Narrative Writing
Think and Share
What are some examples of narrative writing?
What are strategies that writers use in a
narrative? What strategies do you use?
Why might a person choose to write a
narrative?
*Be ready to share with the class!
What is Narrative Writing?
● A narrative is a story containing specific
elements that work together to create interest
for not only the author but also the reader.
● This type of writing makes the reader feel as if
he or she were part of the story, as if it was
being told directly to him or her.
Writing a Narrative
➔The first important thing to remember about a
narrative essay is that it tells a story. The
author may write about:
◆ an experience or event from his or her past
◆ a recent or an ongoing experience or event
◆ something that happened to somebody else, such
as a parent or a grandparent
Writing a Narrative: PLOT
●Remember the Elements of Fiction
●Narratives should an have exposition, rising
action, climax, falling action & resolution
●Narratives need a compelling conflict
Writing a Narrative: Characters
•Characters, real or imaginative, should be
brought to life through the narrative.
•If a character is not described well, the story
will not be believable.
Writing a Narrative
➔A narrative takes a moment and completely
EXPANDS it. ZOOM in on ONE moment.
◆Show, DO NOT tell!!
◆Don’t be obvious!!!
➔Examples?
Writing a Narrative
➔The writing in a narrative essay should be
lively and interesting.
➔Engage the reader's interest by adding
details or personal observations.
➔Use descriptive language (verbs, adjectives,
and adverbs)
Strategies for Narrative Writing
1. MAGIC THREE: Three groups of words,
usually separated by commas, that create a
poetic rhythm or add support for a point
◆ex: My dog was my best friend, my partner-incrime, my companion.
ex: I love food. I love to eat food, to cook food, and
to learn about food.
Note: When using “threes”, the words stay
consistent within the list (e.g. “my” “to”)
Strategies for Narrative Writing
2. FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE: Comparisons,
word choice, and strategies that add “spice” to
writing by painting a vivid picture for the
reader
◆metaphors, similes, personification, imagery
◆ex: He was pacing the room, as if waiting for the
President.
◆ex: The wind slapped her cheek as she ran through
the empty park.
Strategies for Narrative Writing
3. SPECIFIC DETAILS for EFFECT: Instead of general,
vague descriptions, specific sensory details help the reader
visualize the person, place, or thing you are describing
◆ appeal to the senses
◆ be as specific as possible within the moment
4. REPETITION for EFFECT: Repeat specifically chosen
word/phrases to make a point, stress certain ideas for the
readers
◆ ex: The rain poured. The rain drenched. The rain destroyed.
Strategies for Narrative Writing
5. EXPANDED MOMENT: Instead of
“speeding” past a moment, emphasize and
expand upon a specific action.
◆Ex: Instead of discussing the first day of school,
focus on the action of the very first period of the day
6. HUMOR: Laughter is powerful, even if subtle
◆Don’t force it
Strategies for Narrative Writing
7.HYPHENATED MODIFIERS: hyphenated
words often cause the reader to take notice
ex: Sally, the girl-wh0-must-always-be-correct, kept trying to show off
in class.
ex: Voldemort=He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named
8.FULL-CIRCLE ENDING: Wrap-up endings;
close by repeating a phrase or anecdote you
began with
Narrative Writing: Style
● The figurative language (similes, metaphors, etc.),
sensory imagery, vivid verbs, strong sentences,
dialogue, and point of view that makes each author
unique.
● Every student has his/her own style and technique.
Although we have the same topic, everyone will write
differently.
● You still need to follow the rules of writing: spelling,
capitalization, grammar, punctuation!!
Let’s Practice!
Finish one of the following sentences and
create a mini-narrative:
1.I fell asleep on the bus ride home. When I woke
up....
2.Even though the sky was dark and cloudy, I
decided to…
3.I knew I would probably be grounded, so I...