Thanks alot

Thank u so much… your tips have really helped me to broaden my scope on the idea of a narrative. This is so thoughtful of you… Thanks again!❤

This passage is really good, it helps me a lot. I think I can get a good result in my next exam if I follow these tips. I hope you can give some more other examples of essay writing. Thank you.

Thanx for the tips. Tomorrow I’m writing p3 pre-exam n ur tips are superb

Scriptwriting

How to Write a Narrative Essay — A Step-by-Step Guide

N arrative essays are important papers most students have to write. But how does one write a narrative essay? Fear not, we’re going to show you how to write a narrative essay by breaking down a variety of narrative writing strategies. By the end, you’ll know why narrative essays are so important – and how to write your own.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step

Background on narrative essays.

Narrative essays are important assignments in many writing classes – but what is a narrative essay? A narrative essay is a prose-written story that’s focused on the commentary of a central theme .

Narrative essays are generally written in the first-person POV , and are usually about a topic that’s personal to the writer.

Everything in a narrative essay should take place in an established timeline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

In simplest terms, a narrative essay is a personal story. A narrative essay can be written in response to a prompt or as an independent exercise.

We’re going to get to tips and tricks on how to write a narrative essay in a bit, but first let’s check out a video on “story.”

How to Start a Narrative Essay • What is a Story? by Mr. Kresphus

In some regards, any story can be regarded as a personal story, but for the sake of this article, we’re going to focus on prose-written stories told in the first-person POV.

How to Start a Narrative Essay

Responding to prompts.

Many people wonder about how to start a narrative essay. Well, if you’re writing a narrative essay in response to a prompt, then chances are the person issuing the prompt is looking for a specific answer.

For example: if the prompt states “recount a time you encountered a challenge,” then chances are the person issuing the prompt wants to hear about how you overcame a challenge or learned from it.

That isn’t to say you have to respond to the prompt in one way; “overcoming” or “learning” from a challenge can be constituted in a variety of ways.

For example, you could structure your essay around overcoming a physical challenge, like an injury or disability. Or you could structure your essay around learning from failure, such as losing at a sport or performing poorly on an important exam.

Whatever it is, you must show that the challenge forced you to grow.

Maturation is an important process – and an essential aspect of narrative essays... of course, there are exceptions to the rule; lack of maturation is a prescient theme in narrative essays too; although that’s mostly reserved for experienced essay writers.

So, let’s take a look at how you might respond to a series of narrative essay prompts:

How successful are you?

This prompt begs the writer to impart humility without throwing a pity party. I would respond to this prompt by demonstrating pride in what I do while offering modesty. For example: “I have achieved success in what I set out to do – but I still have a long way to go to achieve my long-term goals.”

Who is your role model?

“My role model is [Blank] because ” is how you should start this narrative essay. The “because” is the crux of your essay. For example, I’d say “Bill Russell is my role model because he demonstrated graceful resolve in the face of bigotry and discrimination.

Do you consider yourself spiritual?

For this prompt, you should explain how you came to the conclusion of whether or not you consider yourself a spiritual person. Of course, prompt-givers will differ on how much they want you to freely express. For example: if the prompt-giver is an employee at an evangelizing organization, then they probably want to see that you’re willing to propagate the church’s agenda. Alternatively, if the prompt-giver is non-denominational, they probably want to see that you’re accepting of people from various spiritual backgrounds.

How to Write Narrative Essay

What makes a good narrative essay.

You don’t have to respond to a prompt to write a narrative essay. So, how do you write a narrative essay without a prompt? Well, that’s the thing… you can write a narrative essay about anything!

That’s a bit of a blessing and a curse though – on one hand it’s liberating to choose any topic you want; on the other, it’s difficult to narrow down a good story from an infinite breadth of possibilities.

In this next video, the team at Essay Pro explores why passion is the number one motivator for effective narrative essays.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step • Real Essay Examples by Essay Pro

So, before you write anything, ask yourself: “what am I passionate about?” Movies? Sports? Books? Games? Baking? Volunteering? Whatever it is, make sure that it’s something that demonstrates your individual growth . It doesn’t have to be anything major; take a video game for example: you could write a narrative essay about searching for a rare weapon with friends.

Success or failure, you’ll be able to demonstrate growth.

Here’s something to consider: writing a narrative essay around intertextuality. What is intertextuality ? Intertextuality is the relationship between texts, i.e., books, movies, plays, songs, games, etc. In other words, it’s anytime one text is referenced in another text.

For example, you could write a narrative essay about your favorite movie! Just make sure that it ultimately reflects back on yourself.

Narrative Writing Format

Structure of a narrative essay.

Narrative essays differ in length and structure – but there are some universal basics. The first paragraph of a narrative essay should always introduce the central theme. For example, if the narrative essay is about “a fond childhood memory,” then the first paragraph should briefly comment on the nature of the fond childhood memory.

In general, a narrative essay should have an introductory paragraph with a topic sentence (reiterating the prompt or basic idea), a brief commentary on the central theme, and a set-up for the body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs should make up the vast majority of the narrative essay. In the body paragraphs, the writer should essentially “build the story’s case.” What do I mean by “build the story’s case?”

Well, I mean that the writer should display the story’s merit; what it means, why it matters, and how it proves (or refutes) personal growth.

The narrative essay should always conclude with a dedicated paragraph. In the “conclusion paragraph,” the writer should reflect on the story.

Pro tip: conclusion paragraphs usually work best when the writer stays within the diegesis.

What is a Video Essay?

A video essay is a natural extension of a narrative essay; differentiated only by purpose and medium. In our next article, we’ll explain what a video essay is, and why it’s so important to media criticism. By the end, you’ll know where to look for video essay inspiration.

Up Next: The Art of Video Analysis →

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35 Student Narrative Essay Examples

The pot calling the kettle black….

“You aren’t acting normal,” my dad said with a dopy, concerned look on his face. He was a hard-working, soft and loving man. He was smaller than my mother, physically and figuratively. She sat beside him. She had a towering stature, with strong, swimmers’ shoulders, but she was hunched often. She didn’t really have eyebrows, but she didn’t need them. She had no problem conveying emotion on her face, especially negative ones.

“What’s wrong?” my mother asked. She took my hand frantically. Not the way one might take someone’s hand to connect with or comfort them. She needed reassurance more than I did.

My parents were sitting across from me on cushioned, bland-colored chairs in my dad’s office, while I sat on a rickety, torturous wooden chair. My dad’s office generally utilized natural light due to the expansive glass windows that allowed the light to drown the room, enclosing us in the chamber. I felt like an inmate being prepped for lethal injection. The weather was particularly gray and dismal. Perhaps it was the ambiguous, gray, confusing feelings I was breathing through. My parents had somewhat regular “interventions” to address my somewhat regular (sometimes public) emotional breakdowns, my self-medicating habits, and my general shitty attitude.

This week in particular, I had purposely destroyed two of my mother’s collectible horses. She had a maniacal obsession for them. She also maniacally collected sunflower artwork, which was the one obsession, of many, I found endearing. My old babysitter noted at one point there were 74 collectible horses in the house. After my outburst, there were 72.

I could see behind my parents, through the glass-paned door, my two younger sisters were secretly observing the altercation from the dining room, hiding under the table. They were illuminated by the ominous weather, which was also watching in on the dismal conversation through the windows. I was envious, jealous even, of my spectating sisters. My sisters didn’t have overflowing, excessive emotions. They didn’t have emotions that were considered “excessive.” I felt like an offender being put at the stocks: my parents were the executioners, and my sisters were the jesters.

“I’m angry.”

“What about?” my dad asked, puzzled. “Did someone do something to you?”

“Honey, were you—” my mother looked to my dad, then concealed her mouth slightly with the other hand, “ raped ?”

I couldn’t help but raise my voice. “No, Mom, I wasn’t raped, Jesus.” I took a moment to grind on my teeth and imagine the bit I was chomping at. Calm, careful, composed, I responded. “I’m just angry. I don’t feel—”

“What don’t you feel?” She practically jumped on me, while yanking my imprisoned hand toward her. She yanked at my reins.

“I don’t feel understood!” My mind was bucking. I didn’t know why I needed to react by raising my voice. It felt instinctive, defensive. Shouting forcefully, I jerked my hand away from her, but it remained in her clutches. I didn’t feel satisfied saying it, though what I said was the truth.

“What are you talking about?” my dad asked mournfully. I knew he felt betrayed. But he didn’t understand. He didn’t know what it’s like for things to be too much. Or to be too much. My dad looked at me longingly, hoping I would correct what I had said. He looked lost, incapable of understanding why I was doing what I was doing. My mother interjected, cutting off my dad’s hypnotic, silent cry for connection.

“You’re crazy!” she said, maintaining eye contact. My mother then let go of my hand, flipped it back to me. She reclined in her chair, retracting from me and the discussion entirely. She crossed her legs, then her arms. She turned her head away, toward the glass windows, and (mentally) left.

I was and am not “too much.”

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 18 years old.

I had just stepped off a squealing MAX line onto a broken sidewalk slab, gnarled from tree roots, when I felt my phone buzz rhythmically.

“I need you to come to the hospital. Mom had a little accident.” My dad’s voice was distant and cracking, like a wavering radio signal, calling for help.

“What’s going on? Is she okay?” I asked while making my way to campus.

“Where are you?” He wasn’t going to tell me anything over the phone. Adrenaline set in. I let him know I was downtown and headed to campus, but that I would catch a Lyft to wherever they were. “We’re at Milwaukie Providence. How soon can you get here?

“I’ll let you know soon.” My assumption was that my parents had been in an argument, my mother left the house in a rage, and crashed her car. She’d been an erratic driver for as long as I could remember, and my parents had been arguing more than usual recently, as many new “empty-nesters” do. The lack of information provided by my dad, however, was unsettling. I don’t really recall the ride to the hospital. I do remember looking over the river while riding from the west to east side of town. I remember the menacing, dark clouds rolling in faster than the driver could transport me. I remember it was quick, but it was too much time spent without answers.

When I arrived at Providence, I jumped out of the sedan and galloped into the lobby of the emergency room like a race horse on its final lap. My younger sister and Dad were seated on cushioned, bland-colored chairs in the waiting room. There were expansive glass windows that allowed the light to drown the room. The weather was particularly gray and dismal. Perhaps it was the ambiguous, gray, confusing feelings I was breathing through. I sat down beside my dad, in a firmer-than-anticipated waiting room chair beside him. He took my hand frantically. He took it in the way one might take someone’s hand to connect with or comfort them. He needed reassurance more than I did.

“Where did she get in the accident?” I asked.

My sister, sitting across from me with her head in her knees, looked up at me with aquamarine, tear-filled eyes. She was staring through me, an unclouded window. “Mom tried to kill herself.”

“What?” My voice crescendoed from a normal volume to a shriek in the span of a single word. My mind felt like it was bucking. I grabbed at my hair, pulling it back tight with my spare hand. The tears and cries reared, no matter how hard I yanked my mane.

“We got in another argument this morning, and she sent me a message saying she didn’t want to be in pain anymore. She told me to tell you girls she’s sorry. I’m so sorry.” I’d never seen my dad cry before; I didn’t know he could. I didn’t know his tears would stream like gushing water from a broken dam. He looked lost, incapable of understanding why she was doing what she was doing. I looked from my dad to my sister to my hands. One hand remained enveloped by my dad’s gentle palm. At this point in life, I had not yet learned to be gentle with myself, or others. I cut off my dad’s hypnotic, silent cry for connection.

“She’s crazy!” I let go of my dad’s hand, flipped it back to him. I reclined in the

chair, retracting from the situation entirely. I crossed my legs, then my arms. I turned my head away, toward the glass windows, and (mentally) left.

“Crazy” is a term devised to dismiss people.

My mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 50 years old.

Teacher Takeaways

“This essay makes excellent use of repetition as a narrative strategy. Throughout the essay, terms and phrases are repeated, generally with slight alterations, drawing the reader’s attention to the moment in question and recontextualizing the information being conveyed. This strategy is especially powerful when used to disclose the separate diagnoses of bipolar disorder, which is central to the narrative. I also appreciate the use of dialogue, though it mostly serves an expository function here. In itself that’s effective, but this narrative would be strengthened if that dialogue could serve to make some of the characters, especially the mother, more rounded.”

– Professor Dunham

My College Education

The following essay, “My College Education” is from Chapter 15.2 – Narrative Essay , Writing for Success , University of Minnesota Libraries.

The first class I went to in college was philosophy, and it changed my life forever. Our first assignment was to write a short response paper to the Albert Camus essay “The Myth of Sisyphus.” I was extremely nervous about the assignment as well as college. However, through all the confusion in philosophy class, many of my questions about life were answered.

I entered college intending to earn a degree in engineering. I always liked the way mathematics had right and wrong answers. I understood the logic and was very good at it. So when I received my first philosophy assignment that asked me to write my interpretation of the Camus essay, I was instantly confused. What is the right way to do this assignment, I wondered? I was nervous about writing an incorrect interpretation and did not want to get my first assignment wrong. Even more troubling was that the professor refused to give us any guidelines on what he was looking for; he gave us total freedom. He simply said, “I want to see what you come up with.”

Full of anxiety, I first set out to read Camus’s essay several times to make sure I really knew what was it was about. I did my best to take careful notes. Yet even after I took all these notes and knew the essay inside and out, I still did not know the right answer. What was my interpretation? I could think of a million different ways to interpret the essay, but which one was my professor looking for? In math class, I was used to examples and explanations of solutions. This assignment gave me nothing; I was completely on my own to come up with my individual interpretation.

Next, when I sat down to write, the words just did not come to me. My notes and ideas were all present, but the words were lost. I decided to try every prewriting strategy I could find. I brainstormed, made idea maps, and even wrote an outline. Eventually, after a lot of stress, my ideas became more organized and the words fell on the page. I had my interpretation of “The Myth of Sisyphus,” and I had my main reasons for interpreting the essay. I remember being unsure of myself, wondering if what I was saying made sense, or if I was even on the right track. Through all the uncertainty, I continued writing the best I could. I finished the conclusion paragraph, had my spouse proofread it for errors, and turned it in the next day simply hoping for the best.

Then, a week or two later, came judgment day. The professor gave our papers back to us with grades and comments. I remember feeling simultaneously afraid and eager to get the paper back in my hands. It turned out, however, that I had nothing to worry about. The professor gave me an A on the paper, and his notes suggested that I wrote an effective essay overall. He wrote that my reading of the essay was very original and that my thoughts were well organized. My relief and newfound confidence upon reading his comments could not be overstated.

What I learned through this process extended well beyond how to write a college paper. I learned to be open to new challenges. I never expected to enjoy a philosophy class and always expected to be a math and science person. This class and assignment, however, gave me the self-confidence, critical-thinking skills, and courage to try a new career path. I left engineering and went on to study law and eventually became a lawyer. More important, that class and paper helped me understand education differently. Instead of seeing college as a direct stepping stone to a career, I learned to see college as a place to first learn and then seek a career or enhance an existing career. By giving me the space to express my own interpretation and to argue for my own values, my philosophy class taught me the importance of education for education’s sake. That realization continues to pay dividends every day.

Model Student Essay

Innocence again.

Imagine the sensation of the one split second that you are floating through the air as you were thrown up in the air as a child, that feeling of freedom and carefree spirit as happiness abounds. Looking at the world through innocent eyes, all thoughts and feelings of amazement. Being free, happy, innocent, amazed, wowed. Imagine the first time seeing the colors when your eyes and brain start to recognize them but never being able to name the shade or hue. Looking at the sky as it changes from the blackness with twinkling stars to the lightest shade of blue that is almost white, then the deep red of the sunset and bright orange of the sun. All shades of the spectrum of the rainbow, colors as beautiful as the mind can see or imagine.

I have always loved the sea since I was young; the smell of saltiness in the air invigorates me and reminds me of the times spent with my family enjoying Sundays at the beach. In Singapore, the sea was always murky and green but I continued to enjoy all activities in it. When I went to Malaysia to work, I discovered that the sea was clear and blue and without hesitation, I signed up for a basic diving course and I was hooked. In my first year of diving, I explored all the dive destinations along the east coast of Malaysia and also took an advanced diving course which allowed me to dive up to a depth of thirty meters. Traveling to a dive site took no more than four hours by car and weekends were spent just enjoying the sea again.

Gearing up is no fun. Depending on the temperature of the water, I might put on a shortie, wetsuit or drysuit. Then on come the booties, fins and mask which can be considered the easiest part unless the suit is tight—then it is a hop and pull struggle, which reminds me of how life can be at times. Carrying the steel tank, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD) and weights is a torture. The heaviest weights that I ever had to use were 110 pounds, equivalent to my body weight; but as I jump in and start sinking into the sea, the contrast to weightlessness hits me. The moment that I start floating in the water, a sense of immense freedom and joy overtakes me.

Growing up, we have to learn the basics: time spent in classes to learn, constantly practicing to improve our skills while safety is ingrained by our parents. In dive classes, I was taught to never panic or do stupid stuff: the same with the lessons that I have learned in life. Panic and over-inflated egos can lead to death, and I have heard it happens all the time. I had the opportunity to go to Antarctica for a diving expedition, but what led to me getting that slot was the death of a very experienced diver who used a drysuit in a tropic climate against all advice. He just overheated and died. Lessons learned in the sea can be very profound, but they contrast the life I live: risk-taker versus risk-avoider. However, when I have perfected it and it is time to be unleashed, it is time to enjoy. I jump in as I would jump into any opportunity, but this time it is into the deep blue sea of wonders.

A sea of wonders waits to be explored. Every journey is different: it can be fast or slow, like how life takes me. The sea decides how it wants to carry me; drifting fast with the currents so that at times, I hang on to the reef and corals like my life depends on it, even though I am taught never to touch anything underwater. The fear I feel when I am speeding along with the current is that I will be swept away into the big ocean, never to be found. Sometimes, I feel like I am not moving at all, kicking away madly until I hyperventilate because the sea is against me with its strong current holding me against my will.

The sea decides what it wants me to see: turtles popping out of the seabed, manta rays gracefully floating alongside, being in the middle of the eye of a barracuda hurricane, a coral shelf as big as a car, a desert of bleached corals, the emptiness of the seabed with not a fish in sight, the memorials of death caused by the December 26 tsunami—a barren sea floor with not a soul or life in sight.

The sea decides what treasures I can discover: a black-tipped shark sleeping in an underwater cavern, a pike hiding from predators in the reef, an octopus under a dead tree trunk that escapes into my buddy’s BCD, colorful mandarin fish mating at sunset, a deadly box jellyfish held in my gloved hands, pygmy seahorses in a fern—so tiny that to discover them is a journey itself.

Looking back, diving has taught me more about life, the ups and downs, the good and bad, and to accept and deal with life’s challenges. Everything I learn and discover underwater applies to the many different aspects of my life. It has also taught me that life is very short: I have to live in the moment or I will miss the opportunities that come my way. I allow myself to forget all my sorrow, despair and disappointments when I dive into the deep blue sea and savor the feelings of peacefulness and calmness. There is nothing around me but fish and corals, big and small. Floating along in silence with only the sound of my breath— inhale and exhale . An array of colors explodes in front of my eyes, colors that I never imagine I will discover again, an underwater rainbow as beautiful as the rainbow in the sky after a storm. As far as my eyes can see, I look into the depth of the ocean with nothing to anchor me. The deeper I get, the darker it turns. From the light blue sky to the deep navy blue, even blackness into the void. As the horizon darkens, the feeding frenzy of the underwater world starts and the watery landscape comes alive. Total darkness surrounds me but the sounds that I can hear are the little clicks in addition to my breathing. My senses overload as I cannot see what is around me, but the sea tells me it is alive and it anchors me to the depth of my soul.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood.” … In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man in spite of real sorrows….” The sea and diving have given me a new outlook on life, a different planet where I can float into and enjoy as an adult, a new, different perspective on how it is to be that child again. Time and time again as I enter into the sea, I feel innocent all over again.

Write What Matters Copyright © 2020 by Liza Long; Amy Minervini; and Joel Gladd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Narrative Essay Guide

Narrative Essay Outline

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline - Tips & Examples

By: Nathan D.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Jun 2, 2020

A narrative essay is a type of academic essay in which the writer narrates a story. It is the most commonly assigned form of academic writing. Students have to face the narrative essay writing task quite often, so it is essential to know how to handle it.

A narrative essay is a story, so it's important to know how to write one. The best way to start your outline is by brainstorming ideas.

Who are the characters? What do they want? How does this conflict with their goals and who wins in the end?

There are many different types of essays you can write about, but all will have some sort of conflict. Once you've figured out the basics, be creative! You could explore an event that happened in your life or tell a fictional story.

In this blog, you’ll learn to write an outline for a narrative essay with examples. Start reading!

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Narrative Essay Outline Format

The narrative essay outline follows the standard structure. Like other types of essays, this essay normally follows a typical 5 paragraph essay format. The 5 paragraph outline includes one introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion paragraph.

However, unlike other essays, the paragraphs of the narrative essay have specifically designated purposes:

1. Introduction Paragraph: Gives an insight into the story

2. First Body Paragraph: Discuss the rising action

3. Second Body Paragraph: Present the climax of the story

4. Third Body Paragraph: Provide the falling action

5. Conclusion Paragraph: Discussion of the lesson learned from the story

Paragraph Narrative Essay Outline Template

Let's look at the detailed 5 paragraph narrative essay outline for college students.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline?

A narrative essay is all about sharing the stories. Therefore, you need to organize your story into an essay format. As a writer, you are supposed to tell a story from your personal experience and why you are sharing that specific experience. Later, you need to discuss why this story or experience is important to share.

Let's look at how to craft an outline for a narrative essay. Follow the steps in the same sequence, and at the end, you’ll get a perfect outline. The writing process will become less stressful and daunting if you follow the steps given below.

1. Write the Introduction

The introduction paragraph is meant to engage the reader with the story. The first paragraph plays the most crucial role in making an impression on the reader’s mind. It allows you to share your perspective and how it relates to you. The following elements are involved in writing a strong narrative essay introduction.

Create a Hook Statement Draw the reader in with an intriguing and attention-grabbing hook statement. Create a strong hook that makes your reader want to read further. You can use a quote, rhetorical question, or fact to create a persuasive hook statement.
Set the Scene: Give your reader an idea of what is going to happen. Do not tell the whole story; just give a glimpse into it and keep your reader intrigued. Tell the reader how the points of the story relate to you.
Define the Thesis Statement: Finally, tell your reader what your story is all about with the help of a thesis statement. Give a sneak peek of what is about to come but avoid telling the lesson you have learned from the situation yet; just give a hint.

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2. Draft the Body Paragraphs

The main body of a narrative essay is the most important part because it tells the whole story. This is where you state the facts, provide examples, give details, and guide the reader through the plot. According to the five paragraphs essay structure, it has three body paragraphs, but it can depend on the length and word count.

Below elements must be kept in mind while writing the narrative essay body paragraphs:

Write Chronologically: The timelines of a story should be presented in chronological order. Otherwise, the reader will get confused, and it becomes hard for them to understand the story. To keep your paper organized, you should present things in sequential order.
Share the Relevant and Vivid Details: As a narrative essay is all about creating a mood and scene to follow, do that creatively. Set up the story with descriptive and concise language. Provide the reader with the most important details of your story. These details may include the characters, setting, plot, and the onset of the story.
Avoid Narration Deviation: The narrative essay is usually written in the first person unless you share someone else’s story. The third-person narrative only works best when you are telling a story you heard from someone else.

3. Write a Compelling Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph is the final section of the essay where you give some final comments about the story. Summarize your essay and connect your reader back to the story. Follow these steps to write an impressive conclusion.

Restate Some Key Details: Restate the thesis statement and some key details you have shared in the body. It will help you connect your reader with your story.
Share the Lesson: Stress the lesson you have learned from the story and leave the reader with something to think about.
Call to Action: In the end, provide a call to action that convinces the reader to think more about the topic.

Narrative Essay Outline Worksheet

Use the given worksheet below to write a narrative essay with ease.

Narrative Essay Outline Example

Here are some narrative essay examples and samples for your convenience. Use these templates and learn to write a good narrative essay easily.

Narrative Essay Outline for Middle School

College Narrative Essay Outline

Personal Narrative Essay Outline Template

Descriptive Narrative Essay Outline

Literacy Narrative Essay Outline

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Literature, College Essay

Nathan completed his Ph.D. in journalism and has been writing articles for well-respected publications for many years now. His work is carefully researched and insightful, showing a true passion for the written word. Nathan's clients appreciate his expertise, deep understanding of the process, and ability to communicate difficult concepts clearly.

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Narrative Essay - An Ultimate Guide With Examples & Topics

Narrative Essay Topics - Best Topic Ideas for Your Essay

Narrative Essay Examples: Samples & Tips

Narrative Essay: Definitive Writing Guide to an A+ Paper

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A narrative essay is a type of essay that tells a story about a particular experience or event, often from the writer's own perspective. The purpose of a narrative essay is to engage the reader and create an emotional connection through a well-crafted storyline.

Today we will learn how to write a narrative essay fast and easy. This type of paper requires you to share your experiences in an entertaining and creative way. A writer has to tell the original story and make it interesting to the reader. This task is not that complicated if you know the key points and the logic of the text. In the present blog, we will learn how to write a truly powerful narrative paper starting from the initial concept and ending with a fabulous conclusion. So, let’s get down to business right away!

What Is a Narrative Essay

According to narrative essay definition, it is a type of writing that requires telling a personal story. It can be either about your personal experiences, funny incident, or any other notable event. Teachers assign such tasks to test students' abilities in storytelling. Firstly, a good story has to be interesting for a potential reader. Secondly, it has to be understandable to the general audience. Finally, it has to follow the regular structure of essay . In many other regards, it can be very creative and even experimental. Unlike many other essay types, narrative essays are action-driven. The main goal is to tell the story in a creative way. In view of its purpose, a great essay requires the following elements:

An intriguing personal story to tell
The right choice of words to highlight key points
Good hook to get the reader’s attention
Smooth flow and original style
Truly valuable experience to share

A narrative essay is widely regarded as one of the most creative writing essay types. A writer can afford more expressive language and a more unusual style of writing. Use some metaphors, figurative language, dialog or bold examples. Also, the first-person perspective is appreciated in narrative writing. Which is not really typical for academic writing, as you probably know. However, it is not obligatory and you can tell a story from a third-person perspective as well. You may need a step-by-step guide for explanatory writing for your future assignments. You will find it in our database.

Narrative Essay Outline

A narrative essay structure is very similar to that of other academic papers. It features 3 major parts - introduction, body and conclusion. Regularly, this essay is about five paragraph essay long - one for intro, 3 paragraphs in body and one to sum up your thoughts.

Introduction - introduces the story, explains the purpose of the story and attracts reader’s attention
Body paragraph #1 - developing action, raising the tension
Body paragraph #2 - the climax of the story
Conclusion - in which way this story was cautionary and useful

However, this number of paragraphs is not fixed, and you can expand it if you want. Still, do not fill your essay with watery text, it will be regarded as a negative factor during the review.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step

Essay structure is an important thing to keep in mind when you are thinking over the outline of your future work. So it will be definitely helpful to see what it will be for the narrative essay format. So, let’s see how it should be done!

How to Start a Narrative Essay

Narrative essay introduction is where you describe the setting, the characters and introduce the mood of the story. A good introduction always deserves a good hook in essay or even several good hooks. You can ask theoretical questions and outline the mystery that will be uncovered further in your story. Just like in other essay types, narrative essay thesis statements are featured in the intro section.

Thesis Statement

Many professional writers believe that a thesis statement is the first thing you need to come up when writing an essay. Your paper thesis always has to sum up the main points of your writing, so this writing tip actually makes sense. Make your working thesis clear, informative and short. The finest thesis can be no longer than a single sentence. Make it brief, attractive and meaningful. Sounds a bit mind-boggling? Buy personal narrative essay done for you from scratch to avoid any hassle.

Create Main Body

All the action in a good narrative paper happens in the body part. In most essays, you uncover your key points in the classic three body paragraphs. However, a more action-driven paper of this kind is more about facts, and emotions. That’s why it’s a rare essay type where your body part would probably require chronological order of narration. Think well about how to separate your story into logical segments and don’t get too much into detail. An essay is not about length but always about the quality of writing .

How to End a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay conclusion is very similar to any other paper ending. In this part, you sum up your experiences and the outcomes of the story. Indicate what exactly had changed in your life during its course. Because if nothing had changed, then it’s not an essay-worthy story after all. Feel free to use quotations and examples to compare your experience. A narrative essay is a metaphor-friendly and figurative language-friendly format. So don’t miss your chance to enrich your text with additional expression.

Tips to Writing a Narrative Paper

Now, when you know how to write a personal narrative paper, you are almost there. However, there are also several tips that we wanted to give you to facilitate success. So, here they are:

Read various personal narrative ideas .
Choose the best story that you got - choice of the story is essential to the success.
Think over how you spread facts and arguments along the paper.
Write an introduction with a strong hook and clear thesis statement.
Write an action-driven body part.
Make sure your conclusion includes really valuable experiences and implications.
Review and rewrite the parts that you don’t like.
Proofread the text, use special tools to save your time and effort.

If you follow all the steps mentioned above, it will be much easier to maintain control over your writing and create a powerful text. Also, we have prepared several great writing tips. If you have some stylistic questions or you are puzzled about how reliable you need to be as a narrator, consider the following tips:

Alter the story a little if it will make it more entertaining. Don’t stick to the facts so hard.
Write from a first-person perspective first. Change it if you want later.
Be a reader-oriented writer, don’t make it too subjective and personal.
Check out such texts by famous writers for inspiration.

This type of paper is a fun and creative form of academic writing. If you have enough time, you can easily enjoy this assignment and even learn something new about yourself. Just in case, a site that writes essays would also do great for your GPA.

Narrative Essay Examples

A good narrative essay example may be hard to find. Luckily, we have prepared it for you in advance. It will help you understand the style and flow of narrative writing and give some inspiration for your own masterpiece. Check out the top-notch narrative essay sample below.

Narrative Essay: Bottom Line

Now you know how to write narrative essays. This type of paper is easy to write when you know the main aspects of it. So use this guide to make the essay writing process fast, interesting and fun! However, sometimes there is just not enough time to meet the deadlines. Many students face this issue on a daily basis looking for fast and practical solutions. Hiring a narrative writer is perhaps the optimal choice.

Our professional academic writing service may be a great idea! If you need some help with a paper, order a narrative essay or any other kind of academic writing from our finest writing team.

FAQ about Narrative Essay

1. how to write a personal narrative essay.

A personal narrative essay is written from the first-person perspective. It should contain strong personal opinions and stories of the narrator. This type of writing is predominantly action-driven and narrates the writer’s personal experiences.

2. How to write a literacy narrative essay?

In a literacy narrative paper, you need to share your personal experience of language, reading and writing. In this paper type, the narrator has to detail the personal experiences and attitude towards language. It can be dedicated to a certain book, writer or part of the language.

3. How long is the narrative paper?

A regular narrative essay is between 500 and 1000 words. It features a standard 3-part, 5-paragraph paper structure.

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50 Engaging Narrative Essay Topics for High Schoolers

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What’s Covered:

Narrative essays vs. analytical essays, how to pick the right narrative essay topic, elements of a strong narrative essay, engaging narrative essay topics for high schoolers, where to get your narrative essay edited for free.

Narrative essays are an extensive form of writing that gives readers the opportunity to follow along as a person goes through a journey or sets of experiences. Rather than providing analytic insight, narrative essays simply share a story and offer a first-person account. These essays may seem easy to write at first, but it takes a certain finesse to write a narrative essay that is interesting, cohesive, and well-researched. Whether you’re looking for a unique topic to write about, or just want some new inspiration, CollegeVine is here to help! These 50 narrative essay topics are engaging, unique and will have you writing in no time.

A narrative essay is a great way to express your personal experiences and opinions, but it is important to remember that this type of essay is different from an analytical paper. In a narrative essay, you do not need to provide background information or explain your thoughts and feelings; instead, you simply tell a story. It’s important to avoid too much telling in your writing; instead, use creative details and vivid imagery to make readers feel as if they are actually right there with you.

Where You Will Encounter Narrative Essays

This type of essay is typically encountered in high school, where students may be required to write personal statements to prepare for their Common App essay . Narrative essays are also commonly seen in AP Language and Composition. Therefore, it’s important you are aware of the style because you are bound to have a narrative essay assignment.

Of course, before you start writing, it is important to pick the right essay topic. There are many factors involved in the process of picking the perfect narrative essay topic for your story.

You should always choose a topic that you are passionate about, since writing on something you care about will make the process much easier. Not only will it be more interesting to create your paper around something that truly interests you, but it will also allow you to fully express yourself in your essay. You also want to be sure that the topic has enough material to work with. If your chosen topic is too short, you will not have enough content to write a complete paper. For example, if you are writing about your experience getting lost at the mall, make sure that you have enough information to work with to craft an engaging narrative.

The best topic for an engaging narrative essay is one that focuses on showing versus telling, has a clear structure, and provides a dialogue. These elements come together to form an engaging narrative essay. Regardless of what subject you pick, any topic may be turned into a fascinating, A+ worthy narrative using the tips below.

Show, Don’t Tell

To write a good narrative essay, it’s important to show, not tell. Instead of simply informing your audience, show them what you mean. For example, instead of saying “I was nervous,” you could say “My heart began to race and my stomach filled with butterflies.” Also make sure to use sensory details, such as sights, sounds and tastes, and include a personal reflection at the end of your narrative.

Begin with a Strong Opening Line

A good narrative essay will begin with an attention-grabbing opening line. But make sure to avoid common clichés, such as “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Instead, come up with something original and specific to you and your situation. For example: “My pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles. I mean, he even used circular note cards.” Or, “It all started the day my mom brought home a guinea pig.”

Follows a Three-Act Structure

A strong narrative essay follows the same three-act structure as other essays. But in order to make it interesting, you’ll need to come up with a creative way to break things down into sections. For example, using the guinea pig example from above, you could write the following:

Act 1 – Introduction: The day my mom brought home a guinea pig.
Act 2 – Conflict: The day I had to say goodbye to my beloved pet.
Act 3 – Conclusion: Looking back at how much I miss him now that he’s gone.

Conclude with Personal Reflection

To conclude your narrative essay, you’ll want to explain what this specific experience taught you or how you’ve changed. For example, upon realizing that her pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles, the writer of the previous example begins to notice circular shapes everywhere. Another way to conclude your narrative essay is by touching on how this experience impacted you emotionally. For example, after losing his guinea pig, the writer explains how much he missed it.

Use Dialogue

Include a conversation in your essay to make it come alive. For example, instead of simply saying that you met a new friend, talk about how you introduced yourselves or what they were wearing when you met them.

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The following list of 50 narrative essay topics is divided into categories. This will make it easier to find a topic that fits your writing style.

1. What is a childhood song that still sticks with you today?

2. Your first day of Kindergarten

3. Talk about a time when you’re siblings looked up to you

4. Describe the best birthday party you’ve ever had

5. Talk about the best day you ever spent with a childhood friend

6. Explain your first childhood hobby

7. Describe your first halloween costume

8. A family vacation gone wrong

9. Your first family reunion

10. Describe a tradition that is unique to your family

11. Describe your family to a person who’s never met them before

12. What frustrates you most about your family

13. If you could only keep one memory of your family, what would it be and why?

14. Describe a time your family embarrassed you in public

15. The most beautiful place in the world

16. Your favorite season and why

17. If you were a part of nature, what element would you be? Why?

18. When you go outside, which of your senses are you most thankful to have?

19. Describe the first time you witnessed a tornado

20. Write a poem about your favorite season

21. Describe yourself as one of the four seasons

22. Describe a time in which you felt connected with nature

23. Describe the first time you played an instrument and how you felt

24. What major event would be much worse if music was removed, and why?

25. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

26. What would a life without music look like?

27. If you could master one instrument, what would it be and why?

Relationships

28. What if you had never met your best friend?

29. Describe a time when you fixed a broken relationship

30. Talk about a movie that defined a relationship for you

31. Describe your first date

32. Describe the first time you made a friend

33. Describe your relationship with your parents

Self Reflection

34. Have you ever fooled someone? If so, describe what happened and how you felt about it

35. What is the worst thing you’ve done to someone else?

36. Write about the difference between how things seem and how they really are.

37. Have you ever been embarrassed in some way? If so, describe the situation and how it affected you as well as those around you

38. Have you ever witnessed something really beautiful? Describe it

39. Is your glass half empty or half full?

Overcoming Adversity

40. Have you ever been very afraid of something but tried your hardest to appear fearless? If so, describe that experience

41. When have you ever succeeded when you thought you might fail

42. What are your secret survival strategies?

43. Describe the last time you were stressed and why?

44. Describe a time when you were discriminated against

45. The most memorable class you’ve had and why

46. Your favorite study abroad memory

47. Describe your kindergarten classroom

48. Describe your first teacher

49. The first time you experienced detention

50. Your first field trip

Hopefully these topics will get you thinking about a personal experience that could make for a thoughtful and engaging narrative essay. Remember, a strong narrative essay must contain relatable details and a clear flow that keeps the reader entertained and engaged to read all the way to the end.

If you need some additional guidance on your narrative essay, use CollegeVine’s free peer review essay tool to get feedback for free!

50 Narrative Essay Topics

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a narrative essay can also tell an exciting story and create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind! We’ve got 50 narrative essay topics designed to prompt students to craft memorable written narratives. These can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. Feel free to print the entire narrative essay topics list for plenty of inspiration for your next narrative essay assignment!

Narrative Essay Topics

Your first day of school.
Your most exciting day of school
A field trip that your class took.
Your favorite summer vacation.
A trip that included something unexpected or surprising.
A time that you experienced something spooky.
A time that you experienced something truly frightening.
A time that you learned something new that changed you in some way.
The moment when you met someone who changed your life.
The day that you got your first pet.
A move from one place to another.
Something funny that happened to you.
Something funny that happened to one of your family members or friends.
Something embarrassing that happened to you.
Your favorite birthday party.
A birthday that was disappointing.
A big storm (rain, snow or even a tornado!).
A time that the power went out.
A summer day when the temperature got much higher than expected.
A time when you went to an amusement park.
A time when you got lost somewhere.
A memorable experience with a favorite family member.
A sad experience with someone about whom you care.
Your most exciting moment playing sports.
Your most exciting moment performing in a play, singing, playing music or dancing.
An experience that left you feeling frustrated.
An experience that was hard but ended up being worth it.
A time that you experienced rejection.
A weird encounter with a stranger.
A random act of kindness.
A time that you took a stand for someone or for an issue that you care about.
A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didn’t.
Breaking a bone (or otherwise suffering an injury).
Your first time away from home for the night (or longer).
A time when you experienced a historic event.
Where you were when a major event happened. (Note: You don’t need to have been at the site of the event; this prompt is about where you were when you found out about the event and how you reacted.)
A time when you rebelled against your parents or teacher.
A dangerous experience.
A misunderstanding between yourself and someone else.
A difficult decision that you had to make.
The end of a friendship or relationship.
The beginning of a friendship or relationship.
A time when you judged someone first and then realized that you were wrong about the person.
A time when someone judged you first and then realized that he or she was wrong about you.
A moment when you felt that you were starting to grow up.
A time when you saw one or both of your parents in a different light.
A time when you looked up to your older sibling.
A time when your younger sibling looked up to you.
A time when you were grateful to be an only child.
An experience that you think has only ever happened to you!

Looking for more essay topics? Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Descriptive Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

Narrative Essay Topics: 150 Ideas for You

Do you ever want to capture a special memory or a transformative experience but struggle to turn it into a riveting story? Narrative essays offer a powerful way to share your experiences and connect with readers on an emotional level. But choosing the right topic can be daunting.

This article will guide you through dozens of narrative essay prompts, sparking your creativity and helping you identify the perfect story waiting to be told.

Tips for Selecting the Best Narrative Essay Topics

Good narrative essay ideas set the stage for a breath-taking story that resonates with you and your audience. Here's a breakdown of key factors to consider when making your choice:

Tip	Description	Example
	Choose a topic that sparks your interest and evokes strong emotions.	A childhood friendship rekindled after years apart. The history of the cotton gin (unless it has a personal connection to your family).
	Opt for a story with a fresh angle or an unexpected twist.	Overcoming a fear of public speaking by joining a local improv group. The first day of school jitters (a common experience).
	Appealing narrative essay topics often involve overcoming obstacles or challenges.	Learning a valuable lesson from a business failure. A perfect day at the beach (lacks conflict).
	Aim for a topic that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.	The power of forgiveness in mending a broken relationship. Describing a delicious meal (doesn't offer a broader message).

150 Narrative Essay Topics

Stuck for a story to tell? Dive into our treasure trove of excellent narrative essay topics! From heartwarming memories to eye-opening encounters, these writing ideas will free you from writer’s block and help you find the perfect anecdote to share.

Narrative Essay Topics on Relationships

Relationships are the foundation of our lives, shaping us and enriching our experiences. Here are 15 narrative essay ideas to explore the complexities and joys of connection:

The Pen Pal Surprise: A Lifelong Friendship Born From Handwritten Letters Across Continents
The Lost Toy: A Childhood Friendship Rekindled Through a Chance Encounter
The Grumpy Neighbor: A Simple Gesture Blossoms into an Unlikely Bond
The Unexpected Roommate: A Clash of Personalities Leads to Surprising Growth
The Forgiveness on the Pitch: A Former Rivalry Transformed by an Act of Sportsmanship
The Silent Understanding: A Wordless Communication that Speaks Volumes During a Difficult Time
The Borrowed Dress: A Selfless Act Reveals the True Depth of a Friendship
The Second Chance: Reconnecting with a Loved One After a Falling Out
The Long-Distance Call: A Pivotal Conversation that Bridges a Geographical Gap
The Broken Promise: A Betrayal that Forces a Reevaluation of Trust
The Teacher Who Changed Everything: A Mentor Who Inspires a Student to Reach Their Full Potential
The Family Recipe: A Treasured Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
The Power of Forgiveness: Letting Go of Resentment to Heal a Broken Relationship
The Goodbye Letter: Saying Farewell to a Cherished Friend or Family Member
The Unexpected Hero: A Stranger's Kindness that Leaves a Lasting Impact

Personal Narrative Essay Topics on Life

Life is a journey filled with unique experiences that shape who we are. Here are 15 personal narrative prompts to capture the moments that define your story:

The Time I Stepped Outside My Comfort Zone
A Turning Point: A Decision That Changed My Path
Facing My Fear: Overcoming a Deep Phobia
The Lesson Learned From Failure
A Simple Object, a Flood of Memories
The Unexpected Hero in My Life Story
A Journey That Transformed My Perspective
Kindness Received, Kindness Paid Forward
The Day I Discovered My Passion
A Moment of Pure Joy
A Loss That Shaped My Growth
The Teacher Who Made a Difference
When Technology Failed Me, Humanity Prevailed
A Time I Stood Up for What's Right
The Gift of Second Chances

Narrative Essay Ideas on Culture

Culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from traditions, beliefs, and customs. Explore the richness of cultural experiences with these 15 narrative essay topics:

Culture Shock: A Funny (or Awkward) Moment with a New Custom
Homesick Dish: Recreating a Childhood Favorite Abroad
Talk It Out: Communication Struggles Lead to Deeper Understanding
Festival Fun: Immerse Yourself in a Cultural Celebration
Family Secret: A Hidden Tradition You Discover
Master the Art: Learning a New Skill from a Cultural Expert
More Than a Souvenir: The Unexpected Meaning Behind a Travel Memento
Share Your World: Introduce Your Culture to Someone New
Music Connects: A Song that Bridges a Cultural Gap
Food with History: The Story Behind a Traditional Dish
Culture Clash Fix: Solve a Cultural Difference in a Project
Unexpected Expert: Learning About a Culture from a Non-Native
Lost in Translation: A Funny Cultural Misunderstanding
Oops! Cultural Faux Pas: Recovering from a Cultural Mistake
Unexpected Family: Finding Belonging in a New Cultural Community

Topics for Narrative Essay on Hobbies

Unleash your inner storyteller with these 15 narrative essay prompts on hobbies:

From Beginner to Baker: Mastering a New Culinary Skill
The Thrill of the Hunt: A Treasure Hunt Adventure
Brushstrokes and Breakthroughs: Overcoming an Artistic Challenge
The Harmony of Strings: Learning a Musical Instrument
The Great Outdoors: An Unforgettable Camping Trip
Pixels and Puzzles: Conquering a Video Game
The Perfect Shot: Capturing a Stunning Photograph
From Seed to Sprout: The Joys of Gardening
The Thrill of the Ride: Mastering a New Sport or Physical Activity
Yarn and Creativity: Knitting, Crocheting, or Weaving a Special Project
The Power of Words: Participating in a Writing Workshop or Challenge
Building Worlds: Creating Something Amazing with Legos or Modeling Kits
The Rhythm of the Dance: Learning a New Dance Style
The Joy of Restoration: Giving New Life to a Beloved Object
The Club That Changed Me: Finding Community Through a Hobby Group

Good Narrative Topics on Adventure

Ignite your wanderlust and unleash your inner Indiana Jones with these 15 exciting narrative essay ideas on adventures:

Lost and Found: A Navigation Mishap and How You Found Your Way
Unexpected Encounter: A Chance Meeting on Your Travels
Summit Success: Conquering a Challenging Hike
Hidden Passage: Discovering a Secret Location
White-Water Rush: An Exciting Whitewater Rafting Adventure
City Escape: A Solo Backpacking Trip Through the Wilderness
The Road Less Traveled: Taking a Detour and Finding Something Unexpected
Under the Sea: A Scuba Diving Adventure and Encounter with Marine Life
Lost in Translation: Navigating a Language Barrier During Your Travels
From Fear to Triumph: Overcoming a Fear on an Adventure
City of Lights: A Night Adventure in a New City
Treasure Hunt: Following Clues and Unearthing a Hidden Gem
The Kindness of Strangers: Receiving Help and Hospitality During Your Travels
Unexpected Detour: A Travel Plan Gone Wrong and the Lessons Learned
A Night Under the Stars: Camping Under a Breathtaking Night Sky

Narrative Essay Topics on Education

Schools are more than just classrooms. They're places where we learn, grow, and face challenges. Study these 15 narrative essay topics on education to capture the ups and downs of your academic path:

The Last-Minute Project: A Scramble to Success (or Failure?)
Beyond the Textbook: A Learning Experience Outside the Classroom
Teacher Inspiration: The Educator Who Made a Difference
The Power of Debate: A Heated Discussion That Changed Your Perspective
From Failing to Flying: Overcoming an Academic Obstacle
The Research Rabbit Hole: A Fascinating Discovery During a Project
Stage Fright or Spotlight? Presenting a Project or Performance
The Value of Teamwork: Collaboration on a School Project
Friendship Forged in Study Sessions: A Supportive Bond During Exams
The Power of Choice: Selecting an Elective Course that Sparked Passion
More Than Scores: A Lesson Learned Beyond Grades
The First Day Jitters: Navigating the First Day at a New School
The Debate Club Showdown: Facing Your Rival in a Competition
From Dislike to Discovery: A Subject You Grew to Love
The Unexpected Lesson: Learning from a Mistake in Class

Narrative Topics on Society

Society presents a rich tapestry of interactions, trends, and ever-evolving dynamics, which is reflected in these 15 essay ideas:

A Cause I Championed: How I Spoke Up for Change in My Community
Bridging the Digital Chasm: Connecting Across Online and Offline Worlds
Kindness Contagion: A Random Act and its Unexpected Impact
Welcoming the Newcomer: Embracing Differences and Building Community
Redefining Roles: Challenging Gender Expectations in Everyday Life
The Double-Edged Sword: Social Media's Impact - Positive or Negative?
Convenience at a Cost: Technology's Trade-off on Human Connection
Lost in Translation: Overcoming Communication Barriers and Building Understanding
Honoring Heritage: Celebrating a Cultural Tradition and Its Significance
From Witness to Advocate: Seeing Injustice and Taking a Stand
A Bridge Between Generations: Navigating Family Dynamics and Building Harmony
The Power of Protest: My Participation in a Peaceful Demonstration
Breaking Down Walls: Confronting Inequality in My Community
Sharing is Caring: The Rise of the Sharing Economy and its Impact
The Future of Work: Adapting to New Technologies and Careers

Narrative Writing Topics on Career

Depict the twists and turns of your professional journey with these 15 narrative essay prompts on career:

The Unexpected Interview: A Chance Encounter Leads to a Dream Job
From Intern to Indispensable: Proving Your Worth and Landing a Permanent Role
The Pivot Point: A Career Change that Ignited My Passion
Deadline Crunch: Overcoming Pressure and Delivering Results
The Big Presentation: Conquering Nerves and Enchanting the Audience
The Supportive Colleague: A Helping Hand During a Difficult Project
The Ethical Dilemma: Facing a Tough Choice at Work
Learning From Failure: A Mistake that Became a Valuable Lesson
The Unexpected Promotion: Rising to the Challenge of a New Leadership Role
The Power of Networking: A Serendipitous Connection that Advanced My Career
The Work-Life Balance: Finding Harmony Between Professional and Personal Goals
From Passion Project to Paycheck: Turning a Hobby into a Fulfilling Career
The Power of Perseverance: Overcoming Rejection and Landing Your Dream Job
The Inspiring Mentor: A Leader Who Shaped My Professional Development
Saying Goodbye: Leaving a Job and Stepping into a New Chapter

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics About Challenges

Challenges are inevitable, but they also hold the potential for immense growth. Dive into these 15 captivating narrative essay ideas about overcoming obstacles and discovering your inner strength:

From Silent to Spotlight: Silencing Stage Fright and Owning the Stage.
Body Bounced Back: Overcoming Injury and Rediscovering Physical Potential.
Tongues Untied: Navigating Language Barriers and Building Communication Bridges.
Fear Faced, Fear Faded: Conquering a Deep Phobia and Embracing New Possibilities.
From Empty Pockets to Full Future: Resourcefulness During Financial Hardship.
Imperfect Progress: Letting Go of Perfectionism and Finding Completion.
Mending the Broken Bond: Healing and Moving On After a Friendship Fracture.
From Struggling to Soaring: Academic Triumph Over Challenges.
Through the Tears, Toward Growth: Coping with Loss and Discovering Strength Within.
Love Across the Miles: Maintaining Connection Despite Distance.
New Roots, New Bloom: Adapting to a New Environment and Discovering Thriving Potential.
Finding My Tribe: Overcoming Loneliness and Building Confidence in Social Settings.
From Target to Triumphant: Overcoming Bullying and Embracing Your Voice.
Sparking Inspiration: Rekindling Your Creative Fire After a Block.
Nature's Test, Inner Strength: Surviving a Wilderness Challenge and Discovering Resilience.

Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

Here's a selection of 15 short and intriguing narrative essay ideas that tap into the joys, challenges, and growth opportunities of college life:

Freshman Frenzy: From Dorm Room Disasters to Lasting Friendships
Roommate Rampage: Turning Clashing Personalities into College Camaraderie
Cramming Crucible: Conquering All-Nighters and Emerging Victorious
Campus Crossroads: Finding Your Tribe in the College Labyrinth
Mentor Muse: The Professor Who Ignited My Academic Spark
Passport to Possibility: Adventures and Transformations Abroad
Internship Odyssey: From Coffee Runs to Career Clarity
Bleachers to Glory: From Casual Fan to College Sports Superfan
Cause for Change: Volunteering, Finding Purpose, and Leaving My Mark
The Financial Tightrope: Budget Battles and College Survival Strategies
Campus Cupid's Arrow: Love, Laughter, and Maybe a Few Heartbreaks
Major Metamorphosis: Discovering a Passion I Never Knew Existed
Homesick Hitchhiker: Navigating the Journey from Comfort to College Independence
Graduation Countdown: Embracing the Final Stretch and Preparing to Launch
College Metamorphosis: From Uncertain Caterpillar to Empowered Butterfly

Engaging narrative essay topics are the lifeblood of the story. Hunt for stories with twists, challenges, and personal growth – the kind that leaves readers saying, "Wow, I never thought of it that way!" Because a truly enticing narrative essay isn't about the ordinary; it's about the extraordinary hidden within the seemingly mundane.

Frequently asked questions

What are the topics of narrative essays, how to choose a topic for a narrative essay, what makes a good title for a narrative.

https://topscholars.oregonstate.edu/sites/enrollmentmanagement.oregonstate.edu/files/content/500promptsnarrativeandpersonalwriting.pdf
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/20/learning/lesson-plans/650-prompts-for-narrative-and-personal-writing.html
Narrative Essay Topic Checklist. (n.d.). STLCC. https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/narrative-essay-topic-checklist.aspx

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In the realm of literature, storytelling reigns supreme. Whether we’re engrossed in the pages of a captivating novel or sitting on the edge of our seats while watching a suspenseful movie, narratives have an unparalleled ability to transport us to different worlds and ignite our imagination. But did you know that narratives extend far beyond works of fiction? From academic reports to annual summaries, narratives are employed across a wide range of mediums to convey information, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact. In this article , we embark on a journey through the fascinating world of narrative format, unraveling its intricacies and uncovering its applications in diverse context . So, strap in and prepare to explore the art of storytelling in a whole new light.

What is a Narrative?

A narrative is a structured story that describes a sequence of events, experiences, or actions. It includes characters, a plot , setting , conflict, and a resolution . Narratives can be fictional or non-fictional and are often used to engage and entertain readers, as well as to convey deeper meanings or themes .

Narrative Examples in Literature

Narratives are essential elements in literature, and they come in various forms, from short stories to epic novels. Here are some notable examples of narratives in literature, showcasing different styles, theme , and storytelling techniques.

1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Summary: Set in the American South during the 1930s, this novel follows young Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer defending a black man wrongfully accused of raping a white woman. Through Scout’s perspective, the narrative explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy.

Narrative Style: First-person narrative from Scout’s point of view, blending innocence and mature reflections.

2. “1984” by George Orwell

Summary: In a dystopian future, Winston Smith lives under the oppressive regime of the Party, led by Big Brother. The narrative follows Winston’s rebellion against totalitarian control, exploring themes of surveillance, freedom, and truth.

Narrative Style: Third-person limited narrative focusing on Winston’s thoughts and experiences, creating an intense and claustrophobic atmosphere.

3. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Summary: Narrated by Nick Carraway, the novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby’s unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan and the moral decay of American society in the 1920s. Themes include the American Dream, love, and social stratification.

Narrative Style: First-person narrative from Nick’s perspective, providing insights into Gatsby’s character and the era’s glamour and disillusionment.

4. “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville

Summary: The narrative follows Ishmael’s adventures on the whaling ship Pequod, commanded by the obsessed Captain Ahab, who is determined to hunt the white whale, Moby-Dick. Themes of obsession, revenge, and humanity’s struggle against nature are explored.

Narrative Style: First-person narrative from Ishmael’s perspective, combined with detailed expository chapters on whaling.

5. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

Summary: This classic novel centers on Elizabeth Bennet and her evolving relationship with the wealthy and aloof Mr. Darcy. Themes include social class, marriage, and morality.

Narrative Style: Third-person omniscient narrative, providing insights into multiple characters’ thoughts and motivations.

6. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

Summary: The novel follows teenage Holden Caulfield’s experiences in New York City after being expelled from his prep school. Themes of alienation, innocence, and identity are central to the narrative.

Narrative Style: First-person narrative from Holden’s perspective, characterized by his distinctive voice and stream-of-consciousness style.

7. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison

Summary: Set after the American Civil War, the novel tells the story of Sethe, an escaped slave haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter, Beloved. Themes include memory, trauma, and the legacy of slavery.

Narrative Style: Third-person omniscient narrative, interweaving multiple characters’ perspectives and flashbacks to past events.

8. “The Odyssey” by Homer

Summary: This ancient Greek epic poem follows Odysseus’s ten-year journey home after the Trojan War, encountering various trials and adventures. Themes include heroism, loyalty, and the human struggle against fate.

Narrative Style: Third-person narrative with a mix of direct speech and poetic description, employing various storytelling techniques such as in medias res (starting in the middle of the story).

9. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez

Summary: The novel chronicles the multi-generational story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. Themes include history, reality, and the cyclical nature of time.

Narrative Style: Third-person omniscient narrative with elements of magical realism, blending fantastical events with everyday life.

10. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

Summary: The narrative follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature through an unorthodox experiment. The novel explores themes of ambition, creation, and responsibility.

Narrative Style: Frame narrative, with multiple first-person perspectives, including Victor Frankenstein’s, the creature’s, and Captain Walton’s letters.

Narrative Example Sentences

Narrative sentences help tell a story by setting scenes, describing actions, and revealing characters’ thoughts and feelings. Here are some examples to illustrate various aspects of narrative writing.

1. Setting the Scene

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sprawling fields.

2. Introducing Characters

Maria, with her fiery red hair and quick wit, was always the center of attention at any gathering.

3. Describing Actions

He sprinted across the field, his heart pounding and breath coming in short gasps.

4. Revealing Thoughts and Feelings

Despite the chaos around her, Emma felt a strange sense of calm wash over her.

5. Creating Suspense

The floorboards creaked under his weight, each step echoing through the silent house.

6. Building Tension

His grip tightened on the steering wheel as the car skidded on the icy road.

7. Reaching a Climax

In a moment of sheer determination, she leaped across the gap, her fingers just grazing the edge of the cliff.

8. Resolving the Conflict

With a sigh of relief, they watched the sunrise, signaling the end of their long ordeal.

9. Ending with a Reflection

Looking back, he realized that every challenge had shaped him into the person he was today.

10. Dialogue

“Are you sure we should go in there?” whispered Tom, his eyes wide with fear as they approached the abandoned house.

Narrative Examples for Students

Narrative writing helps students express their thoughts, experiences, and imagination. Here are few simple yet engaging narrative examples suitable for students, illustrating various aspects of storytelling.

1. A Day at the Zoo

Introduction: Last Saturday, my family and I went to the zoo. I had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, excited to see all the animals. Rising Action: As soon as we entered, we headed straight to the lion exhibit. The lions were lounging lazily in the sun. Next, we visited the monkey enclosure, where the monkeys swung playfully from branch to branch. My favorite part was the aquarium, where colorful fish swam gracefully. Climax: Suddenly, a loud noise startled us. One of the zookeepers announced that a baby elephant had been born! We rushed to the elephant enclosure and saw the tiny elephant calf standing shakily next to its mother. Falling Action: We watched in awe as the baby elephant took its first steps. The zookeepers explained how they care for the newborns and answered all our questions. Resolution: As we left the zoo, I felt grateful for the amazing day. Seeing the baby elephant was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would never forget.

2. The Lost Wallet

Introduction: On my way home from school, I found a wallet lying on the sidewalk. I picked it up and looked inside for any identification. Rising Action: The wallet contained some cash, credit cards, and a student ID with the name Alex Johnson. I decided to try and find Alex to return the wallet. I asked a few people in the neighborhood if they knew him, but no one did. Climax: Just as I was about to give up, I saw a flyer on a lamppost with a picture of the wallet and a phone number. It was a lost and found notice from Alex! I quickly called the number and arranged to meet at a nearby café. Falling Action: Alex arrived at the café and was overjoyed to see his wallet. He thanked me repeatedly and even offered me a reward, which I politely declined. Resolution: Walking home, I felt proud of myself for doing the right thing. Returning the wallet to Alex made me realize the importance of honesty and helping others.

3. The Surprise Birthday Party

Introduction: My best friend, Sarah, had been feeling down lately, so I decided to throw her a surprise birthday party. I secretly contacted her friends and planned everything meticulously. Rising Action: On the day of the party, I invited Sarah over under the guise of a regular hangout. Meanwhile, our friends arrived early to decorate the house and prepare the snacks. We hung streamers, blew up balloons, and set out the cake. Climax: When Sarah walked through the door, we all jumped out and shouted, “Surprise!” Her face lit up with joy and shock. She couldn’t believe we had done all this for her. Falling Action: We spent the evening playing games, laughing, and reminiscing about old times. Sarah told me it was the best birthday she had ever had. Resolution: Seeing Sarah so happy made all the effort worth it. The surprise party not only lifted her spirits but also strengthened our friendship.

4. The School Play Audition

Introduction: I had always been shy, but this year, I decided to audition for the school play. It was a big step out of my comfort zone, and I was both excited and nervous. Rising Action: I practiced my lines every day, hoping to impress the drama teacher. When the audition day arrived, I watched as other students performed their scenes. My heart raced as my name was called. Climax: On stage, I took a deep breath and began my monologue. Halfway through, I stumbled over a line, but I quickly recovered and finished strong. The teacher smiled and thanked me for my performance. Falling Action: A few days later, the cast list was posted. I was thrilled to see my name on it! I had been given a supporting role, and I couldn’t wait to start rehearsals. Resolution: Participating in the play helped me overcome my shyness and make new friends. It taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone could lead to wonderful experiences.

5. The Camping Trip

Introduction: Last summer, my family and I went on a camping trip to the mountains. It was my first time camping, and I was eager for the adventure. Rising Action: We set up our tent near a clear, sparkling lake. During the day, we hiked through the forest, discovering hidden waterfalls and spotting wildlife. At night, we sat around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and telling stories. Climax: On our second night, a sudden storm hit. Strong winds shook the tent, and rain poured down in torrents. We huddled inside, hoping our tent would hold up. Falling Action: By morning, the storm had passed, and the sun was shining again. We emerged from our tent to find everything soaked, but the air was fresh and clean. Resolution: Despite the storm, the camping trip was a success. I learned how to adapt to unexpected situations and discovered a love for nature and the great outdoors.

Narrative Paragraph Examples

Narrative paragraphs tell a story or recount an event, engaging the reader through vivid descriptions and personal insights. Here are some examples of narrative paragraphs that illustrate various aspects of storytelling.

1. A Memorable Day at the Park

Last Saturday, my family and I spent the afternoon at Central Park. The weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze and clear blue skies. We spread out our picnic blanket under a large oak tree, unpacked our basket filled with sandwiches, fruits, and cookies, and enjoyed a leisurely meal. After lunch, we played frisbee and took a relaxing boat ride on the lake. As the sun began to set, we watched a group of street performers who amazed us with their acrobatics and fire juggling. It was a day filled with laughter and joy, creating memories that I will cherish forever.

2. First Day of High School

Walking into the bustling hallways of my new high school, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The corridors were filled with students hurrying to their classes, chatting with friends, and looking at their schedules. I clutched my map and timetable, trying to find my way to my first class. When I finally reached the classroom, I took a deep breath and stepped inside, greeted by the friendly smile of my teacher and the curious glances of my new classmates. Despite my initial fears, the day turned out to be an exciting start to a new chapter in my life.

3. The Summer Camp Adventure

During the summer camp, we were taken on a thrilling night hike through the forest. Armed with flashlights and guided by our camp counselor, we ventured into the woods, listening to the sounds of nocturnal animals and the rustling of leaves. At one point, we turned off our flashlights and stood in complete darkness, marveling at the twinkling stars above. The experience was both eerie and magical, making us feel like tiny specks in the vast universe. It was a night I would never forget, filled with wonder and a sense of adventure.

4. The Big Game

The final whistle blew, and the stadium erupted in cheers. Our soccer team had just won the championship, and I could hardly believe it. The match had been intense, with both teams playing their hearts out. I remembered the crucial moment when I scored the winning goal, a perfect strike into the top corner of the net. My teammates lifted me onto their shoulders, and we celebrated our hard-earned victory. It was a moment of triumph and joy, a testament to our hard work and teamwork throughout the season.

5. Learning to Ride a Bike

I still remember the day I learned to ride a bike. My dad had been patiently holding the back of my seat, guiding me as I wobbled down the sidewalk. Suddenly, he let go, and I found myself pedaling on my own. At first, I was terrified, but then I felt a rush of exhilaration as I realized I was riding without any help. The wind whipped through my hair, and I laughed out loud in pure joy. It was a small victory, but it filled me with a newfound sense of confidence and freedom.

6. A Snowy Winter Morning

Waking up to a blanket of snow covering the ground was always magical. That morning, I eagerly put on my winter coat, gloves, and boots, and rushed outside to join my friends. We built snowmen, had snowball fights, and made snow angels, our laughter echoing through the crisp, cold air. Later, we went sledding down the steep hill near my house, the thrill of the speed making our hearts race. As the sun set, we returned home, our cheeks rosy and our spirits high, ready to warm up with hot chocolate by the fireplace.

7. The Surprise Party

When I walked into the living room, I was met with a chorus of “Surprise!” My friends and family had gathered to throw me a surprise birthday party. The room was decorated with colorful balloons and streamers, and a large cake sat on the table. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I realized how much effort everyone had put into making my day special. We spent the evening playing games, dancing, and sharing stories, and I felt incredibly grateful for the love and support of my loved ones. It was a birthday I would always remember.

8. The Camping Trip

Our camping trip to the mountains was an unforgettable experience. We set up our tents near a clear, sparkling lake, surrounded by towering pine trees. During the day, we hiked along scenic trails, discovering hidden waterfalls and spotting wildlife. At night, we gathered around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories. The sound of the crackling fire and the sight of the star-filled sky created a sense of peace and tranquility. Despite the occasional mosquito bite, the trip was a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

9. Winning the Science Fair

After weeks of hard work and preparation, the day of the science fair finally arrived. My project, a model of a volcanic eruption, was set up on a table, ready for the judges. I demonstrated how mixing baking soda and vinegar created an impressive eruption, complete with red food coloring for added effect. When the winners were announced, I was thrilled to hear my name called for first place. The recognition and praise from my teachers and peers made all the effort worthwhile, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment.

10. The Lost Dog

One rainy afternoon, I found a lost dog shivering on my doorstep. It was a small, scruffy terrier with sad eyes. I brought it inside, dried it off, and gave it some food. I checked the collar for any identification but found none. Over the next few days, I put up flyers around the neighborhood and posted online, hoping to find the owner. Just as I was starting to get attached to the little dog, I received a call from a grateful owner who had been searching for their pet. Returning the dog was bittersweet, but it felt good to reunite it with its family.

Narrative Examples in Writing

Narrative writing tells a story by recounting events, experiences, and thoughts in a structured and engaging manner. Here are some examples that illustrate various narrative techniques and elements in writing:

1. Personal Experience Narrative

On my eighth birthday, my parents surprised me with a visit to the local animal shelter. I had always wanted a pet, and that day, my dream came true. We walked through rows of barking dogs and meowing cats until I saw a small, timid puppy in the corner. His big, brown eyes looked up at me, and I knew he was the one. We named him Max, and from that day on, he became my best friend. Max and I spent countless hours playing in the backyard, going on adventures in the woods, and cuddling up during thunderstorms. He taught me responsibility and gave me unconditional love, making my childhood unforgettable.

2. Fictional Narrative

In the heart of the enchanted forest, there was a hidden village that few humans had ever seen. Elara, a young elf with a curious spirit, lived in this village. One day, she discovered an ancient map that hinted at a forgotten treasure buried deep within the forest. Determined to find it, Elara embarked on a journey filled with magical creatures, treacherous paths, and mysterious spells. Along the way, she befriended a talking owl and a mischievous fairy. After many trials and challenges, Elara finally found the treasure—a mystical amulet that granted her the power to protect her village from any harm. Her bravery and kindness became legendary among her people.

3. Historical Narrative

On a chilly morning in December 1773, Samuel Adams stood at the harbor, watching as a crowd gathered. Tensions were high in Boston, and the people were fed up with British taxation. Samuel raised his hand, signaling the start of the protest. Disguised as Mohawk Indians, the crowd boarded three British ships and began to dump chests of tea into the harbor. The water turned dark with the leaves of the East India Company’s finest tea. This act of defiance, later known as the Boston Tea Party, was a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. Samuel Adams’s leadership inspired the colonists to unite against British rule, eventually leading to the fight for independence.

4. Reflective Narrative

As I stood on the graduation stage, clutching my diploma, I couldn’t help but reflect on my journey. Four years ago, I had walked into the university as a nervous freshman, unsure of what the future held. The late-night study sessions, the challenging exams, and the friendships I had made all flashed before my eyes. There were moments of doubt and times when I wanted to give up, but I pushed through. My professors believed in me, my family supported me, and my friends encouraged me. Now, as I looked out at the cheering crowd, I realized that every challenge had shaped me into the person I was today—resilient, determined, and ready for the next chapter.

5. Adventure Narrative

The climb to the summit of Mount Everest was the most grueling experience of my life. The air grew thinner with each step, and the freezing temperatures bit at my exposed skin. My team and I had trained for months, but nothing could prepare us for the reality of the climb. As we reached the final ascent, a storm rolled in, threatening to end our journey. We huddled together, using our body heat to stay warm, and waited for the storm to pass. Finally, the clouds parted, revealing the peak just ahead. With renewed determination, we pushed forward. Standing at the summit, looking out over the world, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and awe. We had conquered the mountain and achieved the impossible.

6. Mystery Narrative

Detective Sarah Morgan stepped into the dimly lit library, her eyes scanning the room for clues. The millionaire’s mansion was filled with priceless artifacts, but one item was missing—the rare and valuable Blue Diamond. Sarah crouched down, examining a footprint near the shattered display case. As she pieced together the evidence, a pattern emerged. The thief had to be someone familiar with the mansion’s layout and security system. Her investigation led her to the butler, whose suspicious behavior and sudden wealth raised red flags. In a tense confrontation, the butler confessed, revealing the hidden compartment where the Blue Diamond was stashed. Sarah’s keen observation and deductive skills had solved the case once again.

7. Inspirational Narrative

Every morning, Jake Thompson woke up at 5 AM to train for the marathon. He had been paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident five years earlier, and doctors said he would never walk again. But Jake refused to give up. Through intense physical therapy and sheer determination, he learned to walk with the help of crutches. Running a marathon seemed impossible, but Jake set his sights on the goal and worked tirelessly to achieve it. On race day, he lined up with the other runners, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he crossed the finish line hours later, tears streamed down his face. Jake’s journey from paralysis to marathon finisher was a testament to his unwavering spirit and the power of perseverance.

8. Science Fiction Narrative

In the year 2150, Earth had become a technologically advanced utopia, but at a cost. Pollution had rendered much of the planet uninhabitable. Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a brilliant scientist, had dedicated her life to finding a solution. She discovered a way to terraform Mars, making it a new home for humanity. The journey to Mars was long and perilous, but Elena and her team were determined. They faced numerous challenges, from malfunctioning equipment to unexpected storms. Finally, after years of hard work, they succeeded. The barren landscape of Mars transformed into lush, green fields under their watchful eyes. Elena stood on the new frontier, knowing that her work had given humanity a second chance.

9. Fantasy Narrative

In the mystical land of Eldoria, magic flowed through the air like a gentle breeze. Lyra, a young sorceress with untamed powers, lived in a secluded village at the edge of the enchanted forest. One day, a dark shadow fell over Eldoria, and creatures of the night began to terrorize the land. Guided by a prophecy, Lyra embarked on a quest to find the ancient Crystal of Light, said to have the power to banish the darkness. Along her journey, she encountered mythical creatures, solved ancient riddles, and battled formidable foes. With the help of her loyal companions, Lyra finally found the crystal and unleashed its power, restoring peace and harmony to Eldoria.

10. Humorous Narrative

One sunny afternoon, I decided to take my dog, Max, to the park. Max was a large, energetic Labrador who loved to chase anything that moved. As we walked through the park, Max spotted a squirrel and bolted after it, pulling me along. I tripped over my own feet and fell face-first into a muddy puddle. Covered in mud and struggling to get up, I looked around to see if anyone had noticed. To my horror, a group of joggers had stopped to watch, and they burst into laughter. Embarrassed but amused, I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation too. Max, oblivious to the chaos, returned to my side with a satisfied grin, his tail wagging furiously. It was just another day in the life of a dog owner.

Narrative Examples for Poems

Narrative poems tell stories through verse, blending elements of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry. Here are some examples of narrative poems that illustrate various storytelling techniques and themes.

1. The Tale of the Moonlit Lake

On a quiet night by the moonlit lake, Two lovers met for an evening’s sake. Hand in hand, with hearts entwined, They whispered dreams of a future aligned. Under the stars, their secrets they shared, Moments of joy, the burdens they bared. But fate was cruel on that fateful eve, A storm approached, and the girl had to leave. Promising to return, she sailed away, But the storm grew fierce and led her astray. The boy waited long by the moonlit shore, Hoping to see her smile once more. Years have passed, but the legend remains, Of the boy by the lake who loves through the pains. Every night, in the moon’s soft glow, He waits for the girl he once did know.

2. The Brave Knight’s Quest

A brave knight rode through the darkened wood, On a quest to prove his worth and good. His armor gleamed in the pale moon’s light, As he ventured forth into the night. He sought a dragon, fierce and bold, Guarding treasures of untold gold. Through valleys deep and mountains high, He followed the dragon’s echoing cry. At last, he found the beast’s dark lair, A cavern filled with treasures rare. With sword in hand, the knight stood tall, Ready to face the dragon’s thrall. A mighty battle then ensued, The knight was brave, the dragon shrewd. But with a final, daring strike, The knight prevailed, restoring light. He took no gold, no treasure fine, But won the hearts of all mankind. A hero true, with courage blessed, The brave knight’s tale forever rests.

3. The Lost Village

In a valley hidden by time’s own hand, There lies a village of forgotten land. Once filled with laughter, joy, and song, Now shadows whisper of what went wrong. The fields were green, the rivers clear, The villagers lived without any fear. But one dark night, a curse was cast, A spell that made their happiness last. The morning came, but they did not rise, Trapped in dreams under darkened skies. Their spirits roam, in endless plight, Seeking freedom from the eternal night. Legends tell of a chosen one, Who’d break the curse by the rising sun. But till that day, the village remains, A ghostly echo of joy and pains.

4. The Weaver’s Daughter

In a small town, by the river’s bend, Lived a weaver’s daughter, with skill to mend. Her tapestries told stories grand, Of distant lands and far-off sands. Each thread she wove, with care and grace, Captured beauty in every space. People came from miles around, To see her work, so profound. One day a prince, disguised and fair, Saw her art and felt a rare, Connection deep within his heart, For the weaver’s daughter and her art. He revealed his truth, his royal claim, Promising love and eternal fame. Together they wove their fates entwined, Creating a legacy left behind.

5. The Enchanted Forest

Deep within the enchanted wood, A hidden realm of magic stood. Creatures spoke with voices clear, And trees whispered for all to hear. A young girl named Lily, pure and kind, Ventured into this world to find, A cure for her village, stricken and weak, With hope in her heart, the truth she’d seek. She met a fox with fur of gold, Who told her tales of ages old. Through trials tough and riddles hard, Lily pressed on, never on guard. At last, she found the ancient tree, Whose roots held the cure to set them free. With a tear and a touch, the magic flowed, Healing her village, their spirits glowed. Lily returned, a hero brave, Her courage and love had saved the day. The enchanted forest, forever a friend, A tale of hope that will never end.

More Narrative Examples & Samples In PDF

1. narrative in linguistic change.

2. Narrative in Personality Psychology

3. Narrative in Coaching

4. Narrative in Contemporary Historical Theory

5. Narrative Structure

6. Sample Narrative Format

7. Technical Narrative

8. Expanded Narrative Format

9. Final Narrative Report Format

10. Dialogue Format for Narrative

Types of Narrative

Narrative writing comes in various forms, each serving a unique purpose and audience. Understanding the different types of narrative can enhance both reading and writing skills. Below are the primary types of narrative:

1. First-Person Narrative

In a first-person narrative, the story is told from the perspective of a character within the story, often the protagonist. The use of “I” or “we” allows readers to experience the events through the narrator’s personal lens.

Example: “I walked through the dense forest, the crunch of leaves under my feet echoing in the silent night.”

2. Second-Person Narrative

The second-person narrative addresses the reader directly using “you,” making the reader a character in the story. This style is less common but can create an immersive experience.

Example: “You step into the room, and a sense of foreboding washes over you as the door creaks shut behind you.”

3. Third-Person Narrative

In third-person narrative, the story is told by an external narrator who is not a character in the story. This type can be further divided into three subtypes:

a. Third-Person Omniscient

The narrator knows all the thoughts, actions, and feelings of every character. This provides a comprehensive view of the story.

Example: “The children played in the garden, unaware that their parents, watching from the window, were worried about the impending storm.”

b. Third-Person Limited

The narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character, usually the protagonist. This limits the reader’s perspective to that of the chosen character.

Example: “Sara watched the horizon, wondering if she would ever see her brother again. She felt a pang of loneliness that she couldn’t shake off.”

c. Third-Person Objective

The narrator reports only what can be seen and heard, without insight into any character’s thoughts or feelings. This creates a more detached and neutral perspective.

Example: “The judge entered the courtroom, and everyone stood up. The defendant glanced nervously around, shifting from foot to foot.”

4. Epistolary Narrative

An epistolary narrative is told through a series of letters, diary entries, or other documents. This format can offer intimate insights into characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Example: “June 5, 1912 – My Dearest Anne, The war has taken its toll on all of us. Every day, I long to be back home with you. Until then, these letters are my only solace.”

5. Stream of Consciousness

This narrative technique attempts to capture the continuous flow of a character’s thoughts and feelings. It often disregards conventional grammar and structure to mirror the way thoughts occur in the human mind.

Example: “She wondered if he would come, if he remembered, the time they spent by the lake, the warmth of his hand, oh how she missed those days.”

6. Unreliable Narrator

An unreliable narrator’s credibility is compromised, making their account of events suspect. This technique can create mystery and intrigue as readers piece together the truth.

Example: “As I told the police, I had nothing to do with the disappearance. But I remember seeing the red car that night, and I can’t shake the feeling that it means something.”

7. Frame Narrative

A frame narrative is a story within a story, where an introductory or main narrative sets the stage for a more emphasized second narrative. This technique can add depth and context to the main story.

Example: “In the old library, the children found a dusty book. As they began to read, they were transported to a magical land where dragons and wizards ruled.”

8. Linear Narrative

A linear narrative presents events in chronological order, from beginning to end. This straightforward approach is easy to follow and is commonly used in many genres.

Example: “John graduated from college, started his first job, met the love of his life, and eventually started a family.”

9. Non-Linear Narrative

A non-linear narrative presents events out of chronological order. This technique can involve flashbacks, flash-forwards, or a fractured timeline to build suspense or reveal information strategically.

Example: “The scene cut to ten years earlier, when Lily first arrived in the city. It was a stark contrast to the present, where she now stood at the top of her career.”

Importance of using Narrative

Narrative is a powerful tool in both writing and communication. It serves various critical functions, helping to engage readers, convey complex ideas, and foster emotional connections. Below are several key reasons why using narrative is important:

1. Engages the Audience

Captures attention : Stories intrigue and keep readers engaged.
Example : “Lily discovers a hidden door leading to a magical realm.”

2. Simplifies Complex Ideas

Makes concepts accessible : Stories frame abstract information.
Example : “Jack drops an apple, demonstrating gravity.”

3. Enhances Memory Retention

Improves recall : Structured stories help encode information.
Example : “Telling the American Revolution through a soldier’s eyes.”

4. Fosters Emotional Connections

Elicits emotions : Drives empathy and understanding.
Example : “A family’s struggle during a natural disaster.”

5. Encourages Empathy and Understanding

Promotes diverse perspectives : Breaks down stereotypes.
Example : “A refugee’s journey fosters empathy.”

6. Supports Cultural Preservation

Maintains heritage : Stories pass down cultural values and traditions.
Example : “Folktales preserve moral lessons and practices.”

7. Facilitates Persuasion and Influence

Sways opinions : Stories can drive action.
Example : “A child’s effort to clean a park inspires others.”

8. Stimulates Imagination and Creativity

Inspires creativity : Encourages imaginative thinking.
Example : “Fantasy stories about dragons and wizards.”

9. Provides Entertainment

Offers enjoyment : Stories provide an escape and adventure.
Example : “A thrilling mystery novel.”

10. Aids in Self-Reflection and Growth

Encourages introspection : Readers reflect on their own lives.
Example : “A character overcoming adversity inspires resilience.”

Parts of a Narrative

A narrative is a structured account of a series of events, often told in the form of a story. Understanding the key parts of a narrative helps in both analyzing and crafting compelling stories. Here are the essential components of a narrative:

1. Introduction (Exposition)

The introduction sets the stage for the narrative. It provides background information, introduces the main characters, and establishes the setting. This part of the narrative is crucial for grounding the reader in the story’s world.

2. Rising Action

The rising action involves a series of events that create suspense, tension, and interest. It develops the story’s main conflict and sets the stage for the climax.

The climax is the turning point of the narrative, where the main conflict reaches its peak. It is the moment of highest tension and drama, often resulting in a significant change for the protagonist.

4. Falling Action

Following the climax, the falling action involves the events that lead towards the resolution of the conflict. It shows the consequences of the climax and starts to wrap up the story.

5. Resolution (Denouement)

The resolution is the final part of the narrative, where the story’s conflicts are resolved, and the story concludes. It provides closure for the characters and the reader.

How to Format a Narrative

Formatting a narrative properly ensures that your story is engaging and easy to read. Here are the steps to format a narrative effectively:

1. Choose the Right Font and Size

Font: Use a clear, readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
Size: Standard font size is 12-point.

2. Set Up Your Document

Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides.
Spacing: Use double-spacing to make the text easy to read and annotate.
Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.

3. Title and Heading

Title: Center the title at the top of the first page. Use a larger font size (14 or 16 points) and bold it.
Author’s Name: Place your name below the title, also centered.
Other Information: If required, add the date, course name, or other relevant details below your name.

4. Structure Your Narrative

Introduction.

Start with a Hook: Engage the reader with an interesting opening sentence.
Set the Scene: Introduce the main characters and setting.
State the Purpose: Give a hint of the main conflict or theme.
Rising Action: Develop the story by introducing and escalating the conflict.
Climax: Present the turning point of the story where the main conflict reaches its peak.
Falling Action: Show the consequences of the climax and begin to resolve the conflict.
Resolution: Resolve the story’s main conflict and provide closure.
Final Thoughts: End with a concluding thought or reflection.

5. Use Dialogue Correctly

Quotation Marks: Enclose spoken words in quotation marks.
New Paragraphs: Start a new paragraph each time a different character speaks.
Dialogue Tags: Use tags like “he said” or “she replied” to clarify who is speaking.

6. Use Descriptive Language

Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid descriptions to show the reader what is happening rather than simply telling them.
Sensory Details: Include details that appeal to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste).

7. Revise and Edit

Proofread: Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Consistency: Ensure consistency in tense, point of view, and character details.
Clarity: Make sure your story is clear and understandable.

How to Write a Narrative

Writing a narrative involves telling a story in a way that engages your readers. Here are the steps to help you craft a compelling and well-structured narrative:

Step 1: Understand Your Purpose

Determine the main purpose of your narrative. Are you aiming to entertain, inform, or convey a personal experience? Knowing your purpose will guide the tone and style of your writing.

Step 2: Plan Your Story

Choose a Topic: Select a topic that interests you and is relevant to your audience. It could be a personal experience, a fictional story, or an anecdote.
Introduction: Set the scene and introduce the characters.
Rising Action: Develop the main conflict with a series of events.
Climax: Present the turning point or the most intense moment of the story.
Falling Action: Show the aftermath of the climax.
Resolution: Resolve the conflict and provide closure.

Step 3: Write the Introduction

Start with a Hook: Begin with an engaging sentence that captures the reader’s attention. This could be a surprising fact, a question, or a vivid description.
Set the Scene: Provide background information that helps the reader understand the context of the story. Introduce the main characters and the setting.
State the Purpose: Hint at the main conflict or the central theme of your story.

Step 4: Develop the Rising Action

Build Tension: Introduce the main conflict and create a series of events that build suspense and tension. Each event should lead to the next, escalating the conflict.
Develop Characters: Show the characters’ personalities, motivations, and growth through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with others.

Step 5: Write the Climax

Create a Turning Point: Present the most intense and crucial moment of the story. This is where the main conflict reaches its peak, and the protagonist faces a significant challenge or decision.

Step 6: Write the Falling Action

Show Consequences: Describe the events that follow the climax. Show how the characters deal with the aftermath and start to resolve the conflict.
Begin Resolution: Start wrapping up the story by addressing any remaining issues or loose ends.

Step 7: Write the Resolution

Provide Closure: Resolve the main conflict and provide a satisfying conclusion to the story. Show how the characters have changed or what they have learned.
End with a Final Thought: Leave the reader with a concluding thought or reflection that ties back to the main theme or purpose of the narrative.

Step 8: Revise and Edit

Review Structure: Ensure your narrative has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Check that the events flow logically and that the conflict is effectively developed and resolved.
Enhance Language: Use descriptive language to create vivid images and engage the reader’s senses. Avoid unnecessary details that do not contribute to the story.
Proofread: Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Make sure your writing is clear and concise.

How do I start a narrative?

Begin with a hook to grab the reader’s attention. Introduce the setting, characters, and the main conflict or theme in the opening paragraph.

What is the structure of a narrative?

A narrative typically includes an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This structure helps create a coherent and engaging story.

How can I make my characters believable?

Develop characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and flaws. Show their growth and changes throughout the story through actions, dialogue, and inner thoughts.

What are common themes in narrative writing?

Common themes include love, friendship, betrayal, courage, and personal growth. Choose a theme that resonates with your audience and adds depth to your story.

How do I create suspense in my narrative?

Build suspense by gradually revealing information, using cliffhangers, and developing complex conflicts. Keep readers guessing about what will happen next.

What point of view should I use?

Common points of view are first-person, where the narrator is a character in the story, and third-person, where the narrator is outside the story. Choose based on the story’s needs.

How important is dialogue in a narrative?

Dialogue is crucial as it reveals character traits, advances the plot, and adds realism to the story. Make sure it sounds natural and serves a purpose.

How can I improve my narrative’s pacing?

Vary sentence lengths, use action verbs, and balance detailed descriptions with plot progression. Avoid long, unnecessary scenes that slow down the story.

Can I mix genres in my narrative?

Yes, mixing genres like romance and mystery can add interest and depth to your story. Ensure the blend feels natural and serves the overall narrative.

How do I write a strong ending?

Resolve the main conflict and provide closure for the characters. Aim for an ending that feels satisfying and consistent with the story’s themes and tone.

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30 Sample Of Narrative Essay
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FREE 8+ Sample Narrative Essay Templates in MS Word
Step-by-Step Guide How to Write Narrative Essay (2023 Update)
011 Personal Narrative Essay Example High School Examples And Forms

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COMMENTS

Free Narrative Essay Examples
Narrative Essay Definition. Writing a narrative essay is a unique form of storytelling that revolves around personal experiences, aiming to immerse the reader in the author's world. It's a piece of writing that delves into the depths of thoughts and feelings. In a narrative essay, life experiences take center stage, serving as the main substance of the story. It's a powerful tool for writers ...
How to Write a Narrative Essay
Interactive example of a narrative essay. An example of a short narrative essay, responding to the prompt "Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself," is shown below. Hover over different parts of the text to see how the structure works. Narrative essay example.
3 Great Narrative Essay Examples + Tips for Writing
Narrative essays are less rigid, more creative in expression, and therefore pretty different from most other essays you'll be writing. But not to fear—in this article, we'll be covering what a narrative essay is, how to write a good one, and also analyzing some personal narrative essay examples to show you what a great one looks like.
A Complete Narrative Essay Guide
Purpose: Reach the peak of the story, the moment of highest tension or significance. Elements: Turning Point: Highlight the most crucial moment or realization in the narrative. Example: "As the sun dipped below the horizon and hope seemed lost, a distant sound caught our attention—the rescue team's helicopters.".
20+ Easy Narrative Essay Examples and Writing Tips
Good Narrative Essay Examples for College. College essays are more complex in nature than other academic levels. They require a better understanding of the concept, following a proper writing procedure, and an outline. Although you are to draft a narrative essay for your college assignment, make sure it is professionally written.
Narrative Essay Examples and Key Elements
Before you write your narrative essay, you can get a better idea of what to do with a narrative essay example. See real samples along with essential tips.
Narrative Essay Writing Guide + Examples
The first step in writing a narrative essay is to create an outline. An outline is an important part, and it helps to organize and structure the main ideas. It helps to stay focused and maintain a consistent flow throughout the essay. To help you understand better, we have attached a sample outline of a good essay.
How To Write a Narrative Essay: Guide With Examples
Here are some common types of narrative essays: Personal Narrative Essays: Focus on a personal experience or event from the author's life. Use the first-person perspective to convey the writer's emotions and reflections. Fictional Narrative Essays: Can take many forms, from science fiction and fantasy to adventure and romance.
Narrative Essay
Now that you understand the narrative essay definition, it's time to look at some common topics you may have to write on. Topics for a narrative essay. Narrative essay topics can range from a personal narrative and specific essay topics to loose open-ended prompts. Let's better understand this with the help of a few good narrative essay topics.
What Is a Narrative Essay? Learn How to Write A Narrative Essay With
Not every form of essay writing involves meticulous research. One form in particular—the narrative essay—combines personal storytelling with academic argument. Narrative essay authors illustrate universal lessons in their unique experiences of the world. Below, you'll find some tips to guide in this style of narrative writing. <br> ## What Is a Narrative Essay? Narrative essays make an ...
How to write a narrative essay [Updated 2023]
1. Pick a meaningful story that has a conflict and a clear "moral.". If you're able to choose your own topic, pick a story that has meaning and that reveals how you became the person your are today. In other words, write a narrative with a clear "moral" that you can connect with your main points. 2.
How to Write a Good Narrative Essay: Tips, Examples, & Step-by-Step Guide
The more passionate you will be - the more effective your assignment. Recall your story's details: people and objects, setting, and season. Think about the sequence of events and remember; no detail is too small. Remember: the small details reveal big ideas! Step 1. Choose Your Narrative Essay Topic.
How to Write a Narrative Essay
Narrative essays are generally written in the first-person POV, and are usually about a topic that's personal to the writer. Everything in a narrative essay should take place in an established timeline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. In simplest terms, a narrative essay is a personal story. A narrative essay can be written in ...
5 Narrative Writing Examples
For good narrative essay examples, these application prompts are a great place to start. Take a look at some of the suggestions and then try writing a narrative essay.They usually keep them open-ended so that any student can use them—something like "recall a time when you faced a struggle or challenge, how you were impacted by this, and what you did to overcome it" is typical for this ...
1.7
In a little bit, we'll explore an exercise that can lead directly to this kind of essay structure. Hour 1. 1.1 - Essay essentials. 1.2 - Setting agreements. 1.3 - Warm-up exercises. 1.4 - Essence objects exercise. 1.5 - Values exercise. 1.6 - Two approaches to structuring a college essay. 1.7 - Narrative structure.
Top Narrative Essay Examples To Help You Write Better
A Detailed Analysis of a Narrative Essay. Good narrative essay examples help you to understand how this type of essay is written. They are structured and they tell an engaging story. They follow the usual essay structure and includes: An introduction; A thesis statement; Main body; Conclusion; Generally, there are 5 paragraphs in an essay.
Student Narrative Essay Examples
The following essay, "My College Education" is from Chapter 15.2 - Narrative Essay, Writing for Success, University of Minnesota Libraries. The first class I went to in college was philosophy, and it changed my life forever. Our first assignment was to write a short response paper to the Albert Camus essay "The Myth of Sisyphus.".
Short Narrative Essay
A short narrative essay typically ranges from 500 to 1500 words, aiming to convey a concise and focused story or experience within a limited word count. Narrative essays are designed to express and tell experiences making it an interesting story to share. It has the three basic parts and contains at least five elements.
Narrative Essay Outline
The main body of a narrative essay is the most important part because it tells the whole story. This is where you state the facts, provide examples, give details, and guide the reader through the plot. According to the five paragraphs essay structure, it has three body paragraphs, but it can depend on the length and word count.
How to Write a Narrative Essay (Step-By-Step Guide and Examples)
Regularly, this essay is about five paragraph essay long - one for intro, 3 paragraphs in body and one to sum up your thoughts. Introduction - introduces the story, explains the purpose of the story and attracts reader's attention. Body paragraph #1 - developing action, raising the tension. Body paragraph #2 - the climax of the story.
50 Engaging Narrative Essay Topics for High Schoolers
A good narrative essay will begin with an attention-grabbing opening line. But make sure to avoid common clichés, such as "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.". Instead, come up with something original and specific to you and your situation. For example: "My pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles.
50 Narrative Essay Topics
A weird encounter with a stranger. A random act of kindness. A time that you took a stand for someone or for an issue that you care about. A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didn't. Breaking a bone (or otherwise suffering an injury). Your first time away from home for the night (or longer).
150 Narrative Essay Topics: List of Inspirational Ideas
Interesting Narrative Essay Topics About Challenges Challenges are inevitable, but they also hold the potential for immense growth. Dive into these 15 captivating narrative essay ideas about overcoming obstacles and discovering your inner strength: From Silent to Spotlight: Silencing Stage Fright and Owning the Stage.
Narrative
Returning the dog was bittersweet, but it felt good to reunite it with its family. Narrative Examples in Writing. Narrative writing tells a story by recounting events, experiences, and thoughts in a structured and engaging manner. Here are some examples that illustrate various narrative techniques and elements in writing: 1. Personal Experience ...
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