Students engage with writing narrative essays at some point in their academic life. Typically, such a composition demands more creativity than standard academic works. In this case, people write such essays to provide new aspects to readers by using their lives and experiences. Moreover, they may share their personal feelings on specific themes to strengthen a whole work. In particular, understanding fundamental principles of writing a narrative essay requires authors to be knowledgeable of its definition, format, and rewriting and drafting processes for organizing a basic structure of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Hence, people need to learn how to write a compelling narrative essay, what they can include in their competitions, and what mistakes they should avoid.
General Aspects
In simple words, a narrative essay is an informal type and form of writing that talks about author’s personal experiences. Basically, narrative writing is a unique style and form of writing that tells a story by presenting a chronological order of events, often from a personal perspective, with a clear structure and engaging details to convey a specific theme or message. Moreover, people use their lives as a means to establish a specific argument and persuade in intended audience. Futher on, this form of essay does not require external sources and lacks a reference list. In most cases, people organize their works in a first-person narration perspective. Hence, a basic purpose of narrative writing is to tell stories to a particular audience. Besides the general rules of essay writing, an author has much freedom over particular language, format, and content of an entire narrative.
What Is a Narrative Essay and Its Purpose
According to its definition, a narrative essay is a writing form of storytelling that allows an author to share personal experiences in a structured manner. Unlike other essays that focus on arguments or analyses, such a composition centers around a clear order of experiences, events, characters, and settings from a person’s point of view (Fusillo et al., 2022). As such, the main purpose of writing a narrative essay is to share a meaningful story and illustrate an author’s perspective or insights gained from a specific experience. Moreover, through descriptive language and emotional appeal, this writing type seeks to connect with a reader on a personal level, evoke emotions, offer new perspectives, and leave a lasting impression, encouraging readers to think deeply about a unique story and its broader implications (Mentan, 2022). In terms of pages and words, the length of a narrative essay depends on academic levels and purposes of writing, while general guidelines are:
High School
- Length: 1-3 pages
- Word Count: 250-750 words
College
- Length: 2-4 pages
- Word Count: 500-1,000 words
University
- Length: 3-6 pages
- Word Count: 750-1,500 words
Master’s
- Length: 4-8 pages
- Word Count: 1,000-2,000 words
Ph.D.
- Length: 8-12+ pages
- Word Count: 2,000-3,000+ words
Format
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Title | Include a concise, engaging title and give a hint of a narrative essay’s content or theme. |
| Introduction | Start with a hook to grab a reader’s attention (a quote, question, anecdote, or vivid description). |
| Provide background information to set a unique scene and introduce key characters or settings. | |
| End with a thesis statement that hints at a main point or theme of a whole paper. | |
| Body Paragraph 1 | Describe the beginning of a suggested story. |
| Introduce a specific setting and main characters. | |
| Use vivid descriptions, examples of experiences, and sensory details to immerse a reader. | |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Continue a story, focusing on main events or conflicts. |
| Show character development and interactions. | |
| Include dialogue and actions to advance an entire plot. | |
| Body Paragraph 3 | Describe a climax or turning point of a given story. |
| Highlight the most intense or critical moment. | |
| Ensure a provided climax is clearly connected to a central theme or main point. | |
| Body Paragraphs 4+ | Discuss a falling action and resolution. |
| Show how a specific conflict is resolved or how a story concludes. | |
| Reflect on an actual significance of discussed events. | |
| Write anything important to a particular story in as many paragraphs as needed to present a well-structured narrative essay. | |
| Conclusion | Summarize main events or points of a whole story. |
| Restate a central thesis in light of a story’s conclusion. | |
| Reflect on broader implications or lessons learned. | |
| Leave readers with a final thought or impression. | |
| Language & Style | Use a personal, engaging tone suitable for storytelling. |
| Incorporate dialogue, descriptive language, and vivid imagery. | |
| Maintain a clear and consistent point of view, usually first-person. | |
| Transitions | Use smooth transitions between paragraphs. |
| Ensure a whole composition flows logically and seamlessly. | |
| Theme/Message | Ensure a clear underlying message or theme is woven throughout a complete paper. |
| Highlight a chosen theme subtly in a body section and explicitly in a conclusion part to give an entire story deeper meaning. |
Note: Some sections of a narrative essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on what authors want to share with their readers. For example, a standard writing format of a narrative essay includes an engaging introduction with a hook and thesis, body paragraphs that detail a unique story with vivid descriptions and dialogue, and a reflective conclusion that underscores a paper’s main message (Sawyer, 2020). Basically, the five main parts of a narrative essay are an introduction, setting, characters, plot, and conclusion. In this case, people write a narrative essay when they need to tell a unique story about a personal experience or event to convey a particular theme or insight. Further on, a narrative essay tells a specific and unique story with a clear sequence of events and a personal perspective, while a descriptive essay focuses on vividly describing a person, place, or thing to create a detailed sensory experience for a reader (Mentan, 2022). In turn, to start a narrative essay, people begin with a compelling hook, such as an interesting quote, question, or vivid description, to capture a reader’s attention and set a unique stage for their stories. As such, writing a good narrative essay effectively combines engaging storytelling with vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and a clear, meaningful theme or message.
Topic Examples
The five main steps to writing a narrative essay include choosing a meaningful topic, outlining a story’s structure, organizing an engaging introduction, developing a body with vivid details and dialogue, and concluding with a reflective ending. For example, to come up with a good topic for writing an effective narrative essay, people reflect on personal experiences that had a significant impact on them or taught them a valuable lesson (Sawyer, 2020). As such, some examples of topics include:
- Delving Into the Enigma of Alternate Universes: A Hypothetical Journey
- Surviving the Harsh Realm of the Alaskan Wilderness
- A Life-Changing Journey to a Foreign Country
- The Day I Overcame My Greatest Fear
- An Unexpected Act of Kindness from a Stranger
- The Moment I Realized What I Wanted to Do in Life
- A Childhood Memory That Shaped Who I Am Today
- The Most Challenging Day of My Academic Career
- An Adventure in Nature That Taught Me About Resilience
- The Impact of a Mentor Who Changed My Perspective
- A Time When I Stood Up for What I Believed In
- A Family Tradition That Holds Special Meaning
- The First Time I Experienced Failure and What I Learned
- A Cultural Festival That Left a Lasting Impression
- An Unforgettable Encounter with Wildlife
- The Day I Made a Life-Altering Decision
- How a Hobby Turned Into a Passion
- The Struggle of Moving to a New City and Finding My Place
- An Unexpected Friendship That Changed My Life
- A Personal Achievement I Am Proud Of
- The Experience of Volunteering and Helping Others
- How a Book or Movie Influenced My Outlook on Life
Steps on How to Write a Narrative Essay
To write a narrative essay, people craft a compelling story with a clear structure, including an engaging introduction with a central thesis statement, detailed body paragraphs with vivid descriptions and dialogue, and a reflective conclusion. For example, a good essay may be developed if an author comprehends underlying concepts regarding narrative writing (Dahlstrom, 2014). Firstly, authors must know a clear definition of a narrative essay and its purpose before starting such a composition. In writing, this information makes them aware of audience’s expectations and its content. Secondly, people should be aware of basic rules for introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs, including prewriting and drafting processes. In turn, such papers require much practice in writing. As such, basic steps for writing a good narrative essay include:
- Choose a Topic: Select a meaningful and engaging topic with a clear story to tell.
- Brainstorm: Jot down key events, characters, and settings related to your topic.
- Outline a Story: Create a structured outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Write a Hook: Start with an interesting and captivating hook to get a reader’s attention immediately.
- Set a Scene: Provide background information to establish a unique context and introduce main characters.
- Develop a Plot: Write body paragraphs focusing on a strict sequence of events, including a climax and resolution.
- Use Descriptive Language: Employ vivid descriptions and sensory details to make a complete story come alive.
- Include Dialogue: Integrate dialogue to reveal character interactions and advance an entire plot.
- Conclude With Reflection: End with a conclusion that reflects on an actual significance of a given story and reiterates a main message.
- Revise and Edit: Review and refine a narrative essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
Prewriting Process
Prewriting is a critical step in narrative writing. Basically, brainstorming is done to create an inventory of information concerning an essay’s topic and may be achieved through various activities, for example, free writing, clustering, subject trees, lists, or essay outlines. In turn, this prewriting process is vital for generating a particular content because it allows authors to identify all the ideas they may want to include in their essays (Herbert et al., 2019). Besides, people write such papers on specific topics while covering a particular identification of best experiences, memories, or conversations suitable for persuasion purposes. Ideally, an author’s opinion on a topic is based on writing about cumulative experiences. However, people must identify one or two events and include them in their narratives. As such, brainstorming and research may be done simultaneously.
Drafting an Introduction
Drafting a narrative essay begins with writing an introduction paragraph. In particular, people organize an introduction paragraph by covering three main features: a definition of a specific topic or concept, an explanation of its relevance, and a thesis statement (Mentan, 2022). Basically, an opening section announces a unique topic to an intended audience. Further on, people describe a concept’s relevance, establishing a particular context for a central thesis statement and the rest of a paper. Finally, a thesis statement defines a main debatable claim, which an author intends to defend in body paragraphs (D’Souza, 2021). Mainly, writing an introduction paragraph is designed to capture a target audience’s attention and give them a reason to read the rest of an entire composition. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a narrative essay are:
- It was a moment I will never forget, when an unexpected situation happened and changed everything I thought I knew about … .
- As I saw that horizon, I found myself reflecting on specific events that had led me to this very moment … .
- I had always wondered what it would be like to embark on an adventure completely out of my comfort zone, and, that day, I finally decided to … .
- My day started like any other, with its usual routine, but little did I know that a surprising twist of fate was about to occur when … .
- When I first heard the news, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me, knowing that life as I knew it was about to change dramatically because … .
- In the midst of chaos, there was one thing that stood out to me above all else, a moment of clarity and realization of … .
- Every summer, my family and I would pack our bags and head to the same quaint beach town, but this particular trip would be different because … .
- The old house at the end of the street had always been shrouded in mystery and rumor, and, on that fateful evening, I decided to uncover its secrets by … .
- It was a chilly morning in November when I received the letter that would set me on a path I had never anticipated, leading to … .
- Standing at the edge of the cliff, with the wind howling around me and the ocean crashing below, I could see a particular culmination of my journey and corresponding choices that brought me here … .
Writing Body and Conclusion Paragraphs
Body and conclusion sections represent the most substantial portion of a narrative essay. For instance, body paragraphs should contain a detailed explanation of a single event or experience that supports a main thesis statement (Sawyer, 2020). Moreover, all paragraphs in a narrative essay conform to a traditional paragraph structure. In turn, a conclusion paragraph marks a logical end of an entire story. Basically, this last paragraph consists of a restatement of a central thesis statement, a review of main points, and a closing statement that summarises an entire paper. As such, this paragraph is an exact opposite of an introduction. To end a narrative essay, people provide a reflective conclusion that highlights an actual significance of a whole story, ties back to a central thesis, and leaves a reader with a lasting impression or insight (Mentan, 2022). Finally, a particular persuasion tone must be accomplished within body and conclusion sections.
What to Include
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensory Details | Use descriptions and appeals to deep senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) to create vivid imagery. |
| Personal Examples | Incorporate personal stories or experiences to make a narrative essay authentic and relatable. |
| Emotional Responses | Express feelings and emotions to connect with a reader on a deeper level. |
| Character Development | Show how characters change or grow throughout an entire story. |
| Descriptive Language | Use metaphors, similes, and detailed descriptions to enhance a paper. |
| Dialogue | Include conversations between characters to add realism and advance a given plot. |
| Reflections | Reflect on specific events and their impact, providing insight or a lesson learned. |
| Conflict and Tension | Introduce conflicts or challenges to create suspense and interest. |
| Chronological Order | Present events in a logical sequence to maintain clarity and coherence. |
| Significant Moments | Highlight key events crucial to a narrative and its overall message. |
Common Mistakes
- Lack of a Clear Theme: Failing to convey a central message or purpose, which means a narrative essay lacks a unique soul.
- Weak Introduction: Starting with a dull or unengaging opening that fails to capture a reader’s interest.
- Inconsistent Point of View: Switching perspectives abruptly, confusing readers about who is telling a presented story.
- Overloading With Details: Including too many unnecessary details that make its reading absurd.
- Poor Organization: Presenting events in a disjointed or non-chronological order without clear transitions.
- Flat Characters: Failing to develop characters fully, making them seem one-dimensional and unrelatable.
- Lack of Dialogue: Neglecting to use dialogue to reveal character interactions and advance an entire plot.
- Weak Climax: Writing a climax that lacks intensity or fails to serve as a turning point in a presented story.
- Rushed Conclusion: Ending a narrative abruptly without providing a satisfying resolution or reflection.
- Ignoring Grammar and Punctuation: Overlooking grammatical errors and incorrect punctuation, which can distract and confuse readers.
Summing Up
A narrative essay involves telling a unique story based on personal experiences, with a specific aim of engaging a reader through vivid descriptions, characters, and events. Basically, its structure usually includes an introduction with a hook and thesis, body paragraphs that detail a good story and build toward a climax, and a conclusion that reflects on an actual significance of a presented story. In turn, prewriting and drafting are crucial steps to organize thoughts and ensure a complete paper has a clear message and smooth flow. As such, a particular emphasis is on creativity and personal expression rather than external research.
References
Dahlstrom, M. F. (2014). Using narratives and storytelling to communicate science with nonexpert audiences. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(4), 13614–13620. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1320645111
D’Souza, R. (2021). What characterises creativity in narrative writing, and how do we assess it? Research findings from a systematic literature search. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 42, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100949
Fusillo, M., Simonetti, G., & Marchese, L. (2022). Thinking narratively between novel-essay and narrative essay. De Gruyter.
Herbert, K. E., Massey-Garrison, A., & Geva, E. (2019). A developmental examination of narrative writing in El and EL1 school children who are typical readers, poor decoders, or poor comprehenders. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 53(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219419881625
Mentan, E. T. (2022). English essay writing handbook. Authors’ Tranquility Press.
Sawyer, E. (2020). College admission essentials: A step-by-step guide to showing colleges who you are and what matters to you. Sourcebooks.