Handout: Writing a Narrative Essay
Introduction:
A narrative essay is a form of writing that tells a story. It is a personal account of an event,
experience, or happening that took place in your life. Narrative essays allow students to
express themselves in a creative and moving way. In this handout, we will discuss the
different aspects of writing a narrative essay.
Aspects of a Narrative Essay:
Structure:
A narrative essay has a structure like a story. It should have an introduction, plot, characters,
setting, climax, and conclusion. The introduction should provide a brief overview of what the
essay is about. The plot is the sequence of events that take place in the essay. The characters
are the people involved in the story. The setting is the time and place in which the events
occurred. The climax is the point of highest tension in the essay. And finally, the conclusion
is where the story comes to an end.
Example:
Introduction: I will never forget the day my grandmother passed away.
Plot: My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and became progressively weaker.
One day, she passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Characters: My grandmother, my family members, and myself.
Setting: Our family home.
Climax: The moment my grandmother took her last breath.
Conclusion: We said our final goodbyes to her and laid her to rest.
Purpose:
A narrative essay should have a purpose or a point. The essay should make a point that the
reader can understand. If there is no point to what you are narrating, why narrate it at all?
The point of the narrative should be clear and evident.
Example: The purpose of my narrative essay is to share my experience of losing my
grandmother and the impact it had on my life.
Point of View:
The narrative essay can be written from any point of view, but it should be written from a
clear point of view. It is common for narrative essays to be written from the author's
standpoint, but it is not the only perspective to be considered. Creativity in narrative essays
often manifests itself in the form of authorial perspective.
Example: I wrote my narrative essay from my own point of view as the granddaughter of my
grandmother.
Language:
Narrative essays are effective when the language is carefully chosen. Use specific language
to evoke specific emotions and senses in the reader. The language should be clear and
concise, and should not leave the reader guessing about the purpose of the narrative.
Example: I used vivid and descriptive language in my essay to help the reader understand the
emotions and experiences I went through when my grandmother passed away.
First Person:
The use of the first person pronoun 'I' is welcome in narrative essays. It allows the reader to
connect with the author and understand their point of view. However, it should not be
overused, as it may lead to unclear diction.
Example: I used the first person pronoun 'I' in my essay to share my personal experience of
losing my grandmother.
Organization:
A narrative essay should be organized in a clear and concise manner. The introduction should
set the tone for the rest of the essay. The plot should be presented in a logical sequence, with
a clear climax and conclusion. The essay should guide the reader in the direction that the
author wants, and should not leave the reader guessing.
Example: I organized my essay in a clear and concise manner, with a clear introduction, plot,
climax, and conclusion that helped guide the reader through my experience of losing my
grandmother.
Conclusion:
Writing a narrative essay can be a powerful way to express yourself and share your
experiences with others. By following the guidelines provided in this handout, you can create
a compelling and moving narrative essay that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.
Remember to choose a topic that is meaningful to you and that you can write about with
passion and authenticity. Your narrative essay should tell a story that is personal and reflects
your unique experiences and perspectives.
To help you get started, here is an example of a narrative essay:
Title: The Day I Overcame My Fear of Heights
Introduction: The sun was shining and the birds were chirping as I stood at the base of the
tall, imposing climbing wall. I had always been afraid of heights, but I was determined to
conquer my fear.
Plot: With sweaty palms and shaky legs, I started to climb. Every move was a challenge, and
I had to push myself to keep going. As I got higher and higher, my fear started to fade away.
I began to focus on the task at hand, and I found myself getting lost in the moment.
Characters: The other climbers around me were cheering me on, and I felt a sense of
camaraderie with them. Even though we were all competing against each other, we were
also supporting each other in our individual journeys.
Setting: The climbing gym was loud and chaotic, with people shouting and music blaring.
But in that moment, I was focused solely on the wall in front of me.
Climax: I reached the top of the wall, and a rush of exhilaration washed over me. I had done
it. I had conquered my fear.
Conclusion: As I descended back down to the ground, I felt a sense of pride and
accomplishment that I had never felt before. I realized that by facing my fear head-on, I had
discovered a newfound confidence in myself.
Explanation:
The example narrative essay follows the guidelines provided in the handout. It includes an
introduction that sets the scene, a plot that follows the protagonist's journey of overcoming
their fear of heights, characters that provide support and encouragement, and a climax that
represents the moment of triumph. The setting is described vividly, allowing the reader to
visualize the scene. Additionally, the language used is clear and concise, and the essay is
organized in a logical and coherent manner.
In conclusion, a narrative essay is a powerful way to express oneself and tell a personal story.
By following the guidelines provided in this handout and using the example as a guide,
students can create a narrative essay that is compelling, moving, and memorable.