outline for narrative essay

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

Crafting a Winning Narrative Essay Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Narrative Essays

A narrative essay is a short story with a central theme that revolves around it. It's typically told from the perspective of the author, and specific sensory details are included to pique the reader's interest in the story.

Unlike other types of essays , a narrative essay revolves around a central theme or event, making it an engaging and often emotionally charged piece of work.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays typically are composed in the form of a narrative and rely on personal experiences. This format is used in storytelling, as was stated previously. The following are the five components of a narrative essay:

Plot: The main event of the story.
Character: People involved in your play.
Setting: Timeline of the events.
Conflict: The challenges the characters face.
Theme: The moral of the story

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Narrative Essay Outline Sample

Here is a narrative essay outline template, let’s take a look:

Steps to Write a Narrative Essay Outline

Writing a narrative essay is much easier than any other type of essay. It doesn’t follow a set of essay writing rules, and it gives you freedom of expression. You can write an essay that reflects your stories in your own style.

All you have to do is to follow a typical structure which is consist of 3 essential parts:

Introduction

Let’s dive into the steps of creating a perfect narrative essay outline:

Step 1: Brainstorming

Reflect on Personal Experiences: Think about your life experiences, both significant and everyday moments, that could serve as the basis for a narrative essay.
Gather Good Ideas: Jot down key events, emotions, or lessons learned that stand out in your memory.
Choose a Central Theme: Identify a central theme or message that you want to convey through your narrative.

Step 2: Selecting a Topic

Relevance: Ensure the chosen topic is relevant to the central theme and purpose of your narrative among different types of narrative.
Engagement: Select a topic that will gain your readers attention and keep them interested throughout your essay.
Significance: Consider the significance of the chosen topic in your life and its potential impact on your audience.

Step 3: Developing a Thesis Statement

Clarity: Create a clear and concise thesis statement that conveys the main message or lesson you want to share.
Alignment: Ensure the thesis aligns with the central theme and purpose of your narrative.
Guidance: Your thesis statement should guide both your writing process and your readers' understanding of your narrative.

Step 4: Write Introduction

Your introduction should catch the readers’ interest immediately. Here are the three main components of introduction:

Hook: Start with a captivating hook that intrigues your readers. It could be an anecdote, a rhetorical question, or a surprising fact.
Scene Setting: Provide background information to set the scene and establish the context for your narrative.
Thesis Statement: Present your thesis statement clearly, giving readers a preview of the central message and the journey they are about to embark on.

Step 5: Body Paragraphs

The body is the section where you present your story’s details, share facts and guide readers through the plot. Here are the essential elements that should be included in each body paragraph:

Topic Sentence
Vivid description
Characters involved
Chronological order

Let’s discuss these elements briefly:

Vivid Description: A narrative essay is all about setting up a scene. Hence, make sure you provide a vivid description of the event that paints a picture in the readers’ minds. The vivid description will help you take the reader to the actual happening of the event.
Dialogues: Usage of dialogues helps you present your story in an effective way. Dialogues give life to the story and support the story’s atmosphere.
Characters Involved: The characters are the people acting or behaving in the story. Incorporate all the characters that are involved in your story. Provide their detailed description and what role they have played in your story.
Chronological Order: As you are telling a story, it should be in the same order as the actual happening of the event. Start telling your story from the beginning and work through the end. Write your story in a proper sequence to keep your essay organized.
Climax: The climax is the breaking point of the story, and it requires a detailed description. Include all the real emotion that engages the readers’ five senses, i.e. smell, sight, touch, hear, and taste. Don’t exaggerate and stray from the truth and provide the actual and accurate climax.

Step 6: Conclusion Section

The essay conclusion is the final part, and it provides the final outcome of the story. It bears the same importance as the introduction paragraph.

The conclusion paragraph should contain the following elements:

The moral of the story
The lesson that you have learned from the story (if any)
A call to action (if required)

Step 7: Transition Sentences

Use transition sentences between each section of your narrative essay to ensure a smooth and logical flow from one point to the next. These sentences help readers navigate through your story without feeling lost or disconnected.

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Narrative Essay Outline Format

Here are general formatting rules for a narrative essay outline:

Organizational Structure: Ensure your outline follows the standard structure of a narrative essay, which includes Introduction, Body, and Conclusion sections.
Font and Size: Use a clear and easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size for consistency and readability.
Spacing: Double-space your outline. This enhances readability and makes it easier to distinguish different sections.
Text Alignment: Align your text to the left. This maintains a neat and organized appearance.
Margin Consistency: Keep consistent margins throughout your outline for a professional and well-structured presentation.
Formatting Guidelines: Follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution, which may include APA , MLA , Chicago , or other style requirements.
Section Labeling: Number or label each section in your outline to ensure clarity and organization, making it easy for readers to follow the structure of your narrative essay

Narrative Essay Examples Outlines

In this section, we offer a selection of PDF narrative essay outline examples. These samples provide practical templates and inspiration for crafting well-structured narrative essay outlines.

College Narrative Essay Outline Template

Narrative Essay Outline High School

Narrative Essay Outline Middle School

Narrative Essay Outline Worksheet

5 Paragraph Narrative Essay Outline

Descriptive Narrative Essay Outline

Literacy Narrative Essay Outline

Reflective Narrative Essay Outline

Personal Narrative Essay Outline Examples

Looking for narrative essay samples to spark your inspiration? Dive into our narrative essay examples blog and explore a wide range of narrative essays!

In summary, crafting a strong narrative essay outline is a vital skill for all writers. A well-structured outline is the backbone of your narrative, guiding your writing and captivating your audience. With the knowledge and step-by-step guide shared here, you can now create a narrative essay outline that is no less than perfect.

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Narrative Essay Outline
How to Write an Essay Outline: Full Guide With Examples

Narrative essay outline toolkit, how to write an outline for an informative essay, once you are done with these steps, this is what your structure will look like, introduction.

The dense, vibrant Amazon Rainforest was calling my name, promising an adventure of a lifetime
Describe the allure of the Amazon and your decision to embark on this journey

My trek through the Amazon Rainforest was a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective on nature and life.

Preparing for the Trek

Share your initial excitement and anticipation, and discuss the preparations, including research, vaccinations, and physical training.
Describe the moment of departure and the first steps into the rainforest.

Immersion in the Amazon's Natural Beauty

Paint a vivid picture of the rainforest's lush beauty and diverse flora and fauna
Reflect on how the rainforest's biodiversity impacted your perspective

Transformation and Personal Growth

Reflect on how the journey changed you, both physically and emotionally
Share how the trek through the Amazon reshaped your perspective on life and its priorities
Reiterate the thesis statement, emphasizing the transformative nature of your Amazon adventure
Conclude with a reflection on the lasting impact of this life-altering journey and how it continues to shape your life

This is what your outline will look like

Firstly, the essay will elaborate on my initial excitement and preparations for the trek. After that, the essay will move on to my experience of the Amazon forest by highlighting its diverse flora and fauna, and how that impacted my perspective. Lastly, the essay will highlight my personal growth by emphasizing changes both emotionally and physically.

1. Identify the topic

The initial step in crafting an outline for a narrative essay is to pinpoint the central theme around which your story will revolve. Essentially, you need to define what your essay will be about, offering readers a clear glimpse into the narrative's core.

If you are writing an essay on your self-growth through an adventure, your topic can be “My Trek through the Amazon Rainforest”

2. Define the objective

Once you've established your topic, the subsequent step involves clarifying the purpose of your narrative essay. The objective here is to meld conventional storytelling techniques, like theme, conflict, and irony, into a uniquely personal narrative that offers readers insight into your character and experiences.

If your objective is to narrate and tell a story, you can state, “The aim of the essay is to provide an insight into my trip to Amazon, and how it transformed my perspective on nature and life”

3. Craft the thesis

This section of your outline is dedicated to fashioning the central argument, or thesis statement , for your narrative essay. In a narrative essay, the thesis statement should summarize the ultimate lesson or moral of your story.

Continuing the example, your thesis statement for the topic could be, “My trek through the Amazon Rainforest was a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective on nature and life.”

4. Main points

Now, it's time to chart the course for your essay by outlining the key components. Narrative text structure encompasses story elements such as setting, characters, conflict, plot (including rising action, climax, falling action), resolution, and the lessons learned.

5. Sub-points

After introducing the main points of your narrative essay, the next step involves delving into each of these points, substantiated by relevant examples. In this section, you will explicitly outline the sub-points to be discussed and specify the examples that will reinforce your arguments.

Share how the trek through the Amazon reshaped your perspective on life and its priorities.

All will be explained with examples and backed with statistical data.

6. Evidence and citations

While narrative essays are personal in nature, it's essential to cite information, examples, quotes, and data that support your arguments. This adds credibility to your narrative and connects it to a broader context.

You can cite examples of other people who had such experiences. Also, you support your learning by relating it to a research paper on self-growth and development

7. Introduction and hook

A hook and introduction serves the purpose of capturing the reader's attention and drawing them into your narrative. A personal story or anecdote can be a powerful hook for a narrative essay, as it engages readers on a personal level.

You can start the introduction with an anecdote to create a hook like “The dense, vibrant Amazon Rainforest was calling my name, promising an adventure of a lifetime”. Then you can continue to explain the journey as a whole by highlighting your decision to embark on the journey, and the feels of the adventure itself.

8. Conclusion

After you've presented your key points, it's time to conclude your narrative essay. In this section, you'll summarize the main ideas by briefly revisiting the events or insights from your journey. You can also reflect deeply on what you've learned or observed.

In the conclusion, you will Reiterate the thesis statement, emphasizing the transformative nature of your Amazon adventure, and then summarize key points you made in the essay.

9. Transitions

Transition words play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless flow of your writing, facilitating smooth transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and topics. Timeline transitions are usually used in a narrative essay, that are able to convey a series of events in a certain order.

In your narrative essay, you can use words like “meanwhile”, and “subsequently”, etc. to transition from a concept, idea, or sentence to another.

10. Refine and review

With your outline now complete, take a moment to revisit it, ensuring it maintains logical coherence and comprehensiveness. Make any necessary revisions as you review, ensuring that each point flows logically, and that you've included all the necessary information without introducing extraneous details.

Finally, during the review, you will need to ensure that each point flows logically and you have included all the necessary information and didn’t add any extra points.

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Detailed Guide on How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline with Tips

Post on October 21, 2023
By Oliver Jack

Are you interested in taking your audience on a journey through your storytelling? Or perhaps you've been assigned a narrative essay and aren't quite sure where to begin? Crafting a compelling narrative essay outline is the key to unlocking your storytelling potential. This blog by WriteEssayToday explains how to create a narrative essay outline , including helpful advice and a real-world example. Here you'll discover:

What is a Narrative Essay?

What Should You Do Before Writing Your Outline?
How To Structure Your Outline Of Narrative Essay

Tips For A Flawless Narrative Essay Outline

Narrative Essay Outline Example And Template

Together, let's create a narrative outline that has a lasting impact

A narrative essay is a brief story with a revolving central idea. You can explore emotions, share personal experiences, and demonstrate your storytelling skills. But how do you get started? Crafting a stellar narrative essay outline is the key to ensuring your narrative flows seamlessly.

What Makes a Narrative Essay Unique

Storytelling is unique, in all forms of presentation. They provide a forum for exchanging insights, tales, and emotions. Unlike informative writing, narrative aims to engage readers in the author’s world. These stories establish a close connection with the viewer by using a first-person point of view and adopting a voice.

What do you need to do before writing your outline?

Before you start planning your story, it’s important to complete a few important steps that will prepare the ground for it. These early actions include:

Think about memorable experiences.
Consider the mood and characters.
Develop character personality and quirks.
Imagine and describe vivid situations.
Communicate the emotions involved.
Plan the structure of your story.
Gather the right things.
Prioritize fat writing before perfection.

What Makes a Good Narrative Outline? & How to Structure One

Consider your narrative essay outline as the blueprint for your masterpiece. It ensures your story develops logically and keeps your readers interested from beginning to end. Let's get into the elements of a well-crafted narrative essay outline:

1. Hook Your Audience

This is the first step and perhaps most important one. The introduction is your chance to grab your reader's attention. Engage their curiosity with a captivating hook. You can use a quote, a question, or even a startling fact. Make sure your introduction sets the stage for the story you're about to tell.

2. Setting the Scene – Where and When

Make a background for your story in this section. Talk about a crowded metropolis, a sandy beach, or a dark wilderness. Your readers will experience being present with you. Use familiar materials to give your surroundings life.

3. Introduce the Characters – The Heart of the Tale

Your characters are the heart of your story. Whether you’re on a road trip with your best friend, or a mysterious stranger you meet overseas, present them in a way that makes your readers care about their trip. Create a connection by showcasing their personalities, quirks and emotions.

4. The Climax – The Moment of Truth

The ending is where your story reaches its conclusion. It's a moment that builds to every, "Aha!" or "Uh-oh!" second. Here, enthusiasm and feelings of excitement are at their highest. Make this part memorable by using verbs that have obvious action and description.

5. Conclusion – Wrapping it Up

In conclusion, tie up the loose ends of your narrative. Think about the journey you took the reader on and what you learned or gained from the experience. Leave readers with something to think about, a text or a thought-provoking question.

Keep it Personal and Authentic

Your narrative essay tells your story, so be sure to be yourself. Be genuine, and don't be afraid to express your honest feelings. Your readers will identify with this authenticity, which will strengthen the narrative's impact.

Show, Don't Tell

Show your readers the actions and feelings rather of only reporting the facts. Create rich picture by using descriptive words, metaphors, and similes. Allow your readers to see the narrative from your perspective.

Embrace the Power of Dialogue

Dialogue is a fantastic tool for breathing life into your narrative. It gives the narrative more realism by letting your characters talk for themselves. Use dialogue tags to ensure that the interaction is clear and interesting.

It is sometimes a bit tricky to make your outline. This is why students often seek expert assistance. It is one of the advantages of Using Essay Writing Services that students learn more quickly.

Narrative Essay Template

The final thoughts.

Narrative essays are unique since they are storytellers, emotional experiences, and personal journeys. With a strong narrative essay outline as your guide, you can write a captivating story that grips your audience and leaves a lasting impact. So begin your fictional adventure right now.

And, if you ever need help creating a narrative essay outline, don't hesitate to contact WriteEssayToday . Our expert narrative essay writers are here to help you through the writing process and ensure that your stories stand out. After all, their blog is a showcase for their narrative skills. So, channel your inner storyteller and let your stories shine.

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How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step

Essay writing comes in various styles, many of which do not demand extensive research. One such style is the narrative essay, which combines personal storytelling with academic reflection. Unlike other essay types, narrative essays are not bound by strict requirements or the need for a bibliography. They feature a more flexible structure, creative language, and a singular focus: to tell a story.

This genre provides a special opportunity for writers to connect with readers on a personal level. By sharing personal experiences and reflections, authors engage their audience emotionally while imparting meaningful messages or lessons. In the sections that follow, our custom term paper writing experts will delve into different aspects of narrative writing, from selecting a topic to structuring your essay effectively.

What Is a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay, as the name suggests, is characterized by the presence of a narrative. Unlike argumentative essays, which present and defend a position, or analytical essays, which dissect another text, narrative essays tell a coherent story. Their goal is to convey a point or impart a lesson through personal experiences. These essays are frequently assigned in high school and for college admissions.

An effective narrative essay generally follows a chronological sequence of events and exhibits three main traits:

Centers on one main idea.
Utilizes specific details to illustrate that idea.
Adheres to a clear sequence of events.

Structurally, a narrative essay resembles short stories, featuring vivid descriptions, plots, characters, and discussions. However, there are key differences. These essays focus on a central theme or argument and conclude decisively, whereas short stories often leave readers with a more abstract moral or message.

A narrative essay is typically written in the first person and follows a standard format with an introduction, body, and conclusion. In contrast, short stories can adopt various formats and may not adhere to the same structured approach.

What is the Purpose of a Narrative Essay

No matter what you write — fiction, non-fiction, memoir, biography — grasping narrative writing helps you connect with your reader, giving them a glimpse of your world. Here, we outline its key purposes:

Academic Assignments: They fulfill requirements for school assignments, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and creativity.
Self-Reflection: As a key purpose of a narrative essay, this type of writing enables individuals to reflect on personal achievements or significant events, fostering introspection and self-awareness.
Professional Endeavors: They are used when applying for jobs or scholarships, showcasing one's communication skills, experiences, and character.
Literary Analysis: Narrative storytelling is employed in analyzing literature, providing a medium to explore themes, characters, and storytelling techniques.
Cultural Exploration: They facilitate the exploration of different cultures, allowing individuals to share insights and experiences from diverse perspectives.
Creative Expression: These essays offer a means of expressing oneself creatively, weaving personal narratives into compelling stories.
Communication of Messages: Through storytelling, narrative writing conveys messages or lessons, engaging readers and imparting wisdom or insights.
Engagement: Above all, these essays connect with the audience on a personal level, fostering empathy, understanding, and emotional resonance.

Meanwhile, if you’re willing to describe your life in greater depth, our guide on how to write an autobiography might be just what you need!

How to Write a Narrative Essay in 5 Steps

Writing a narrative essay is a unique process compared to other types of school essays. Rather than analyzing topics or defending a position, it focuses on sharing personal experiences through storytelling. By following a few straightforward steps, you can transform your ideas into an engaging narrative.

Step 1: Start with a Topic Selection

When crafting a narrative essay, begin by selecting a topic that either relates to your personal experiences or aligns with a given prompt. If a prompt is provided, consider its requirements and brainstorm ideas that fit within its scope.

As you brainstorm, jot down key moments or points you want to include in your essay. Evaluate how each point will fit into the overall structure of your narrative and ensure it adheres to any word count limits.

Think about the tone and style you wish to adopt. Will your essay be reflective, humorous, or something else? Consider incorporating specific stylistic elements, such as repeated phrases or cliffhanger endings, to enhance your storytelling and engage your reader.

Remain flexible throughout this process. As you explore different ideas, be open to tweaking your topic, tone, and style to better suit your narrative.

For more inspiration and to skip the brainstorming phase, check out a ready-made Narrative Essay Topic list!

Step 2: Make a Clear Outline

Once you have your topic, it's time to draft your narrative essay outline. This outline serves as a blueprint, guiding you in crafting a coherent and engaging story. Start by pinpointing the main points you wish to address, such as pivotal moments or insights gained, and allocate each to a separate paragraph to maintain a clear sequence.

Your outline should help you structure the flow of your narrative, planning out the sequence of events and the level of detail to include. For example, if your essay is about a memorable trip, your outline might start with a paragraph setting the scene, followed by paragraphs describing key experiences and interactions, and concluding with reflections on how the trip impacted you.

When outlining your conclusion, think about how to effectively wrap up your story by summarizing the main events and the significance they hold. For a more systematic approach, make sure to check out how to write an essay conclusion .

Step 3: Write Your Narrative Essay

Using your outline as a guide, now, it's time to start writing a narrative essay. Remember that narrative essays provide you with a creative outlet, so feel free to break away from the constraints of traditional academic writing styles. Captivating the reader and giving your narrative life should be your main goals.

Tip 💡 Use first-person : Infuse your essay with personal authenticity and engagement by embracing pronouns like 'I' and 'me'.

Tip 💡 Employ storytelling techniques : Draw upon the techniques employed in fiction and creative nonfiction, such as dialogue and symbolism, to enrich your narrative and captivate your audience.

Tip 💡 Demonstrate, don't merely state : Instead of blandly presenting facts, immerse your reader in your narrative by employing vivid descriptions and sensory details.

Tip 💡 Remain authentic: Preserve the integrity of your voice and experiences. Candidly share your thoughts and emotions to ensure your narrative essay resonates as genuine and relatable.

Step 4: Don't Forget to Revise

After completing your initial draft, it's essential to revise and polish your essay. Begin by taking a break to refresh your perspective before returning with a clear mind - this is one of the best tips for writing a narrative essay!

When revisiting your essay, carefully review it to ensure logical coherence and flow. Address any inconsistencies or narrative gaps, refining your essay for improved clarity. Pay attention to elements such as tense, point of view, and narrative voice throughout.

Step 5: Proofread Your Writing

Now that you understand how to end a narrative essay, don’t forget to dedicate time to meticulous proofreading to catch any lingering errors or typos. Pay close attention to formatting and citation style, if applicable.

Sharing your essay with trusted individuals such as friends, family, or educators can provide valuable feedback and fresh insights. Incorporate the feedback received, along with your own observations from the revision process, to strengthen the impact and effectiveness of your essay.

Narrative Essay Topics: The List

Let's go back to the topics and give you some handy, ready-made options. Sure, you can think of ideas on your own, but we can lend a hand with these suggestions before you commit to the writing process.

Reflecting on earning my first degree: a pivotal milestone in my life.
The most awful dish I’ve ever tasted: my unforgettable tale.
How a personal experience changed my attitudes and actions.
The worst exam experience I’ve ever had: a harrowing tale.
Encountering something eerie: a chilling moment in my life.
Fond memories of summer vacations during my childhood.
The story of a heroic act that saved someone's life.
My top tunes: songs that resonate deeply with me.
The origins and meanings of my nicknames.
The superpower I wish I had and why.
A lecture that profoundly changed my perspective.
Does my school prioritize digital skills for students?
Great summer reads for book lovers: my top suggestions.
The music genres and melodies that reflect my tastes and emotions.
Passions and interests that drive my aspirations.
My ultimate guide to spending Sundays efficiently.
Questions and curiosities about how the world works.
Values and principles I'd risk my life for.
How much do I follow global current events?
Steps I’ve taken to achieve my dream job.

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Narrative Essay Examples

For inspiration on your upcoming essay, check out these excellent samples from our essay writer . Use them as a guide to help craft your own story, ensuring that your unique voice and experiences come through in your work.

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Final Recap

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What Is A Narrative Essay?

How to start a narrative essay, how to write a good narrative essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Added new info on narrative essay

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline

Jackson Schroeder

It’s always a good idea to create an outline for your essay before embarking on the writing process. Outlines provide structure, which is one of the most important components of a good essay.

Without structure, you’ll have a difficult time telling your story in a compelling way and sustaining the attention of the reader.

What is a narrative essay?

A narrative essay is one of the four main types of essays you will be asked to write throughout nearly every level of education.

They are also often an important piece of the college application process. In fact, all seven of the prompts included in the 2020-21 Common App call for narrative essays.

In summary, a narrative essay is a piece of writing in which you tell a story from your point of view about a personal experience. Your goal, when writing a narrative essay, is to use description and voice to portray yourself to the reader. Ideally, the reader will walk away from your essay with the feeling that they know you.

Like any good story, your narrative essay should have a purpose, rather than just be a recount of events.

For example, consider this narrative essay prompt from the 2020-21 Common App:

“Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma — anything of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.”

Yes, those reading your essay do want to know what problem you’ve solved. But, more importantly, they want to gauge how you react to and overcome adversity. So, take the extra step to make sure your narrative essay serves a purpose and has an overall theme. This theme will serve as your thesis statement.

What should you do before writing your outline?

Before you get started on your outline, you need to take a moment to organize your thoughts.

Think hard about the story you want to tell. Try to remember all of the events and details. Jot everything down in a notepad and begin to separate your notes into categories.

Remember, you typically will only have about 500 or 600 words to tell your story. So, consider which details are necessary and which you could leave out.

Next, think about how you want to organize your essay. Compared to other types of essays, narrative essays grant you a good amount of structural freedom. For example, you don’t always have to have a clear thesis statement in your introductory paragraph. You could even write your essay in chronological order, as long as your main point isn’t buried too deep.

Once you have a solid idea for the overall structure of your essay and the information you want to include, it is time to outline.

Structure of narrative essay outline

I. Introduction

A. The hook

The hook, which should be the first sentence of your narrative essay, needs to make the reader want to continue reading. The hook could be a fact, a rhetorical question, or an intriguing sentence that sucks the reader in.

Say, for example, you’re writing about a time when you made pasta with your grandmother who lives in Italy. You could start the essay off with a fact about how many pounds of pasta come in and out of the village where she lives.

B. Stage your essay

After the hook, you want to give the reader a greater sense of the scene. When writing a narrative essay, you don’t have to reveal everything about the place or be too blunt about the setting, but you should at least give a few hints.

Sticking with the pasta example, you could start to explain the smell of the room, the view through the kitchen window, and the feel of the floor underneath your feet. These descriptions would give the reader a sense of your surroundings, the climate, and the age of the house. When writing a narrative essay, you want to show the reader, not tell them.

C. Thesis statement

Typically, the purpose of the thesis statement is to provide a digestible summary of the main point or claim you’re making in your essay. Using the same pasta example, you could draft a compelling sentence about how making pasta at your grandmother’s house in Italy inspired your passion for the art of cooking.

The reason thesis statements are so often placed in the introductory paragraph is so the reader can develop an early understanding of the purpose of your essay. However, because narrative essays are meant to be a personal story, you don’t always have to make the thesis statement so evident.

While writing a narrative essay, you could use the last sentence of the introduction simply as a way to naturally progress into the body of the essay. If you do this, though, you need to make sure that your theme is still evident. Although chronological order can make for an intriguing narrative essay, you don’t want your theme to be buried too deep.

II. Body

In the body of your narrative essay is where you dive into the full story of your experience. Each body paragraph should support your thesis.

Let’s, again, use the pasta example. If your thesis statement describes the theme that making pasta at your grandmother’s house in Italy inspired your passion for the art of cooking, you need to create body paragraphs that support that statement.

A. First paragraph

In the first paragraph, you could describe how cooking drew you in. You could explain how you felt when you smelled the pasta or what was going through your mind as you watched your grandmother roll homemade noodles. Remember, show don’t tell. Use adjectives and verbs to paint a picture.

B. Second paragraph

After describing how cooking drew you in, you could dive into how cooking in your grandmother’s kitchen made you feel. Was it therapeutic? Was it a fun challenge? Was it nostalgic? Do you revisit those feelings when you cook today? Let the reader view your emotions.

C. Final paragraph

In the last paragraph of the body, wrap up the story. After you left Italy and came back to the United States, did you immediately start cooking?

If your essay is in chronological order, make sure the story comes to a close naturally. Don’t rush it just because you’ve run out of space. If there is a word limit on your essay, check back through the previous paragraphs to see if there is anything that you can edit out. Reassess from there.

III. Conclusion

In the conclusion of the narrative essay, you could explain what cooking has taught and how it has helped you in other areas of your life. Maybe you’ve increased your patience. Maybe you’ve learned how to multitask. There’s a chance cooking has helped you develop a way to manage your emotions.

These skills can all be related back to other things in your life. For example, if you’re writing a narrative essay for a college application, maybe point out how the skills you’ve developed from cooking translate to the subject you’re interested in majoring in. Explaining how cooking has helped you improve is a great way to naturally express your love for it, and, in turn, reinforce your thesis.

It is not breaking news that outlines can be a drag to create. But, they are a pivotal piece of a well-crafted essay. Without them, your essay runs the risk of lacking structure and being difficult for the reader to digest. So don’t underestimate the importance of your outline, and certainty do not skip over it. Take time before the writing process to outline, and it will save you the frustration of having to extensively edit and revise after you’re finished.

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How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples

Narrative essays are unlike anything you wrote throughout your academic career. Instead of writing a formal paper, you need to tell a story. Familiar elements such as evidence and arguments are replaced with exposition and character development.

The picture shows the characteristics of a narrative essay.

The importance of writing an outline for an essay like this is hard to overestimate. This article by Custom-Writing.org will give you a helping hand with that. Here, you will find:

The definition of a narrative essay.
Helpful tips for creating a narrative essay outline.
A printable example template in PDF format.

📚 What Is a Narrative Essay?

Introduction

📝 Narrative Essay Outline Template

🔍 references.

A narrative-style essay is a text written in the form of a story. It has the same goal as any other essay: to prove a certain point. But it is very different from a regular paper. The main differences are the following:

A narrative essay doesn’t contain any arguments in the usual sense. Instead, you use the whole story to explain your point of view.
It has many unique elements. Aside from the usual parts such as the introduction and thesis, your story also needs characters, dialogs, a climax, and more.
It’s creative in style. Typically, you need to keep things formal and grounded in your essays. A narrative-style essay is an exception. While writing it, your inner artist is free to run wild. You are free to use vivid imagery and descriptive language.

Keep in mind that you are not necessarily bound to a single story. You can tell several stories in one essay and connect them to the same thesis.

Now that you know what kind of assignment you’re dealing with, you can start writing your outline.

✍️ How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline

First, you want to understand what sort of story you want to create. There are 2 options you can choose from:

P ersonal experience . This is easier to write about since you don’t have to come up with anything new. You only need to describe a story about yourself or about someone else that actually happened.
A piece of fiction. This option is a bit more complicated in comparison. It requires you to think up a whole story. However, the results might be much more satisfying.

Once you’ve decided on the type of narrative, you need to think about what sort of outline you want. It can be simple and basic with the essential elements only. Or, it can be as detailed as you wish. It’s helpful to keep in mind that a narrative essay is usually 5 paragraphs long: make sure not to go overboard or make it too dull.

Now, let’s talk about the structure of individual parts of a narrative essay.

The picture shows the structure of a narrative essay.

Narrative Essay Introduction

Your introduction won’t be that different from that of a regular essay. You need 3 things here:

A hook to capture the readers’ attention;
Some background information related to your story;
A thesis statement introducing your essay’s main point.

How to Start a Narrative Essay

First and foremost, your essay needs a catchy hook. It’s a captivating sentence that aims to grab the reader’s attention. While a piece of statistics or an interesting fact can serve as a good hook for an average paper, it’s too plain for a narrative essay. So, we need to go a bit more creative.

Say you are writing an essay about the influence of music on a person’s views. The core of your essay is a story of you visiting your first classical concert. One option is to start with a question. Asking something immediately evokes the need to answer. It also stimulates interest along the way.

Furthermore, questions make the transition into the background info easy and smooth. Just answer the hook question:

Hook: Do you remember going to your first concert?

Background: I sure do. It was a magnificent evening on the first weekend of spring. The only thing I was skeptical about was the concert itself. I was not the greatest fan of classical music; rather, I was not too fond of those who enjoy it. I thought of them as arrogant and selfish.

Make sure not to start telling about the events of your story in the introduction. Instead, you can tell what preceded it or just set the mood. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to start an essay, be sure to check out our article on hooks in writing .

Narrative Essay Thesis Statement

The thesis statement of a narrative essay answers the question, “What am I trying to say with this story?” It conveys the main idea and can be formulated in various ways. It can be your regular thesis with the main point and arguments. But don’t forget that you are writing a story. This means you can make your thesis a part of the narrative; build it as a starting point of your account or showcase the lesson you’re about to learn.

Have a look at these narrative essay thesis examples to get a better idea:

If only I knew the power music holds and how it can dramatically change one’s perception of things.

I didn’t know yet that this event would change how I saw classical music and its fans.

You might want to formulate the thesis and put it into your outline before everything else. This way, it will be easier to write your story around it.

Narrative Essay Body Paragraphs

After you’re done with the thesis, you can continue your story and prove the main argument. There are 2 ways to go about your essay’s body paragraphs:

Whichever way you choose, you need to remember the general storytelling rules:

Describe things in chronological order. Make sure that the events of your story follow each other coherently.
Don’t break the general “introduction-development-conclusion” structure . As long as your narrative has these 3 elements, you will have a decent story.

Here’s what you can write about in your narrative essay’s body paragraphs:

It’s always a good idea to start with a description of things . It creates necessary immersion and makes the reader more involved with the story.
You can also dedicate the first paragraph to setting up the characters of your story (if there are any.)
The following two paragraphs are about developing, culminating, and ending your story.

In the case of a classical concert, an average body outline sample can look like this:

Narrative Essay Conclusion

The conclusion of your story summarizes the body of your essay. It also restates your thesis in a paraphrased form. Make sure not to add any new info to your outline at this stage. The conclusion is only there to sum things up and draw attention to the most important points.

In a narrative essay conclusion, it’s a good idea to mention the insight and demonstrate its connection to the thesis. In the case of our classical music essay, it could look like this:

This is the story of my epiphany on the connection between music and personality. Judging people by their music taste turned out to be a gigantic mistake. But I am happy to have made this misstep since it helped me learn an important lesson.

Now, let’s see what we have in the end. Have a look at the following narrative essay outline example:

Hook. It’s a catchy and intriguing sentence. An interesting question or a surprising fact will do.
Background information. This means everything the reader needs to know before diving into the main part.
Thesis statement. It can be a generic thesis or a poetic sentence that demonstrates your point.
Description paragraph. It’s a paragraph that helps the reader visualize your story. You can also introduce the characters here.
Story development paragraph. This is the part where you develop the established characters and storyline.
Story climax and end paragraph. It’s a part that contains the highest point of your narrative and its logical end.
Summary. Briefly conclude the events described in your body paragraphs.
Restated thesis. Paraphrase your main claim and provide a deeper understanding of the insight.

You can download a 5-paragraph narrative essay template in PDF format using the link below. It can be very helpful for outlining your essay: simply print it out and fill in the blanks.

Your essay’s title.
Start with a catchy and intriguing sentence.
Provide some background information about the topic.
Write a strong thesis statement that demonstrates your point.

We’ve also gathered some narrative essay examples for you to gain inspiration. Check them out below!

Literacy Narrative: “Make a Wish”
Multimodal Personal Narrative: The Path to the Goal
Clinical Narrative: Conversation With a 30-Years-Old Woman With Diabetes

Literacy Narrative Outline Template

A literacy narrative is a story that tells your experience of developing a particular skill. Usually, it refers to learning to read and write. The idea is to underline the importance of the described process.

Hook sentence. It’s an attention-getter. It can be an interesting fact about you.
Background information. It can be a brief description of the skill’s role in your life.
Thesis statement. It should stress the importance of the skill you acquired. Use the thesis to show how your life has changed after learning it.
Description paragraph. Describe your life before learning the skill you are writing about.
Story development paragraph. The second body paragraph can be dedicated to the learning process itself.
Story climax and end paragraph. Now you can finish the story with your success. You can also compare “before” and “after.”
Summary. Briefly retell the story of learning the skill.
Restated thesis. Remind the reader why the skill in question is important for you personally.

Feel free to download this template in PDF format using the link below.

Provide some background information about the skill you’ve learned.
Write a thesis statement that demonstrates the importance of the skill you’ve learned.

Narrative Essay Topics

My experience of learning English
My first time riding a bicycle
A defining event from my childhood
My personal methods of handling stress at high school
My experience with attending the logic course
My experience with writing
A personal experience of mysophobia
Experiencing mystical events
Lesson learned in college as a nursing student
The impact of the English writing course on my academic success
What has working in Walmart taught me?
The importance of college experience for a career in healthcare
Virtual concert impression
Lincoln Center Orchestra’s online concert experience
My opinion on Simmers restaurant service
My favorite form of literature
My experience of working with children with autism
My memories of the first day in college
College as the first step of my professional development
College experience as a nursing student
What my first semester has taught me
The most memorable childhood holiday
My most memorable college teacher
The first time I attended a rock concert
My impression of piano music concert
My expatriation experience
What I’ve learned during my practicum
Life of people of different races and age groups in the USA
My personal financial plan
My experience with attending court
What I’ve learned working with catheter-related bloodstream infections
S. Kruzan and C. Brown’s case in criminal justice system
How my Senior Developer position contributed to my professional development
The effect of the authoritative parenting style on my life
My first job experience
What I’ve learned working as a researcher in the company
My personal experience and Erikson’s theory of development
Hardships and benefits of a study group
How I challenged gender norms
The time when I was working as a head nurse
The influence of Italian culture on me
How I bought my laptop and the salesperson’s impact on my experience
What I have learned during my trip to the Museum of Western Heritage
How I spent a day without my cellphone
Skills I’ve acquired during my practicum experience in New York Methodist Hospital
My impression of visiting the Energy Medicine Florida
The time I visited Yellowstone National Park

In conclusion, we would like to wish you good luck with your assignment! Make sure to comment on the things you’ve found the most useful.

❓ Narrative Essay Outline FAQs

1. Choose a topic for your essay. 2. Decide on the type of your story (either personal or fictional.) 3. Write an outline. Make sure to come up with the thesis first. 4. Write your essay.

You usually end your narrative essay with a conclusion. It summarizes your body paragraphs and restates your thesis. Instead of simply repeating the statement, you can demonstrate a deeper understanding of it.

The purpose of any dialog is to demonstrate a conversation between people. Showing your characters having a conversation can help you develop them. You can also use dialogues to advance your story.

1. Introduction . It includes a hook sentence, background, and thesis. 2. Body paragraphs . It’s the central part of your essay, and it contains your story’s beginning, development, and end. 3. Conclusion. The final part of your essay sums the body up and restates the thesis.

Some possible starters for your essay are:

1. Asking the reader a question. 2. Opening up with a joke. 3. Revealing shocking information about the events described further. 4. Telling your readers an interesting fact about the topic of your essay.

Narrative Essays: Purdue Writing Lab
How to Write a Narrative Essay: Writers.com
Narrative Essay: Nova Southeastern University
Narrative Essay: Excelsior College
Narrative Essay: Miami University
Unique Characteristics of Narrative Essays: Oklahoma State University
Descriptive Narrative Essay: Southeastern Louisiana University
Narrative Essay Writing Prompts: California State University Stanislaus
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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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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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What is a Narrative Essay Examples Format and Techniques Featured

Scriptwriting

What is a Narrative Essay — Examples, Format & Techniques

I was in the Amazon jungle the first time I wrote a narrative essay, enlightened and enraptured by the influence of ayahuasca. That’s not true. I’ve never been to South America nor have I ever taken ayahuasca. The purpose of that opening is to show how to craft a narrative essay intro — hook, line, and sinker. Narrative essays rely on hooking the reader, and enticing them to read on. But what is a narrative essay? We’re going to break down everything you need to know about these essays — definition, examples, tips and tricks included. By the end, you’ll be ready to craft your own narrative essay for school or for publication.

What’s a Narrative Essay?

First, let’s define narrative essay.

Narrative essays share a lot of similarities with personal essays, but whereas the former can be fictional or non-fictional, the latter are strictly non-fictional. The goal of the narrative essay is to use established storytelling techniques, like theme , conflict , and irony , in a uniquely personal way.

The responsibility of the narrative essayist is to make the reader feel connected to their story, regardless of the topic. This next video explores how writers can use structural elements and techniques to better engage their readers.

Personal Narrative Essay Examples With Essay Pro

Narrative essays rely on tried and true structure components, including:

First-person POV
Personal inspiration
Focus on a central theme

By keeping these major tenets in mind, you’ll be better prepared to recognize weaknesses and strengths in your own works.

NARRATIVE ESSAY DEFINITION

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 these essays should take place in an established timeline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Famous Narrative Essay Examples

Ticker to the Fair by David Foster Wallace
After Life by Joan Didion
Here is a Lesson in Creative Writing by Kurt Vonnegut

Narrative Writing Explained

How to start a narrative essay.

When you go to sleep at night, what do you think of? Flying squirrels? Lost loved ones? That time you called your teacher ‘mom’? Whatever it is, that’s what you need to write about. There’s a reason those ideas and moments have stuck with you over time. Your job is to figure out why.

Once you realize what makes a moment important to you, it’s your job to make it important to the reader too. In this next video, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker J. Christian Jensen explains the power of the personal narrative.

Narrative Writing and the Personal Narrative Essay • Video by TEDx Talks

Anything and everything can be the topic of your essay. It could be as benign as a walk to school or as grandiose as a trip to the moon — so long as that narrative exists within reality. Give your thoughts and opinions on the matter too — don’t be afraid to say “this is what I think” so long as it’s supported by storytelling techniques. Remember, never limit yourself as a writer, just keep in mind that certain topics will be harder to make engaging than others.

Narrative Essay Outline

How to write a narrative essay.

First step, game plan. You’re going to want to map out the story from beginning to end, then mark major story beats in your document.

Like all stories, your narrative essay needs a clear beginning, middle, and end. Each section should generally conform to a specifically outlined structure. For reference, check out the outline below.

Narrative Essay Format • How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step

Make sure to reference back to this outline throughout the writing process to make sure you have all your major beats covered.

Purpose of narrative essay writing

Narrative essays give writers the ability to freely express themselves within the structure of a traditional story. Nearly all universities ask applicants to submit a narrative essay with their formal application. This is done for two reasons: they allow institutions to judge the linguistic and grammar capabilities of its applicants, as well as their raw creative side.

If you’re considering studying creative writing in an undergraduate or graduate program, then you’re going to write A LOT of narrative style essays. This process may seem indomitable; How am I supposed to write hundreds of pages about… me? But by the end, you’ll be a better writer and you’ll have a better understanding of yourself.

One thing that all successful essayists have in common is that they make radical, often defiant statements on the world at large. Think Ralph Waldo Emerson, Virginia Woolf, and Langston Hughes for example.

Being a professional essayist isn’t easy, and it’s near-impossible to be one who makes a lot of money. Many essayists work as professors, editors, and curriculum designers as well.

This next video features the late, award-winning essayist Brian Doyle. He explains all the things you need to hear when thinking about writing a story.

Narrative Essay Examples “Lecture” via Boston University

We can learn a lot from the way Doyle “opens” his stories. My favorite is how he begins with the statement, “I met the Dalai Lama once.” How can we not be interested in learning more?

This brings us all the way back to the beginning. Start with a hook, rattle off the line, then reel in the sinker. If you entice the reader, develop a personal plot, and finish with a resolute ending, you’ll have a lot of success in essay writing.

Up Next

Narrative essay topics.

We've curated a collection of narrative essay topics that will spark your creativity and bring your experiences to life. Dive into the rich tapestry of your memories, explore the unique threads of your life, and let your narrative unfold.

Up Next: Narrative Essay Topics →

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The system format you using on line is very concise ,I encourage to those who are talented to continue puplish their examples of essays so that we student we can crasp.

This site has one of the best narartive writing techniques anyone can need

This was really helpful and insightful

What is narrative

Sounds great thanks

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Narrative Essays

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What is a narrative essay?

When writing a narrative essay, one might think of it as telling a story. These essays are often anecdotal, experiential, and personal—allowing students to express themselves in a creative and, quite often, moving ways.

Here are some guidelines for writing a narrative essay.

If written as a story, the essay should include all the parts of a story.

This means that you must include an introduction, plot, characters, setting, climax, and conclusion.

When would a narrative essay not be written as a story?

A good example of this is when an instructor asks a student to write a book report. Obviously, this would not necessarily follow the pattern of a story and would focus on providing an informative narrative for the reader.

The essay should have a purpose.

Make a point! Think of this as the thesis of your story. If there is no point to what you are narrating, why narrate it at all?

The essay should be written from a clear point of view.

It is quite common for narrative essays to be written from the standpoint of the author; however, this is not the sole perspective to be considered. Creativity in narrative essays oftentimes manifests itself in the form of authorial perspective.

Use clear and concise language throughout the essay.

Much like the descriptive essay, narrative essays are effective when the language is carefully, particularly, and artfully chosen. Use specific language to evoke specific emotions and senses in the reader.

The use of the first person pronoun ‘I’ is welcomed.

Do not abuse this guideline! Though it is welcomed it is not necessary—nor should it be overused for lack of clearer diction.

As always, be organized!

Have a clear introduction that sets the tone for the remainder of the essay. Do not leave the reader guessing about the purpose of your narrative. Remember, you are in control of the essay, so guide it where you desire (just make sure your audience can follow your lead).

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Mastering Narrative Essay Outlines: A Guide to Captivating Storytelling

Crafting a winning narrative essay outline: a step-by-step guide.

Stories have a unique ability to captivate, inspire, and resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level. From childhood bedtime tales to gripping novels, storytelling is ingrained in human culture, serving as a vehicle for sharing experiences, conveying emotions, and imparting wisdom. In academic settings, narrative essays harness this innate power, allowing students to weave their own narratives and engage readers through personal anecdotes, reflections, and insights.

Importance of a Narrative Essay Outline

Crafting a compelling narrative essay requires more than just a captivating story; it demands careful planning and organization. This is where the narrative essay outline steps in as a crucial tool for success. Much like the skeleton of a body provides structure and support, an outline serves as the framework upon which the narrative unfolds, guiding the writer through the storytelling process with clarity and purpose.

An outline not only helps students map out the trajectory of their narratives but also ensures coherence, cohesion, and logical progression from start to finish. It serves as a roadmap, delineating key plot points, character developments, and thematic threads, thereby streamlining the writing process and minimizing the risk of digression or confusion. Additionally, an outline serves as a reference point for revision and refinement, enabling students to fine-tune their narratives for maximum impact and resonance.

Overview of the Article

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of crafting a winning narrative essay outline, providing step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and illustrative examples to empower students in their writing endeavors. From understanding the fundamentals of narrative essays to mastering the intricacies of outlining techniques, this article aims to demystify the process and equip students with the tools and insights needed to produce compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression.

Join us on this journey as we explore the power of storytelling, unravel the nuances of narrative essay outlines, and embark on a quest to unleash the full potential of your narrative writing skills. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or a novice wordsmith, this guide promises to be a valuable resource in your academic arsenal, empowering you to craft narratives that captivate, inspire, and resonate with readers.

Understanding Narrative Essays

Definition and Purpose

At its core, a narrative essay is a form of writing that recounts a personal experience or anecdote in a structured and engaging manner. Unlike other types of essays that may focus on presenting arguments or analyzing data, narrative essays prioritize storytelling, allowing writers to share their own perspectives, insights, and emotions with readers. Whether recounting a childhood memory, reflecting on a life-changing event, or exploring a moment of personal growth, narrative essays offer a platform for self-expression and reflection.

The primary purpose of a narrative essay is to entertain, inform, or persuade readers by immersing them in the writer’s narrative world. Through vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and evocative language, narrative essays aim to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and create a sense of connection between the writer and the audience. Ultimately, a well-crafted narrative essay should leave a lasting impression, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the writer’s experiences, perspectives, and values.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

A successful narrative essay is built upon several key elements that contribute to its effectiveness and impact. These elements work together to create a cohesive and engaging narrative that resonates with readers on both intellectual and emotional levels.

Characters: Central to any narrative essay are the characters who populate the story. These may include the writer themselves, as well as other individuals who play significant roles in the narrative. Effective characterization brings characters to life, providing readers with insights into their personalities, motivations, and relationships.

Setting: The setting of a narrative essay encompasses the time, place, and circumstances in which the story unfolds. A well-described setting helps to establish the mood, atmosphere, and context of the narrative, immersing readers in the writer’s world and enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

Plot: The plot refers to the sequence of events that comprise the narrative, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. A compelling plot captivates readers’ attention, drawing them into the narrative and keeping them engaged from beginning to end.

Conflict: Conflict is the driving force behind any narrative, presenting obstacles, challenges, or dilemmas that characters must overcome. Whether internal or external, physical or emotional, conflict adds tension and suspense to the narrative, propelling the story forward and heightening its dramatic impact.

Theme: Theme refers to the central message, idea, or moral lesson conveyed by the narrative. Themes may explore universal truths, societal issues, or personal insights, offering readers deeper layers of meaning and resonance beyond the surface-level plot. Themes often emerge organically from the narrative’s events, characters, and conflicts, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and experiences.

Examples of Narrative Essays

To illustrate these elements in action, let’s consider a few examples of narrative essays:

“The Moment of Truth” – In this narrative essay, the writer recounts their experience of facing a difficult decision that tested their integrity and moral values. Through vivid descriptions and introspective reflections, the writer explores the inner conflict and external pressures they faced, ultimately revealing a deeper understanding of themselves and their principles. “A Journey Home” – This narrative essay follows the writer’s physical and emotional journey as they travel back to their childhood home after many years away. Through evocative imagery and sensory details, the writer vividly captures the sights, sounds, and sensations of the familiar landscape, while also reflecting on the passage of time and the changes that have occurred since their departure. “Lessons Learned” – In this narrative essay, the writer reflects on a formative experience that taught them valuable life lessons and shaped their perspective on the world. Through candid self-examination and introspective analysis, the writer explores the challenges they faced, the mistakes they made, and the insights they gained along the way, offering readers a glimpse into their personal growth and development.

These examples demonstrate how narrative essays can encompass a wide range of experiences, emotions, and themes, each uniquely crafted to engage and resonate with readers. By harnessing the power of storytelling and leveraging the elements of character, setting, plot, conflict, and theme, writers can create compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression and evoke a meaningful response from their audience.

Pre-Writing Phase

Before diving into the writing process, it’s essential to spend time in the pre-writing phase, laying the groundwork for your narrative essay. This phase involves brainstorming ideas, selecting a compelling topic, and defining a clear thesis statement to guide your writing. By investing time and effort in this initial stage, you’ll set yourself up for success and streamline the writing process.

1. Brainstorming Ideas

Brainstorming is a creative process that involves generating a multitude of ideas, concepts, and potential topics for your narrative essay. This stage is all about exploration and experimentation, allowing your imagination to run wild and uncovering hidden gems amidst the brainstorming process. Here are some techniques to kickstart your brainstorming session:

Freewriting: Set a timer for a few minutes and write continuously without worrying about grammar, structure, or coherence. Let your thoughts flow freely and explore different ideas as they come to mind.
Mind Mapping: Create a visual diagram or mind map to visually organize your thoughts and ideas. Start with a central topic or theme and branch out into subtopics, related concepts, and potential storylines.
Listing: Make a list of potential topics, experiences, or anecdotes that resonate with you or have left a lasting impression. Consider moments of personal growth, challenges overcome, or significant events that have shaped your life.
Reflective Journaling: Take some time to reflect on your own experiences, emotions, and insights. Explore moments of triumph, moments of failure, or moments of profound realization that have had a meaningful impact on your life.

As you brainstorm ideas, don’t censor yourself or judge your thoughts prematurely. Allow yourself to explore a wide range of possibilities and trust your instincts to lead you towards promising narrative avenues.

2. Choosing a Compelling Topic

Once you’ve generated a list of potential ideas and topics, it’s time to narrow down your options and choose a compelling topic for your narrative essay. Consider the following factors when selecting a topic:

Personal Significance: Choose a topic that holds personal significance or emotional resonance for you. Writing about something that you’re passionate about or deeply invested in will not only make the writing process more enjoyable but also allow you to convey authenticity and sincerity in your narrative.
Relevance: Select a topic that is relevant to your intended audience or the overarching theme of your narrative essay. Consider the themes, motifs, or messages you wish to explore and choose a topic that aligns with these overarching themes.
Narrative Potential: Assess the narrative potential of each topic and consider whether it offers rich opportunities for storytelling, character development, and thematic exploration. Look for topics that present challenges, conflicts, or moments of transformation that lend themselves to engaging narratives.
Uniqueness: Aim for originality and uniqueness when choosing a topic for your narrative essay. Avoid clichés, overused tropes, or topics that have been extensively covered in other works. Instead, strive to offer a fresh perspective or a unique angle that sets your narrative apart from the rest.

Ultimately, the best topic for your narrative essay is one that resonates with you personally, aligns with your thematic goals, and offers ample opportunities for storytelling and exploration.

3. Defining the Thesis Statement

Once you’ve chosen a topic for your narrative essay, it’s crucial to define a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates the central message or overarching theme of your narrative. Unlike traditional academic essays where the thesis statement presents an argument or analysis, the thesis statement in a narrative essay serves to establish the focus, purpose, and significance of your narrative. Here are some tips for crafting an effective thesis statement:

Be Specific: Clearly articulate the main idea or central theme of your narrative in a specific and focused manner. Avoid vague or broad statements that lack clarity or precision.
Reflect the Narrative Arc: Ensure that your thesis statement reflects the narrative arc of your essay, including key plot points, conflicts, and resolutions. Consider how your thesis statement encapsulates the journey or transformation experienced by the protagonist (which may be yourself) throughout the narrative.
Convey Significance: Communicate the broader significance or implications of your narrative, highlighting the lessons learned, insights gained, or universal truths revealed through your experiences. Your thesis statement should offer readers a glimpse into the deeper meaning and resonance of your narrative.
Maintain Tone and Voice: Ensure that your thesis statement reflects the tone and voice of your narrative essay, capturing the mood, atmosphere, and perspective of your storytelling. Whether serious, reflective, or whimsical, your thesis statement should set the tone for the narrative that follows.

Crafting a thesis statement may require multiple iterations and revisions as you refine your narrative essay. Be prepared to revisit and revise your thesis statement as needed to ensure that it accurately reflects the essence of your narrative and guides your writing effectively.

By investing time and effort in the pre-writing phase, you’ll lay a solid foundation for your narrative essay, setting yourself up for success in the writing process. Through brainstorming ideas, selecting a compelling topic, and defining a clear thesis statement, you’ll clarify your narrative vision, streamline your writing process, and ultimately produce a compelling and impactful narrative essay that resonates with readers.

Structure of a Narrative Essay Outline

I. Introduction A. Captivating Opening B. Thesis Statement II. Body Paragraphs A. Developing the Plot B. Characterization and Setting C. Building Tension and Conflict III. Conclusion A. Resolving the Conflict B. Reflection and Insight

I. Introduction

Captivating Opening:

Start with a gripping hook that captures the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the narrative. This could be a vivid description, a compelling question, or a thought-provoking anecdote.

Example: “The forest whispered secrets as I stepped into its embrace, each rustle of leaves a promise of adventure and mystery waiting to unfold.”

Thesis Statement:

Introduce the central theme or message of the narrative essay, providing readers with a preview of what to expect. The thesis statement should encapsulate the main idea and purpose of the narrative.

Example: “In this essay, I will explore the transformative power of nature, as experienced through a journey of self-discovery in the heart of the wilderness.”

II. Body Paragraphs

Developing the Plot:

Outline the sequence of events that comprise the narrative, focusing on key plot points, transitions, and developments. Provide details and descriptions that immerse readers in the story and propel the narrative forward.

Example: “As I ventured deeper into the forest, each step brought new challenges and revelations, from unexpected encounters with wildlife to moments of quiet introspection beneath the canopy of trees.”

Characterization and Setting:

Introduce the central characters and describe the setting in which the narrative takes place. Use vivid language and sensory details to bring characters and settings to life, allowing readers to visualize and empathize with the protagonists.

Example: “Amidst the towering trees and dappled sunlight, I encountered a cast of characters as diverse as the forest itself – from wise old oaks to mischievous squirrels, each leaving its mark on my journey.”

Building Tension and Conflict:

Heighten the drama and suspense by introducing conflicts, obstacles, or challenges that the protagonist must overcome. Explore the internal and external forces at play, building tension and anticipation as the narrative unfolds.

Example: “As night fell and shadows danced among the trees, I found myself confronting not only the dangers of the wilderness but also the doubts and fears lurking within my own heart, each step forward a battle against uncertainty and self-doubt.”

III. Conclusion

Resolving the Conflict:

Bring the narrative to a satisfying resolution by resolving conflicts, addressing challenges, or reaching a moment of clarity and understanding. Tie up loose ends and provide closure for the reader, allowing them to reflect on the journey and its significance.

Example: “In the end, it was not the destination but the journey itself that proved transformative, as I emerged from the depths of the forest with a newfound sense of purpose and direction, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.”

Reflection and Insight:

Reflect on the lessons learned, insights gained, or personal growth experienced throughout the narrative. Offer readers a glimpse into the protagonist’s inner thoughts and emotions, providing depth and resonance to the narrative’s conclusion.

Example: “As I stood on the edge of the forest, gazing out at the world beyond, I realized that the true adventure had only just begun – armed with newfound courage and resilience, I was ready to embrace the unknown and chart my own path forward.”

By following this outline structure, you can effectively organize your narrative essay, ensuring coherence, clarity, and impact from start to finish. Each section of the outline serves a specific purpose, guiding the reader through the narrative journey and leaving a lasting impression that resonates long after the final words are read.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting an Outline

Step 1: Identify the Main Event

Begin by pinpointing the central event or experience that will serve as the focal point of your narrative essay. This event should be significant, impactful, and ripe with potential for exploration and reflection.

Example: “The day I lost my way in the forest during a solo hiking trip.”

Step 2: Develop Characters and Setting

Introduce the main characters involved in the narrative, including the protagonist (yourself) and any other individuals who play a role in the story.
Describe the setting in which the narrative takes place, providing details about the time, place, and atmosphere.

Example: “Character: The protagonist, a young hiker eager to explore the wilderness. Setting: A dense forest teeming with wildlife, bathed in the golden light of early morning.”

Step 3: Establish Conflict and Resolution

Identify the primary conflict or challenge faced by the protagonist during the course of the narrative. This conflict should create tension, drive the plot forward, and provide opportunities for growth and development.
Outline how the protagonist resolves the conflict or confronts the challenges encountered, leading to a resolution or conclusion.

Example: “Conflict: The protagonist becomes lost in the forest and must find a way to navigate back to safety. Resolution: Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and inner strength, the protagonist overcomes obstacles and eventually finds their way home.”

Step 4: Incorporate Theme and Message

Explore the overarching themes or messages that emerge from the narrative, delving into deeper layers of meaning and significance.
Consider how the events of the narrative shed light on broader truths, lessons, or insights about life, resilience, or self-discovery.

Example: “Theme: The transformative power of adversity and the resilience of the human spirit. Message: Even in moments of uncertainty and fear, one can find strength and courage within themselves to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.”

Step 5: Arrange Chronological Order

Organize the events of the narrative in chronological order, ensuring a logical progression of events from beginning to end.
Use transitions and temporal markers to guide readers through the narrative timeline and maintain clarity and coherence.

Example: “Chronological Order: 1. Setting out on the hiking trip. 2. Getting lost in the forest. 3. Navigating through the wilderness. 4. Confronting inner fears. 5. Finding the way home.”

By following these steps, you can craft a well-structured outline for your narrative essay, laying the groundwork for a compelling and impactful narrative that resonates with readers. Each step in the process contributes to the development of a cohesive and engaging narrative, guiding you through the storytelling journey with clarity, purpose, and direction.

Sample Outline Walkthrough

Introduction: “Lost in the Woods”

Begin with a captivating opening that sets the scene and captures the reader’s attention.

Example: “The dense canopy overhead blocked out the sunlight, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor as I ventured deeper into the heart of the woods. With each step, the familiar trails faded into obscurity, leaving me disoriented and alone in a labyrinth of towering trees and tangled undergrowth.”

Introduce the main event of the narrative: getting lost in the woods during a solo hiking trip.

Example: “It was supposed to be a simple trek through the wilderness, a chance to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But as dusk descended and the forest grew silent around me, I realized with a sinking feeling that I had lost my way.”

Body Paragraph 1: Encounter with a Mysterious Figure

Describe the protagonist’s encounter with a mysterious figure in the forest.

Example: “As I stumbled through the underbrush, my heart pounding with fear and uncertainty, I caught sight of a shadowy figure looming ahead. Frozen in place, I watched as the figure emerged from the shadows, its features obscured by the dim light filtering through the trees.”

Explore the protagonist’s initial reactions and emotions upon encountering the mysterious figure.

Example: “Fear gripped me as I braced myself for the worst, expecting the figure to be a harbinger of danger or menace. But as it drew closer, I sensed a strange aura of calm and reassurance emanating from its presence, dispelling my apprehension and filling me with curiosity.”

Body Paragraph 2: Navigating Through the Wilderness

Detail the protagonist’s efforts to navigate through the wilderness and find a way back to safety.

Example: “With the mysterious figure’s guidance, I set out on a journey of exploration and discovery, following hidden trails and forgotten pathways through the labyrinthine forest. Each step brought new challenges and obstacles, from treacherous terrain to unexpected obstacles blocking my path.”

Highlight moments of perseverance, resourcefulness, and resilience as the protagonist navigates through adversity.

Example: “Despite moments of doubt and despair, I refused to succumb to the overwhelming sense of hopelessness that threatened to engulf me. Drawing on inner reserves of strength and determination, I pressed onward, driven by an unwavering belief that I would find my way home.”

Body Paragraph 3: Confronting Inner Fears

Explore the protagonist’s inner journey of self-discovery and personal growth as they confront their inner fears and insecurities.

Example: “As night fell and shadows danced among the trees, I found myself grappling with inner demons that had long lain dormant within me. Fears of failure, inadequacy, and loneliness surfaced, threatening to overwhelm me with their insidious whispers of doubt and despair.”

Reflect on moments of introspection and revelation as the protagonist confronts their fears and finds inner strength.

Example: “In the depths of darkness, I discovered a reservoir of courage and resilience that I never knew existed within me. Embracing the unknown with a newfound sense of purpose and determination, I forged ahead, guided by the flickering light of hope that burned bright within my heart.”

Conclusion: Finding Direction Amidst Chaos

Summarize the protagonist’s journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Example: “In the end, it was not the destination but the journey itself that proved transformative, as I emerged from the depths of the forest with a newfound sense of purpose and direction. Through adversity and uncertainty, I discovered the strength and resilience to navigate life’s twists and turns, guided by the unwavering light of hope that illuminates the darkest of paths.”

Offer reflections on the broader significance of the narrative and its themes.

Example: “Lost in the woods, I found more than just my way home—I found myself. In the wilderness of uncertainty, amidst the chaos of fear and doubt, I discovered the power of resilience, the beauty of perseverance, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. And though the path ahead may be uncertain, I walk it with confidence, knowing that I carry within me the lessons learned and the wisdom gained from my journey through the forest of life.”

This sample outline provides a structured framework for crafting a narrative essay that follows the protagonist’s journey from being lost in the woods to finding direction amidst chaos. Each section of the outline outlines key events, emotions, and themes, guiding the narrative from beginning to end with clarity, coherence, and impact.

Tips for Effective Narrative Essay Outlines

Crafting a compelling narrative essay outline requires careful attention to detail and a keen understanding of storytelling techniques. Here are some tips to help you create an outline that engages readers and brings your narrative to life:

Maintain Consistency in Tone and Perspective:

Ensure that the tone and perspective of your narrative essay remain consistent throughout the outline. Whether you’re adopting a first-person perspective or a third-person omniscient viewpoint, consistency is key to maintaining narrative coherence and immersing readers in the story.

Use Vivid Language and Descriptive Details:

Infuse your narrative essay outline with vivid language and descriptive details that appeal to the senses and evoke imagery in the reader’s mind. Paint a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures to create a sensory experience that transports readers to the heart of your narrative world.

Incorporate Dialogue and Action Scenes:

Bring your narrative essay to life by incorporating dialogue and action scenes that propel the plot forward and reveal character dynamics. Dialogue adds authenticity and depth to character interactions, while action scenes inject energy and excitement into the narrative, keeping readers engaged and invested in the story’s progression.

Balance Show and Tell Techniques:

Strike a balance between “showing” and “telling” in your narrative essay outline, allowing readers to experience the story firsthand while also providing necessary exposition and insight. Show scenes through vivid description, action, and dialogue to immerse readers in the moment, but also utilize tell techniques to provide context, background information, and internal reflections that deepen the narrative’s meaning and resonance.

By incorporating these tips into your narrative essay outline, you can create a compelling roadmap for your storytelling journey, guiding readers through the twists and turns of your narrative with clarity, coherence, and impact. Whether you’re crafting a personal anecdote, a fictional tale, or a reflective essay, these tips will help you craft an outline that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Narrative Essay Outlines

Crafting a narrative essay outline requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach to storytelling. To ensure the effectiveness of your outline and the success of your narrative essay, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can detract from the clarity, coherence, and impact of your storytelling. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Lack of Clear Direction:

One of the most significant pitfalls in narrative essay outlines is a lack of clear direction or purpose. Without a clear sense of where the narrative is heading, readers may become disengaged or confused, leading to a disjointed and unsatisfying reading experience. To avoid this pitfall, ensure that your outline outlines a clear trajectory for the narrative, with a well-defined beginning, middle, and end. Clearly articulate the central event or conflict, establish character motivations and goals, and map out the key plot points and developments that drive the narrative forward.

Overwhelming the Reader with Details:

While vivid descriptions and sensory details are essential for bringing your narrative to life, overloading your outline with excessive details can overwhelm readers and detract from the main storyline. Avoid the pitfall of overwhelming readers with unnecessary or extraneous details by focusing on the most essential elements of the narrative. Selectively choose details that advance the plot, develop characters, or evoke mood and atmosphere, and omit any information that does not contribute to the overall narrative arc. Remember that less is often more, and prioritizing quality over quantity will result in a more impactful and immersive reading experience.

Ignoring the Importance of Revision:

Perhaps the most critical pitfall to avoid in narrative essay outlines is ignoring the importance of revision. Even the most well-crafted outlines can benefit from careful review, refinement, and revision to ensure clarity, coherence, and effectiveness. Failing to revise your outline thoroughly can lead to inconsistencies, logical gaps, and missed opportunities for improvement in the final narrative essay. Take the time to review your outline critically, solicit feedback from peers or instructors, and make necessary revisions to strengthen the narrative’s structure, pacing, and impact. By embracing the revision process, you can transform a good outline into a great one and ultimately produce a narrative essay that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impression.

By avoiding these common pitfalls in your narrative essay outline, you can create a roadmap for storytelling success, guiding readers through a compelling and immersive narrative experience. With clarity of direction, judicious use of details, and a commitment to revision, your narrative essay outline will serve as a solid foundation for crafting a memorable and impactful narrative essay that resonates with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.

In crafting a narrative essay outline, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can detract from the clarity, coherence, and impact of your storytelling. By maintaining a clear direction, avoiding overwhelming readers with unnecessary details, and embracing the importance of revision, you can create a roadmap for storytelling success.

A well-crafted narrative essay outline serves as a blueprint for your narrative journey, guiding readers through the twists and turns of your story with clarity, purpose, and resonance. From the captivating opening to the reflective conclusion, each section of the outline plays a vital role in shaping the narrative’s structure, pacing, and impact.

As you embark on your narrative writing journey, remember to stay true to your voice, vision, and storytelling style. Whether you’re recounting a personal anecdote, exploring a fictional world, or reflecting on a life-changing experience, let your passion, creativity, and authenticity shine through in your narrative essay outline.

In the end, crafting a compelling narrative essay is not just about telling a story—it’s about creating an immersive, engaging, and meaningful experience for readers. By avoiding common pitfalls, embracing revision, and staying true to your narrative vision, you can create a narrative essay that resonates with readers, leaving a lasting impression long after they’ve finished reading.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 great narrative essay examples + tips for writing.

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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How to write a narrative essay to score top marks

With a Juris Bachelor's degree and a decade of legal practice, Darious Davson excels in creating compelling and authoritative academic papers in Law and Ethics. His work is a testament to his profound knowledge of the legal system and commitment to upholding ethical writing practices. So, this experienced paper writer is your top-tier pick!

How to write a narrative essay? This task has never been an easy task for students. The fact is that it requires showing off your experiences, life-changing moments, and outstanding events that had an impact on your personality. So, what is the main challenge of a narrative essay, and how to write it?

First, it is difficult to determine the moment you want to describe. Second, the writing process itself requires excellent skills and the ability to convey facts excitingly. Moreover, you need to understand the requirements and choose a suitable format. And all this is just the top of a glacier!

However, there is good news. I’m here to help! So, get ready to find the answers to the crucial questions about effective writing right here.

Let’s begin with identifying the core features of personal narratives. What do most successful academic papers have in common?

First-person perspective: The key feature of this type of paper is that it must be written in the first person. You need to write about yourself, not your favorite artists or teachers.
Engaging opening: Your essay must grab the readers' attention from its first lines.
Detailed descriptions: Each sentence matters. Don’t be afraid to add bright descriptions of the environment, mood, and other aspects that make your story unique.
Emotional resonance: Your essay should touch the hearts of the readers. Avoid composing a long monologue with a list of simple facts.
Clear goal: According to the narrative format rules, your paper must not be a biography or a story without a clear purpose. Make sure it has an easily recognizable goal.

Logical organization: Looking at most narrative essay examples, you will notice that they all have a logical flow.

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When writing a narrative essay, you must follow the main rules of completing this academic assignment. To make your job easier, I developed this guide to cover all the questions and blind spots most students usually face. So, it’s high time to discover all the critical aspects of crafting an excellent paper.

What is a narrative essay: defining the concept

Before you jump into writing and exploring the main rules for this tricky academic paper, it is necessary to have a closer look at the basics. So, what is a narrative essay? The main thing you need to know about it is that it must be a unique story from the writer’s viewpoint. As a rule, it covers topics related to your experiences, events, and memories. However, your writing shouldn’t be a monotonous bunch of facts. Make sure to describe facts easily, interestingly, and engagingly.

Unlike other types of academic papers, a personal narrative puts storytelling first. You can also use the following elements to make your story catchier:

Diverse descriptions;
Chronological order.

Grasping the Fundamentals of Narrative Essays

You can effortlessly find many narrative essay examples online. However, you need to know that college and high school papers of this kind usually have some differences. Moreover, each one usually has a long list of requirements and unique features. Here is a list of what you should take into account when exploring the needs of narrative writing:

Essay structure;
Paper length;
Style of writing;
Rules for creating a thesis statement;
Requirements for the introduction;
Requirements for the body paragraphs;
Requirements for the conclusion.

Even experienced students often feel lost when facing this type of academic assignment. What is more, this challenge makes them ask one crucial question: “Is there anyone who can write my essay for me?”. This issue disturbs even the most talented and skilled students. Fortunately, there are professional writing services that are always ready to help. But if you still want to complete your assignment yourself, it’s time to choose a topic!

Narrative essay examples

You may use dozens of literacy narrative topics and other solutions for your paper. Here is a list of some ideas for you:

A Moment of Courage: Overcoming a Fear That Changed My Life
Lost and Found: A Journey of Self-Discovery during Travel
The Day Everything Changed: A Personal Reflection on a Major Life Event
Lessons from Failure: How Setbacks Have Shaped My Character
An Unforgettable Friendship: The Story of a Lifelong Bond
From Dream to Reality: Pursuing a Passion against All Odds
The Power of Forgiveness: Healing Wounds and Moving Forward

Crafting an excellent narrative essay structure

After you’ve decided on a topic, it’s time to build a skeleton for your essay. Learners often have issues when creating their first narrative essay structure. Still, if you understand the basic elements of your paper, you will get almost half of the job done:

Plot: It is a sequence of events that organically come one after another in your story. Avoid jumping between facts from different parts of your paper.
Characters: Of course, you must be your story’s protagonist. However, don’t focus only on your personality. There should be other people, too.
Setting: This is a description of the environment where your story takes place. Pay more attention to this part, as it can spice up your narration.
Dialogs: Double-check whether all the dialogues add value to your personal narrative and are realistic.
Climax: This is the heart of your story. It is better to describe it with the highest tension and feature-rich facts.
Final: This is the resolution of your story. After you’ve reached a final thought, you can add a brief summary and end your paper.

Narrative essay outline: top prompts

Now that you know your paper's critical elements, it’s time for a narrative essay outline. As a rule, it must have a chronological order and traditional essay structure:

Introduction

Hook: Similar to many other academic papers, your narrative should have a hook and a good-looking opening sentence. Make sure your intro attracts attention and doesn’t look obvious or boring. A good introduction is one of the keys to receiving an excellent grade for your assignment.
Background: Here, you are expected to describe some settings, characters, and minor details to allow the readers to imagine your story better.
Thesis statement: Your thesis statement must briefly describe the main goal of your narrative writing.
Flow of events: Your paragraphs should be organized and chronological. Always follow your story’s timeline.
Dialogs: Although the traditional narrative essay format doesn’t require using dialogs, most students add them to their papers. This approach allows them to describe all the events and characters much easier.
Reflection: Remember that your essay must demonstrate your feelings and emotions.
Summary: Almost any academic paper requires a short and powerful summary. Personal narratives are not an exception to this rule.
Reflective end-up: Use your closing to connect with the thesis.
Impression: Try to leave an impression on the readers and make them think about your paper a few moments after you’ve finished it.

Types of narratives: learning from examples

There are several types of narratives you need to distinguish:

Personal: Focuses on a specific experience or event. It usually shares insights or lessons learned.
Descriptive: This one usually describes a scene or event with the help of diverse sensory details.
Autobiographical: This solution recounts the author's life story and highlights milestones, challenges, and achievements.
Travel: Documents the author's experiences and observations during traveling.
Historical: This narrative writing recounts significant historical events or periods from a personal perspective, blending historical facts with reflections.
Literary: Explores themes, characters, and motifs of a literary work or genre, offering personal interpretation.
Ethnographic: Draws on the author's observations within a cultural or social context, offering insights into individuals or communities.

The narrative essay definition for high school students is not difficult. Moreover, it’s the same for all learners. However, you are expected to tell a story about the most important lessons in your life and share something meaningful for you. It shouldn’t be only funny or entertaining. You may also describe how you’ve made mature choices and the right decisions (regardless of how tough they were.)

If you google “define narrative essay for college students,” you will find out that it is developed to demonstrate your best qualities through the description of a particular life event. Don’t hesitate to put your creativity into practice and use unique writing approaches. A few things most professors value in this type of academic paper created by college learners:

Your ability to be flexible and adapt to drastically changing life situations;
Your creative problem-solving skills;
Your ability to take lessons from the mistakes you’ve made.

How to write a narrative essay: tips to achieve top marks

Choose a compelling topic: What is the purpose of narrative writing? Make sure you find the answer and then select a meaningful topic.
Create a strong thesis: Develop a clear thesis statement that conveys your narrative's main message or lesson.
Use vivid descriptions: Engage the reader by incorporating sensory details and descriptive language to picture the events and characters vividly.
Establish a clear structure: When writing a narrative essay, organize it chronologically. Develop a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Maintain a consistent point of view: Stick to a consistent narrative perspective throughout the essay.
Include dialogue: Dialogs can bring your characters to life and add authenticity to your narrative.
Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating events, you must show them through actions, emotions, and sensory experiences.
Reflect on significance: Reflect on the event's significance and share insights when writing a narrative essay.
Edit and revise: Don’t forget to revise your essay for clarity, coherence, and impact.
Seek feedback: Get feedback from peers, instructors, or mentors to improve your narrative.

Many students report serious difficulties with completing a narrative academic assignment. Can I pay someone to write my paper? Hundreds of learners often ask this question. And the answer is “Yes!” In this case, you will get a perfectly written, proofread, and original paper crafted according to all your requirements.

But what if you decide to write on your own? This way, the best answer to how to write a narrative essay is to understand its core concepts and strictly follow your professor’s guidelines.

FAQs on writing brilliant narrative essays

How can i make my narrative essay stand out from others.

Many narrative essay ideas can be found online. However, to stand out, it is better to find a unique topic for your assignment.

What are common mistakes most students make in narrative writing?

The most common mistakes in a personal narrative are failing to follow an essay structure, failing to include a thesis statement, and sharing too many diverse facts.

How can I revise my narrative essay?

You must review your paper for clarity, consistency, and coherence, edit grammar and mechanics, enhance descriptive language, trim unnecessary details, check a narrative format, ensure a strong conclusion, and conduct a final proofread.

Should I use dialogues in a narrative essay?

This rule is not 100% obligatory. However, if you search for successful narrative essay examples online, you will discover that almost all have dialogs.

What are the best ways to improve the essay’s flow?

Use a chronological order and a strict timeline when polishing your academic paper.

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Book Club: Let’s Talk About ‘James,’ by Percival Everett

Everett’s latest novel revisits “the adventures of huckleberry finn” from the perspective of huck’s fellow runaway..

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The broad outlines of Percival Everett’s new novel, “James,” will be immediately familiar to anyone with even a basic knowledge of American literature: A boy named Huckleberry Finn and an enslaved man named Jim are fleeing down the Mississippi River together, each in search of his own kind of freedom.

But where Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” treated Jim as a secondary character, a figure of pity and a target of fun, Everett’s novel makes him the star of the show: a dignified, complicated, fully formed man capable of love and wit and rage in equal measure.

In this week’s episode, the Book Review’s MJ Franklin discusses the book with his colleagues Joumana Khatib and Gregory Cowles. Caution: Spoilers abound.

They also discuss comments and questions that readers submitted. If you’ve read “James” and want to join the conversation, we’d love to hear your reactions in the comments. We’ll get you started:

MJ Franklin: “Everett’s version of ‘Huck Finn’ veers into different territory pretty immediately. From the first page, you learn that there is more to James than meets the eye.” …

Joumana Khatib: “This book is certainly subversive. I have no problem considering it an act of subversion. In fact, one of the major themes in this book is just how dangerous and risky language is, and claiming it for yourself, wielding it for yourself.” …

Gregory Cowles: “One thing that happens throughout this book, James, as a runaway slave, is always kind of trying to suss out when he encounters a white person, Is he a safe white person? And really there are no safe white people in this book. … ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ is maybe the original avatar of the white savior narrative. Who is Huck except the white savior for Jim? And ‘James,’ by Percival Everett, is a book that refuses the white savior narrative.”

We would love to hear your thoughts about this episode, and about the Book Review’s podcast in general. You can send them to [email protected] .

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Narrative Essay Outline
Learn how to write a narrative essay outline with a 5 paragraph structure and examples. Follow the steps to create a hook, set the scene, define the thesis, write chronologically, provide details and summarize the story.
How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline? Examples & Template
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How to Write a Narrative Essay
Learn how to tell a story in a clear and interesting way with a narrative essay. Find out how to choose a topic, follow a structure, and use figurative language and dialogue.
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Learn how to write an effective essay outline with clear guidelines and examples, and improve your argument and structure in academic writing.
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How to write an effective outline for a narrative essay
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to create a structure and write an outline for a narrative essay along with practical examples
How To write A Narrative Essay Outline + Examples & Tips
A narrative essay is a brief story with a revolving central idea. You can explore emotions, share personal experiences, and demonstrate your storytelling skills. But how do you get started? Crafting a stellar narrative essay outline is the key to ensuring your narrative flows seamlessly.
How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step
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How to write a narrative essay [Updated 2023]
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How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline - Tips & Examples

Narrative Essay Outline Format

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline?

Narrative Essay Outline Example

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Crafting a Winning Narrative Essay Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Narrative Essays

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Outline Sample

Steps to Write a Narrative Essay Outline

Step 1: Brainstorming

Step 2: Selecting a Topic

Step 3: Developing a Thesis Statement

Step 4: Write Introduction

Step 5: Body Paragraphs

Step 6: Conclusion Section

Step 7: Transition Sentences

Narrative Essay Outline Format

Narrative Essay Examples Outlines

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Table of Contents

Preparing for the Trek

Immersion in the Amazon's Natural Beauty

Transformation and Personal Growth

This is what your outline will look like

1. Identify the topic

2. Define the objective

3. Craft the thesis

4. Main points

5. Sub-points

6. Evidence and citations

7. Introduction and hook

8. Conclusion

9. Transitions

10. Refine and review

Detailed Guide on How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline with Tips

What is a Narrative Essay?

Tips For A Flawless Narrative Essay Outline

What Makes a Narrative Essay Unique

What do you need to do before writing your outline?

What Makes a Good Narrative Outline? & How to Structure One

1. Hook Your Audience

2. Setting the Scene – Where and When

3. Introduce the Characters – The Heart of the Tale

4. The Climax – The Moment of Truth

5. Conclusion – Wrapping it Up

Keep it Personal and Authentic

Show, Don't Tell

Embrace the Power of Dialogue

Narrative Essay Template

How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step

What Is a Narrative Essay

What is the Purpose of a Narrative Essay

How to Write a Narrative Essay in 5 Steps

Step 1: Start with a Topic Selection

Step 2: Make a Clear Outline

Step 3: Write Your Narrative Essay

Step 4: Don't Forget to Revise

Step 5: Proofread Your Writing

Narrative Essay Topics: The List

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Narrative Essay Examples

Final Recap

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What Is A Narrative Essay?

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How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples

📚 What Is a Narrative Essay?