storytelling essay writing

Crafting Compelling Narrative Essays: Storytelling Techniques for Students

Narrative essays offer a unique platform for students to convey their stories, experiences, and viewpoints. Unlike other forms of academic writing that demand strict adherence to factual information and formal structure, narrative essays provide a creative avenue for personal expression. They allow writers to connect with their readers through the art of storytelling, bringing to life their experiences, observations, and insights. This article aims to guide students in harnessing the power of storytelling to create compelling narrative essays. By mastering certain storytelling techniques, students can transform their essays from mere collections of events to captivating stories that resonate with their audience.

Understanding Narrative Essays

A narrative essay is essentially a story told from a personal perspective. It involves characters, a setting, a plot, and often a moral or conclusion drawn from the events narrated. Unlike expository or argumentative essays, narrative essays typically focus on personal experiences and are less rigid in structure and style. This freedom allows for greater creativity and expression, making them a favorite among students and a common assignment in academic settings.

The essence of a narrative essay lies in its storytelling aspect. It’s not just about presenting facts but about weaving these facts into a coherent and engaging story. The challenge for students is to maintain the balance between being informative and creative, which is where storytelling techniques play a crucial role. A narrative essay should not only inform the reader but also connect with them on an emotional level. This connection is what makes narrative essays stand out and is often what students aim to achieve when they seek help from services like Writepaper , which guides them in crafting impactful narratives.

Storytelling Elements in Narrative Essays

Effective storytelling in narrative essays revolves around several key elements:

1. Character. Every narrative essay needs a protagonist, often the writer themselves. Developing a well-rounded character with relatable traits and emotions is essential for creating a connection with the reader. 2. Setting. The backdrop of the story sets the tone and context. Whether it’s a physical location, a historical period, or a cultural background, the setting can significantly influence the mood of the essay. 3. Plot. This is the sequence of events in the essay. A well-structured plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end helps keep the reader engaged. Including a climax or a turning point makes the narrative more compelling. 4. Conflict. The challenges or problems faced by the characters are crucial in creating suspense and interest. Conflict can be external (against other characters or forces) or internal (within the character’s mind). 5. Resolution. How the conflict is resolved forms the crux of the narrative. The resolution brings closure to the story and often carries the underlying message or moral of the essay. Each of these elements contributes to the overall effectiveness of the narrative essay, making the story engaging and memorable for the reader.

Developing a Strong Narrative Voice

The narrative voice is the perspective through which the story is told, and it plays a crucial role in how the story is received by the reader. A strong, distinctive narrative voice can make an essay stand out. To develop this voice, students should consider the following:

1. Choose the Right Perspective. First-person narratives create intimacy, while third-person narratives offer more flexibility in describing events and characters. 2. Be Authentic. The voice should reflect the writer’s personality and experiences. An authentic voice resonates more with readers. 3. Consider Tone and Style. The tone should match the content of the essay. A serious story might require a formal tone, while a humorous one can be more casual and conversational. Developing a unique narrative voice takes practice, but it significantly impacts the essay’s tone and the reader’s engagement.

Creating Vivid Descriptions

Descriptive language is a powerful tool in narrative essays, enabling writers to create vivid imagery and engage the reader’s senses. Here are some techniques for crafting vivid descriptions:

• Use Sensory Details. Describe what is seen, heard, smelled, tasted, or touched to paint a clear picture in the reader’s mind. • Show, Don’t Tell. Instead of stating facts, show them through descriptions and actions. For example, instead of saying, “It was a stormy night,” describe the howling wind and torrential rain. • Be Specific. General descriptions can be dull. Specific details add depth and authenticity to the narrative. Balancing descriptive writing with the narrative’s pace is key. Overly detailed descriptions can slow down the story, while too few can leave it feeling flat and unengaging.

Building Emotional Connection

An emotional connection with the reader is what elevates a narrative essay from good to great. This connection is achieved when the reader feels invested in the story and can empathize with the characters and their experiences.

Here are strategies to build this connection:

• Use Relatable Experiences. Choose topics or situations that are likely to resonate with your audience. Sharing common human experiences, such as triumphs and failures, can evoke a sense of empathy. • Express Emotions. Clearly expressing the emotions experienced by the characters, especially the narrator, helps readers connect on an emotional level. Show how the events affected the characters emotionally, not just physically. • Create Tension and Release. Building tension, be it through conflict, challenges, or uncertainty, and then providing a release keeps readers engaged and creates an emotional payoff. By focusing on these elements, students can make their narratives more impactful and emotionally engaging, fostering a deeper connection with their readers.

Structuring Your Narrative Essay

A well-structured narrative essay helps maintain clarity and ensures that the story flows logically. The structure typically involves:

1. Introduction. Set the scene and introduce the characters and the premise. Begin with a hook to capture the reader’s attention. 2. Body. This is where the plot unfolds. Describe the events in a logical sequence, and include the conflict and build-up to the climax. 3. Conclusion. Offer a resolution to the conflict and reflect on the story’s significance. End with a closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Good structure is essential for guiding the reader through the story without confusion, keeping them engaged from start to finish.

Editing and Refining Your Essay

Editing and refining are crucial stages in crafting a compelling narrative essay. This process involves:

• Reviewing Content. Ensure that all the elements of a good story are present and effectively conveyed. Check for clarity in the narrative and consistency in the characters and plot. • Proofreading. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. These can distract from the story and affect the essay’s overall quality. • Seeking Feedback. Getting feedback from peers, teachers, or a mentor can provide new insights and help identify areas that need improvement. Editing and refining can transform a good narrative essay into an excellent one, making this stage as important as the initial writing process.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a compelling narrative essay involves more than just recounting events; it requires skillful storytelling, emotional engagement, clear structure, and careful editing. By employing these techniques, students can elevate their narrative essays, making them not just assignments to be completed but stories to be cherished and remembered. Just as one might turn to the best paper writing service for guidance in academic writing, mastering the art of narrative essay writing requires practice, feedback, and a willingness to learn and grow as a storyteller.

In conclusion, narrative essays offer a unique opportunity for students to express themselves creatively and connect with their readers. By utilizing storytelling techniques effectively, students can create essays that are not only academically successful but also personally fulfilling and engaging for their audience.

A Storytelling Guide: Step-By-Step, With Examples

Storytelling is a great way of building connections with your readers and ideal audience. Like any skill, it takes practice. Our storytelling guide explains more.

Once upon a time, I avoided using stories as part of my non-fiction writing.

I felt like stories were too hard to pull off, they didn’t resonate with non-fiction readers, and I didn’t have the writing chops to tell a story that mattered. Instead, I leaned heavily on research and interviews.

But my articles and book chapters were dry and bland. 

One day, I went to a lecture by the screenwriting guru Robert McKee.

There, he explained:

“He who tells the best story wins.”

He told us storytelling is an art form. The best non-fiction writers use stories as part of their work. It helps writers connect with readers. 

And not just novelists. 

He called out content marketers, advertisers and non-fiction writers. 

I discovered the readers of a well-told story share the emotions of the characters in a story, and they will recall the key points of this story later, far better than any article that’s based solely on reason and logic.

I knew I needed to change my approach to storytelling. 

Even if you write non-fiction online, incorporating simple stories into your writing will help you communicate a memorable message with readers and even stir up their emotions.

Living Writer contains time-saving templates for authors and novelists. iOS and Android apps available

Why Tell Stories?

What types of stories can you tell, step 1: decide what type of story you’re telling, step 2: identify your target audience, step 3: select the medium, step 4: establish your central character, step 5: give your character a problem, step 6: your character meets a guide, step 7: the guide gives your character a plan, step 8 the guide calls your character to adventure, step 9: identify what’s at stake, step 10: let your character choose, storytelling: the most powerful weapon at your disposal, storytelling guide resources, what is the objective of storytelling, what are the benefits of storytelling, what are examples of stories, [interview] gaming, digital storytelling and creative projects with john romero, storytelling resources.

Stories inform how we make sense of the world, our past experiences, and what the future holds. 

They bring people together around a common idea or narrative. Think back to when people gathered around a campfire late at night.

They also stir up emotions in the hearts of a target audience and they remember lessons from the story long after the end.

Stories are also more impactful than facts, figures, logic and reason because they appeal to people’s values and beliefs.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a content marketer, copywriter, poet or novelist. Stories belong in your work.

And you don’t need to be Stephen King, Mario Puzo or a great American novelist to use them either. 

• If you’re a  content marketer , tell a story about the brand or include one in a marketing campaign and explain how your company helps a target audience.
• If you’re a  copywriter , you could tell a story about how a customer used the product you’re selling to solve a problem.
• If you’re a  poet , you could perform spoken word at a recital.
• If you’re a  podcaster , you could use stories in each podcast episode (oral storytelling has a long tradition and lends itself well to digital media)
• If you’re writing a blog post , you could insert a personal story to balance research, recommendations and information.
• If you’re delivering  a presentation , you could open with a short story related to the topic at hand.
• If you’re  a business leader , you could tell a story about how you or your company overcame a big professional challenge (great leaders are comfortable displaying vulnerability).

Each genre has conventions that storytellers must follow. 

A good story achieves at least one of several things.

• It’s  entertaining . The target audience enjoys hearing, watching or consuming it.
• It’s  inspiring . People feel motivated to act after the end,
• It’s  educational . We come away from the story knowing more about a topic or issue.
• It’s  universal . Although a story may speak to a specific audience, niche or geography, anyone can follow it.
• It’s  organized . A good story follows a certain framework like the hero’s journey.

Every great story is created for someone. Who is your ideal target audience? What are their:

• Frustrations

Understanding this information up front will help you figure out how to deliver your message. If in doubt, survey or interview them.

Thanks to digital storytelling tools, it’s easier than ever to mix and match various formats. You could:

• Create a video series on YouTube
• Record a series of podcasts episodes
• Publish several blog posts on a topic
• Create customer testimonials
• Record a short film
• Write and self-publish a book
• Perform your story in front of an audience and record it

It’s even possible to take material from one format and remix it for another.

In every great story, a central character or hero goes on a journey or an adventure.

For example in the film  Star Wars , Luke Skywalker is the primary character.

He is called to adventure by Obi-Wan Kenobi to rescue Princess Leia and defeat an evil empire.

He’s a character we can empathise with. You don’t need to love science fiction either to understand Luke’s arc in this film.

To tell the story of how I learnt to write 1,000 words day, I could present myself or my reader as the main character. In this case, I picked myself.

For B2B storytellers, copywriters and advertisers, the central character is typically the target audience. 

Now that you’ve chosen the hero or central character ask: “What is he or she struggling with right now?”

In  Star Wars , Luke struggles to escape his home planet after Darth Vadar’s troopers kill his aunt and uncle.

In the book and film  The Godfather  by Mario Puzo, Michael Corleone struggles with his family and the direction of his life after his uncle Don Corleone is shot and his mafia family begins to fall apart.

If you’re telling a non-fiction story, describe in a few sentences a problem that you have or one that you know your readers have.

While telling the story of how I learnt to write 1,000 words a day , I wrote about my inability to finish a book.

I didn’t increase my daily word count, I would never have anything to publish.

And a writer who can’t finish and publish his book has a serious problem.

If you’re a content marketer, you could:

• Write about a pain-point customers have like their tax returns
• Paint a picture via video and audio of your ideal audience struggling to understand a part of their business

Next, the hero or central character of your story must meet someone who listens to and understands their problems.

This guide should empathise rather than sympathise with the central character of your story and even help them.

In  Star Wars , Luke meets Obi-Wan Kenobi who then explains to Luke how he can escape his ordinary life and go on an adventure to rescue a princess.

If you’re writing non-fiction, you can present yourself as a guide that understands your reader’s problems, or you can write about someone who helped you.

It’s easy to present yourself as a guide if you use language familiar to your readers and if you use words like “you” rather than “I”.

For example, I committed to writing 1,000 words a day after Stephen King explained what he does in his book On Writing.

“I like to get ten pages a day, which amounts to 2,000 words. That’s 180,000 words over a three-month span, a goodish length for a book – something in which the reader can get happily lost, if the tale is done well and stays fresh.”

Later, King empathised with the distractions new writers face and argued they (me) should aim for at least 1,000 words a day.

For B2B storytellers, your company or its product represents the guide, 

The guide’s role in your story is to help the hero overcome the problem you identified previously.

In  Star Wars , Obi-Wan Kenobi helps Luke leave his home planet, find the force and ultimately defeat Darth Vadar.

If you’re writing non-fiction, you can give your reader a plan for overcoming their problem by acting as a guide and explaining what they need to do next.

Alternatively, you can write about how someone you met helped you overcome this problem and explain that your readers can do the same.

In my case, I explained how Stephen King gave me a plan: I must write 1,000 words a day every day by eliminating other distractions.

“So okay- there you are in your room with the shade down and the door shut and the plug pulled out of the base of the telephone. You’ve blown up your TV and committed yourself to a thousand words a day, come hell or high water. Now comes the big question: What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything you damn well want.”

For B2B storytellers, your company or its product represents the offer. 

Every great story has a moment of crisis where the main character must decide: will I or won’t I?

In  The Godfather  , Michael must decide will he turn his back on his family and a life of crime?

Or will he leave his old life behind him and avenge the attempted murder of his uncle by killing a corrupt policeman?

If you’re writing non-fiction, you can call your reader to adventure by asking them to pursue something they desire.

This could be:

• Writing 1,000 words a day
• Publishing a book
• Starting a popular blog

In my case, I explained that after I started writing 1,000 words a day, I ran out of things to write about and had to consider where I was going.

For B2B storytellers, your company or its product represents the call-to-action e.g. buy now, subscribe. 

Every successful story contains a moment of crisis within which the story’s core value(s) is stake.

In the Godfather, Michael knows his family will be destroyed if he doesn’t act and protect them.

However, he also knows he risks his soul if he murders another man in cold blood to protect his family.

The core values here are family and ethics.

If you’re writing non-fiction, you can identify what’s at stake by explaining what the reader will gain or lose if they take action.

To write 1,000 words every day, I had to give up or cut back on other activities like television and social events (what I stand to lose).

If didn’t give these things up and write 1,000 words every , then I would never write a book (what’s at stake).

The core values here are immediate gratification and ambition.

If you’re a copywriting telling a story, you could:

• Show  how a product  will save the reader money or time
• Reveal a hidden benefit that only customers of this product get  if  they act now
• Demonstrate the  before and after  transformation via pictures or videos e.g. think testimonials from happy clients of a personal trainer

Your central character’s decision must have consequences if you want your story to sound compelling.

In  Star Wars , Luke must decide if he wants to take his place next to his father and join the Dark Side or reject his father.

He chooses the latter and as a consequence, he sacrifices himself by jumping to his death (only be rescued last minute by his friends).

In  The Godfather , Michael chooses to protect his family by killing a policeman in cold blood.

As a consequence, he must go into hiding in Italy and eventually return and assume his place as head of a powerful crime family.

When I started writing 1,000 words a day , I quickly discovered I didn’t have an audience for my work and that I would never improve as a writer without an audience. This new knowledge set me on the path towards blogging.

Tip:  Start at the End and Write Backwards Before you write your story, think about how it ends.

Why? It’s easier to tell a story when you know exactly what happened and how things turned out.

This means doing the following:

• Define your target audience
• Identify what your audience needs
• Pick a problem they have

Many successful non-fiction writers figure out who they are writing for and what they want to say before they put pen to paper i.e. they pitch their idea to an editor before they write it.

Before writing my story of how I learnt to write 1,000 words a day, I identified my target audience as other new writers who wanted to do the same and those who were curious about my journey.

I knew some of these writers and bloggers were interested because they’d emailed me and asked how they can write more frequently.

It’s not as difficult as it sounds to tell a story as part of your non-fiction writing, and it will help you win the hearts and minds of readers.

All it takes is some practice and a little knowledge of what a good story involves.

I used  Star Wars  and  The Godfather  as examples because they’re fantastic stories that anyone can relate to.

I included my story to show you that you don’t need to be George Lucas or Mario Puzo to incorporate storytelling into your work.

If you’re still struggling with the art of storytelling, I recommend reading Robert McKee’s book Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting.

If your story is genuine and honest, you will impact your readers more than through cold logic and reason.

The below presentation explains how to tell simple stories as per the Pixar framework.

Pixar’s 22 Rules to Phenomenal Storytelling   from  Gavin McMahon

Storytelling Guide: FAQs

Storytelling should inform, educate, entertain or inspire readers. A good story is universal and memorable. It speaks to the human experience and rises up some emotion in the audience.

A good story is more memorable than facts, figures and logic. For example, if you’re a content marketer, a story may cause your audience to feel loyal to a brand and even buy a product or a service.

Popular examples of stories include Star Wars, The Godfather, Game of Thrones and Finding Nemo. Other examples of stories include poems, the spoken word and even fairy tales.

In a now-famous essay, Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham argued for dividing a working day up into maker and manager time.

Writers and creative professionals can use the former to attend to business and the latter for deep work, like writing or coding.

But what does this look like in practice?

Enter John Romero.

Although not a writer, he’s the creative talent behind games like Doom and Quake.

In this podcast episode, Romero explains:

• How he structures his day for working on his business and deep creative work
• The role of play for creative professionals
• His approach to building a relationship with fans

And lots more

First vs Third Person Point of View: What Makes Sense for Your Story?

How to Write a Story Outline that Works: 9 Steps

The 11 Best Story Writing Apps for This Year

The Hero’s Journey: Explained In 12 Steps

The Inciting Incident: 7 Tips For Starting Your Story With A Bang

Synopsis Example: How To Write A Winning Summary Of Your Story

Allegory vs Parable: What Are the Differences?

7 Types of Conflict in Literature Worth Exploring

12 Character Archetypes To Drive Your Writing

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

View all posts

Telling a Story in Academic Writing

Storytelling is the most engaging way to communicate. In storytelling, writers use a variety of methods to maintain an appealing pace, to create human connections with their readers, and to help readers visualize their ideas. These same techniques are effective across all types of writing. They can be used to make writing assignments more engaging, more readable, and more persuasive.

When you build plot, you think of your writing as a sequence of connected events where anticipation (tension) rises toward a final climactic event, and ends with a resolution.  For an academic argument, you can use the traditional narrative arc as a basic structure. The following shows how these narrative arcs of story structure might map onto academic paper.

• Story: “This is the background you need to know to understand what’s coming next.”
• Academic Writing: Introduce the issue and the argument you want to develop.

Rising action

• Story: “First this happened. Then this happened. Then this happened.”
• Academic Writing: To build tension, arrange your arguments to build in strength. How each point builds upon the previous one should be clear. For example, in a literature review, you would arrange the previous research to show how and why you came to your own research question. (You might think of this format like a detective story. The problems, successes, or omissions in previous research serve as the “clues” that led you to your own research project).
• Story: “All of that led to this big event.”
• Academic Writing: At the climax, reveal your most convincing reasoning and evidence.
• Story: “Here’s how everything came together at the end.”
• Academic Writing: In the final phase, summarize your arguments and emphasizing the significance of the issue.

Balance Action with Commentary

Academic writing with too much action - where the writer presents facts and descriptions, one after the other - reads like a rapid-fire list of statements. This kind of writing doesn’t give the reader time to process and reflect on the information. Make sure that you include analysis, reflection, and other commentary to build the right pace for your readers.

In contrast, academic writing with too much commentary feels slow and plodding and often has so much discussion that the reader loses sight of the writer’s goal. Make sure that you provide only the most important commentary. Then move on.

Instead of . . .

“ So and so argues this… so and so claims this… so and so analyzes this…  “ or  “One definition of the topic is x. Another is y. The definition proposed by z is….”  or   “There are multiple approaches to the topic. X looks at this . . ., Y views this. . ., Z combines this. . .”

“ There are many approaches to the topic. X looks at this . . ., which establishes important criteria for the field but avoids finding a consensus about issue M.  Y’s research adds to the conversation about fundamental criteria for assessing these clinical situations. However, the author also takes a critical look at the disagreements underlying certain existing criteria. In contrast, rather than establishing criteria, Z investigates systemic assumptions in the field that lead practitioners to weigh some criteria more heavily than others.”

Focus on Pacing

Use active voice.

When writers use active voice they focus their sentences on an actor and the action – the two most important parts of storytelling. For more information on using active voice, check out our resource,   Active and passive voice .

Ideally, to avoid unintentional bias in our measurements, information regarding the source population of each specimen   was withheld   from the observer.

We strived   to avoid unintentional bias in our measurements. To that end,   we withheld   from observers, information about each specimen’s source population.

Vary sentence and paragraph length

Blair shone in his extracurricular activities at school. During his time at university he produced a magazine, joined in the production of other publications, and, in addition, participated in the college’s acapella group, but his academic performance reports suggested that he neglected his academic studies. His parents could not afford to send him to university without him winning another scholarship, and thus they concluded from his poor results that he would not be able to win one. His family decided that Blair should join the Imperial Police instead of finishing school.

Blair shone in his extracurricular activities at school. During his time at university he produced a magazine and also joined in the production of other publications. In addition, he participated in the college’s acapella group. Despite these achievements, his parents could not afford to send him to university without him winning another scholarship. Judging from Blair’s poor results, his family concluded that he would not be able to win. They thought Blair should join the Imperial Police instead.

Omit clutter

Too many unnecessary words in a sentence can not only lead to confusion, but also slow the pace and make text feel onerous and tiresome.

It has been found that   CO2 and H2O formation   has been reduced   at high temperatures.

Less   CO2 and H2O   form   at higher temperatures.

Humanize your Writing

Stories are powerful because, in one way or another, they place human concerns as their focus. To remind your readers of the human concerns that your research paper addresses, put human elements into your writing.

Use characters as your subjects

When a sentence describes an action completed by a person, that person should be the subject of the sentence. This small change in structure provides your sentences with characters and their actions, adding human elements to the paper.

Fetal DNA has been found in maternal plasma but exists as a minor fraction among a high background of maternal DNA. Even with highly precise single counting methods such as digital PCR, a large number of DNA molecules and hence maternal plasma volume would need to be analyzed to achieve the necessary analytical precision.

Researchers   have found fetal DNA in maternal plasma, but it exists as a minor fraction among a high background of maternal DNA. Hence, even with highly precise, single molecule counting methods, such as digital PCR,   geneticists   must analyze a large number of DNA molecules and maternal plasma to achieve the necessary analytical precision.

Use the first person (I/we )

First person provides a human connection and improves clarity. It lets the reader know clearly who did what.

Here, instead of using approaches that target specific gene loci, the use of a locus-independent method would greatly increase the number of target molecules from the aneuploidy chromosome that could be analyzed within the same fixed volume of plasma.

Try . .   .

Here,   we chose   not to use approaches that target specific gene loci. Rather, by using a locus-independent method,   we could greatly increase   the number of target molecules from the aneuploidy chromosome, and, with this increase,   improve our analysis   within the same fixed volume of plasma.

Add Metaphor

When we use one object, experience, or event to help symbolize and represent a different one, we are using metaphor. Through metaphor, writers use a concept familiar to the reader to help explain something that is unfamiliar. Metaphor helps a reader understand a concept from two pathways – literal and visual – and increases engagement.

Beyond treating individual letters as physical objects, the human brain may also perceive a text in its entirety as a kind of physical landscape, similar to the mental maps we create of terrain. For example, in the physical world we might recall that we passed the red farmhouse near the start of a trail we hiked. In a similar way, in text, we remember that we read about Mr. Darcy rebuffing Elizabeth Bennett on the bottom of the left-hand page in one of the earlier chapters.

It is hard to describe the art of storytelling, but you know good storytelling it when you read it. You read a passage of prose and it raises your arm hairs, makes your blood tingle, gets your heart racing; suddenly you’re swept up in the experience of beautiful writing.

Indeed, writers seem to possess a certain magic of storytelling—but anyone can learn the tricks of the trade. From story structures to style advice, this article covers the storytelling techniques that make readers laugh, weep, gasp, and stay up past their bedtimes.

Along the way, we discuss the key elements of storytelling, and we answer the question “Why is storytelling important?” But first, let’s dissect the art of storytelling itself. How do writers tell great stories?

Storytelling Contents

Story Versus Situation

• Point of View
• Style & Word Choice

20 Storytelling Techniques

Why is storytelling important, storytelling definition.

What is storytelling? It depends on whom you ask. A sociologist will tell you it’s mankind’s way of preserving history and identity; an anthropologist will say that it’s what distinguishes man from the rest of the animal kingdom.

Storytelling is the process of weaving language into a concrete narrative, with the purpose of creating rich, believable experiences.

For writers, storytelling is the process of weaving language into a concrete narrative, with the purpose of creating rich, believable experiences. To do this, storytellers tie together character and plot, resulting in stories that act as metaphors for the human experience.

In other words, storytellers don’t just relay facts: they use words in a way that the reader or listener can sit inside the story itself as though they were really there.

This is true regardless of genre—writers of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror create stories just as believable as writers of literary fiction . Nonfiction authors and poets also demonstrate mastery over the art of storytelling, though they may use different storytelling techniques.

The reader can sit inside the story itself as though they were really there.

The magic of storytelling is found in the power of stories themselves. Many writers, however, confuse “story” with “situation,” having not been taught the difference between these two concepts.

Here’s a breakdown of the difference between storytelling and situation-telling, as explained by our instructor Jeff Lyons .

https://writers.com/stories-vs-situations-how-to-know-your-story-will-work-in-any-genre

7 Elements of Storytelling

No matter the tale, every work of prose (and many poems) rely on these 7 elements of storytelling.

Plot is the skeleton of storytelling. You can have a gorgeous prose style with deeply relatable characters, but without a logical flow of events, your story will confuse the reader. For a story to emulate real life, it needs to follow a real-life series of plot points.

Now, this doesn’t mean that your story needs to follow chronological order. Many stories experiment with the order of events, or they jump over decades of time, or they weave together the present with the past. There’s no need to stick to one timeline: time is a thread, and can be interwoven to create rich tapestries.

Your characters write your plot; your plot doesn’t write your characters.

Nonetheless, your reader needs to follow the plot to understand your story. And remember: your characters write your plot; your plot doesn’t write your characters.

For more advice on crafting effective plots, take a look at these articles on:

• Freytag’s Pyramid
• How to Write a Story Outline

2. Character

Equally important to the art of storytelling is the characters that populate your work. Every event that takes place in your story is defined by your characters’ thoughts, feelings, and actions. Although some plot points are outside of their control, it’s your characters’ responses to conflict that make a story worth reading.

Writers must consider how the reader will connect with the story’s characters. If those characters have depth, understandable motives, and relatable flaws, the reader will feel much more engrossed in the story. Stephen King sums this up nicely when he writes:

“I try to create sympathy for my characters, then turn the monsters loose.” —Stephen King

Once we relate to the story’s characters, we care about what happens to them, and we’re willing to follow them along their personal journeys. Each character of your story—including your protagonist, antagonist, secondary and tertiary characters—should feel like real, flesh-and-blood human beings.

For more advice on writing realistic characters, take a look at these articles:

• Character Development Definition, Questions, & 40 Character Traits
• Character Development Advice
• How to Write Dialogue
• Crafting Your Protagonist
• Writing An Antagonist
• Foil Characters
• Static Vs Dynamic Characters
• Round Vs Flat Characters
• Anti Hero Characters

You might also benefit from this Character Development PDF .

3. Point-of-View

Point-of-View (POV) defines who is communicating to the reader , and from what vantage point. The story’s narrator influences how the story is told and what information the reader has access to.

Writers have 5 points of view to choose from:

• First Person (“I”): The narrator is the protagonist, and we view the story from their perspective. This is generally the most intimate storytelling POV.
• First Person Peripheral (“I”): The narrator is a close acquaintance of the protagonist, and we view the story from their perspective. An example of this is Nick Carraway, narrator of The Great Gatsby .
• Second Person (“You”): The narrator casts the reader as the story’s protagonist. This is a way to make the reader intimate with the story’s events, but it’s a hard sell—stories are rarely written in the 2nd person.
• Third Person Limited (“He/She/They”): The narrator tells the story from the vantage point of one or a few protagonists. The narrator only knows what the protagonist also knows.
• Third Person Omniscient (“He/She/They”): The narrator tells the story from multiple vantage points. The narrator knows more than any character in the story knows, and the narrator often weaves this knowledge together to craft a deeper, more holistic story.

A story’s point of view will affect the storytelling techniques and strategies that the author uses. Bear in mind, too, that a story can switch between different POVs. Learn more about POV at our article What is Point of View in Literature ?

At its most basic, setting is where your story takes place, but setting can serve many more functions than just this. The relationship that your characters have to their setting influences the story’s pace, plot, conflict, and even its themes.

Your characters will, in some way or another, be defined by their setting. The personality of someone from Cheyenne, Wyoming will differ greatly from a character who grew up in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, and both of these people will experience the world differently than someone who grew up in Seoul, South Korea. Setting implies culture, worldview, and language, even if your character tries to push back against their upbringing.

Your characters will, in some way or another, be defined by their setting.

Setting also influences dialogue and action. An argument at the dinner table will (probably) sound different than an argument in a restaurant; a fist fight in a parking lot will go a different route than a fist fight in an office.

Finally, setting can build symbolism . If your protagonist lives in a rundown, ramshackle house, this house can represent his ramshackle life; a character that lives in a gentrified apartment building in an otherwise poor neighborhood might be equally ritzy and oblivious to the world around her.

Just be careful not to stereotype—setting is just one of many influences on a character’s psyche and worldview. For more advice on writing setting, take a look at our article What is the Setting of a Story?

5. Style & Word Choice

One of the more intangible elements of storytelling, style refers to the unique way that an author tells their story.

Style occurs at both a line-level and a global level. At the line-level, style is influenced by a story’s word choice, syntax, sentence structure, sentence length, and the observational details that the author includes.

At the global level, style is influenced by the story’s pacing, the way the story presents information, the length of scenes and chapters, and the author’s own literary influences.

All of these things culminate in the author’s thumbprint. There’s no singular reason why a novel by Haruki Murakami is so vividly distinct from a novel by Margaret Atwood. All of the aforementioned elements coalesce into something unique and intangible, but nonetheless present in the atmosphere of the author’s work.

Style isn’t forced: it develops naturally as the author grows into their storytelling role. For advice on honing your style, read our articles:

• The Importance of Word Choice in Writing
• How to Write a Compelling Story
• What is Tone in Literature?
• How to Avoid Cliches in Writing

6. Conflict

Every story has conflict. Conflict is the lifeblood of storytelling: without it, your characters don’t undergo any growth or finish any journey.

Conflict can manifest itself in many ways. The protagonist wants something, but has to overcome certain obstacles to get it; or they want something, but an antagonist stands in the way; or an antagonist uproots the protagonist’s life; or the protagonist seeks a life of their own, but doesn’t know how to build one.

The road to resolving conflict is never easy, but that’s what makes great stories!

In any case, conflict has to do with the protagonist having certain needs, desires, or struggles. Great stories involve the protagonist having to undergo personal journeys in order to get what they need. The road to resolving conflict is never easy, but that’s what makes great stories!

For more on conflict, take a look at our article What is Conflict in a Story?

Also check out What Does Your Character Want? Conflict is closely related to theme, which we discuss below.

The aforementioned elements of storytelling culminate in theme. At its simplest, theme answers the question “What is this story about?”

The story’s plot, characters, and conflicts revolve around certain abstract issues. Romeo & Juliet , for example, revolves around the themes of love, fate, and family; A Tale of Two Cities has themes of war, revolution, justice, and power & corruption.

In other words, theme describes the central ideas that a piece of writing explores. And, because a story is propelled by conflict, theme and conflict are closely intertwined. If the protagonist’s needs are jeopardized because of the government, the theme might be “justice” or “power & corruption.” Or, if the protagonist’s needs aren’t being met because they’ve just survived an apocalypse, the theme might be “the environment” or “man vs. nature.”

The job of the storyteller isn’t to resolve those themes: themes should be open-ended, debatable, and thought-provoking. Two readers may have vastly different, yet equally defensible, interpretations of a theme. Rather, the storyteller’s job is to present clear conflicts, flawed characters, and navigable plots; theme, often, follows on its own accord.

To learn more about theme and read some theme examples, read our article What is Theme?

In addition to these elements of storytelling, writers use the following storytelling techniques to craft engaging, compelling stories.

Storytelling Techniques

The elements of storytelling answer what storytellers do at a global level. But when it comes to actually crafting the story—stringing one word after another to move the reader along—what do storytellers do?

Below are some tried-and-true methods of telling engaging stories. Note that this list is not exhaustive: us writers have been refining the art of storytelling for millennia, and this is just a sample of the many tools at our disposal.

Backstory describes the history of a character or setting. By providing relevant historical detail, the author gives contexts for certain conflicts and relationships that exist within the main narrative.

The relationship between backstory and narration can be difficult to refine, because too much backstory will slow down the pace of the work at large. Like most storytelling techniques, be economical—you shouldn’t provide more backstory than necessary.

That said, backstory can span chapters of the text, if needed. By providing valuable insight into a character’s psyche and motives, backstory helps the reader understand the decisions that character makes and the problems they face.

Deus Ex Machina

Deus Ex Machina is a plot device where something outside of the protagonist’s control interferes with the story, usually resolving the story’s conflict. This term comes from the Latin for “God from the machine,” and it refers to a convention of Ancient Greek plays in which an actor, playing as a god, was mechanically lowered onto the stage.

Deus Ex Machina can take many forms. Perhaps a natural disaster kills the antagonist, or two friends discover they’re actually long lost sisters, or an actual god intervenes on the protagonist’s behalf. In any case, Deus Ex Machinas never occur by the protagonist’s own volition.

Generally, Deus Ex Machina is frowned upon as an easy way out of conflict. Rather than giving the protagonist agency, the author has decided to interrupt the protagonist’s journey and personal growth. At the same time, Deus Ex Machina can create new artistic possibilities, especially if the author is writing in genres like absurdism, surrealism, or magical realism .

Ethos, pathos, and logos are three storytelling strategies often associated with rhetoric, but they apply just as readily to the art of storytelling.

In creative writing, Ethos describes the author’s credibility as a storyteller. Ethos is built from both the author’s reputation and from their ability to relay facts accurately, without harmful bias or intentionally misleading the reader.

Now, authors need to have a credible ethos, but narrators don’t. Remember that Point of View is one of the essential elements of storytelling. One way that writers can twist Ethos is by writing an unreliable narrator —someone who distorts facts, misleads the reader, and creates their own reality. Pulling off an effective unreliable narrator can prove difficult, but it can also create some very entertaining twists in the story.

To learn more about ethos, pathos, and logos, check out our article on rhetorical devices .

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing refers to moments in the story that predict later events. When the narrator foreshadows, they usually hint at the story’s climax, but any future plot point is fair game for foreshadowing.

The best foreshadowing is memorable, but subtle enough that you don’t realize it’s foreshadowing until later. For example, in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the drunk Miss Baedeker foreshadows Gatsby’s death when she complains of getting her “head stuck in a pool.”

A more ostensible example is Gatsby’s relationship to the green light on Daisy’s property. He reaches out to the green light but can never hold it, much like he reaches out to Daisy but can never hold her. You may note that this is also an example of symbolism, and indeed, foreshadowing can coincide with many other literary devices.

In Media Res

*Record Scratch* “Yep, that’s me. You’re probably wondering how I got here.”

In Media Res (Latin: in the middle of things) is a plot device in which the story begins in the middle, rather than at the beginning. By doing this, the author throws the reader directly into the story’s conflict. Eventually, the inciting incident and character backstories are provided.

The In Media Res strategy helps generate intrigue for the story, its plot, and its characters. Rather than set up the conflict in chapters of exposition, we are launched directly into the drama.

Some famous stories that begin In Media Res include The Odyssey by Homer, The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.

Literary Devices

Literary devices are methods of creating deeper meanings within a text. By harnessing the power of comparison, connection, and sound, writers use literary devices to take their work beyond a literal meaning . Literary devices create nuance and depth, making them essential to the art of storytelling.

Try your hand at different literary devices from this article.

https://writers.com/common-literary-devices

Logos is the use of logic and reasoning to persuade the reader. While Logos most commonly presents itself in rhetorical essays and arguments, it also has its place in creative writing.

Authors will most often use logos in relation to the story’s themes. For example, the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is about racial justice in the United States. When lawyer Atticus Finch defends the wrongfully accused Tom Robinson, he uses logos to appeal to the courts that Tom is innocent.

But Atticus’ logical appeal isn’t just to the courts, it’s to the readers themselves. When Tom is convicted anyway and later killed, the reader understands exactly how society disregards Logos when it comes to the plight of black men. Through these plot points, the novel intricately examines its themes of justice, and how justice is not evenly distributed in American society.

A MacGuffin describes a character’s motives. Every character is chasing something in particular, whether that be a physical object or an abstract concept. Items like The Holy Grail or the Rings of Power are MacGuffins, and so are ideas like love, revenge, and stability.

MacGuffins are one of the most open-ended storytelling techniques, because a character’s motives can be virtually anything. Additionally, a MacGuffin can be both openly stated or obscure. In Pulp Fiction , for example, the movie’s MacGuffin is a briefcase, but the contents of that briefcase are never revealed, highlighting the movie’s senseless violence in the pursuit of nothing.

If the story’s MacGuffin is a physical object, that object often symbolizes something deeper for the main characters. Nonetheless, your characters can pursue whatever they want, just as people in real life pursue their own mysterious MacGuffins.

Mythology provides a powerful reservoir of storytelling for modern day authors. By “mythology,” we’re referring to any set of stories, narratives, folklore, poems, and epics particular to a certain culture, with the intent of relating that culture’s religious and moral beliefs.

References to ancient myth abound in both classic and contemporary literature. This is for three reasons:

• First, mythologies are commonly read stories. You can connect with the reader using myth as a stepping stone, especially if that myth is widely familiar.
• Second, myths act as their own symbols. If you reference the story of Icarus, your reader will know you are referencing the tragedy of Hubris.
• Third, mythology allows the reader to create relevant cultural contexts. Haruki Murakami often incorporates Japanese folklore into his work, and the novel Beauty is a Wound by Eka Kurniawan relies heavily on Indonesian mythology.

Pathos is an appeal to the reader’s emotions. Because the experience of reading relies so much on the reader’s own empathy, harnessing the power of pathos is key to the art of storytelling.

Storytellers generate pathos simply by writing relatable characters. When the reader connects with a character as if they were a real human being, the reader also feels that character’s pain, struggles, and triumphs. Always assume that your reader wants to connect with your characters, that they want to feel your story pour salt in the wound. This is equally true for your antagonist, assuming that antagonist is also a human being.

Think about the things that everyday, ordinary people yearn for. Maybe it’s stability, love, a sense of belonging; maybe they relate to stories of natural disaster, unrequited love, or being a misfit. Consider your reader and what they might connect with, and make Pathos your doorway into the reader’s heart.

A quibble is a technicality that, though minor, often resolves the plot in a major way.

Let’s say your protagonist makes a bet with someone, and they lose that bet. The price they pay for that bet is death. Your protagonist may save their own life by arguing that the bet should follow the exact verbal agreement that they made—and by invoking this technicality, your protagonist manages to evade death entirely.

Of course, quibbles can go against the protagonist’s wishes, too. In Macbeth , the Three Witches tell Macbeth that “none of woman born” can kill him. Macbeth assumes this to mean he is invincible, but he is later killed by Macduff, who was C-sectioned rather than “born from” a woman.

If written haphazardly, a quibble can be just as convenient as a Deus Ex Machina. Nonetheless, quibbles often surprise the reader, as they chip at the seeming absoluteness of fate.

Red Herrings

In both rhetoric and literature, a red herring is something that distracts the reader. You will most often see red herrings in mystery novels, as the novelist is trying to prevent the reader from solving the mystery until the very end.

Red herrings are one of the more versatile storytelling techniques, as they take many different forms. A red herring can be a clue falsely pinned to an innocent person; it can be a forced confession, or an unreliable narrator falsifying the past, or even a coincidence that the writer didn’t intend.

Although red herrings are a fun twist to the art of storytelling, use them sparingly. As an author, you have an implicit contract with the reader to tell your story faithfully; too many distractions and misleading elements will make the reader lose faith in your storytelling.

Rhetorical Questions

A rhetorical question is a question that’s posed for the sake of asking, rather than the sake of being answered. In other words, it’s a question meant to provoke the reader.

Rhetorical questions are often open-ended. While a narrator can pose rhetorical questions, they usually come from a character in the story.

A famous example of this is in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar , when Caesar asks Brutus “Et tu, Brute?” This question has no answer—after all, Caesar is about to die—but it prompts the reader to think about Brutus’ betrayal of trust and friendship.

In everyday speech, we use rhetorical questions all the time. Who knows? Why not? Is the sky blue? Rhetorical questions can help make your dialogue seem more human, and it can also provoke your reader’s thoughts and emotions.

Rule of Threes

The Rule of Threes states that readers best respond to information that’s presented in lists of three. This applies to everything, from basic descriptions to global, structural elements in a story.

The Rule of Threes happens at the line level, especially with description. If I tell you my cat is “young, fluffy, and orange,” those three images give you a solid description. If I tell you my cat is “young, fluffy, loud, stubborn, fast, destructive, capricious, and orange,” I’ve overloaded my description with adjectives, and you won’t know what part of that information is essential .

The Rule of Threes also applies to story structures. Many stories have, at most, three main characters. Many plots have three main events: an inciting incident, a climax, and a falling action (or response to the climax). If a novel has sections, it often has three sections; if a style has multiple settings, it usually has three main ones.

This is not a hard and fast rule—in fact, most rules in writing are suggestions. Nonetheless, your writing will lose the reader’s attention and brainspace if it presents too much information. The Rule of Threes is not immutable, and you don’t need 3 of everything.

But, when it comes to the central elements of your work, try to keep it to three discrete items. Otherwise, you might lose your grip on the magic of storytelling.

Show, Don’t Tell

What is storytelling without the show, don’t tell rule? “Show, don’t tell” is a way of using imagery to relay an experience to the reader, rather than spoon feeding that experience through literal description. The effect is that your reader becomes immersed in the story, perceiving everything that your characters perceive as though they were really there.

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” —Anton Chekhov

To master the show, don’t tell rule, read through our in-depth article.

https://writers.com/show-dont-tell-writing

Stream of Consciousness

Stream of Consciousness is a writing technique in which a character’s thoughts are written directly onto the page, without any filter or editing. The author, assuming the persona of their character, observes their thoughts and impartially transcribes those thoughts into narration and internal dialogue.

Because stream of consciousness attempts to capture the idiosyncrasies of human thought, the prose itself can be difficult to follow. Authors may write using free association, frequent repetition, disjointed imagery, and a keen focus on senses and emotions. The prose often follows a nonlinear fashion, it may use punctuation frenetically, and it certainly won’t have the polished, edited feel of a typical manuscript.

To be clear: this is perhaps the most difficult of storytelling techniques to master. If you want to write stream of consciousness, start by simply keeping a personal journal , observing the nature of your own thoughts as they flow onto the page. It’s also worth reading the masters of the technique, like James Joyce, William Faulkner, and Virginia Woolf.

The Everyday

Even characters in sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller novels have quotidian, everyday lives. Providing a glimpse into their everyday lives helps make the story more accessible to the reader.

What do those everyday details look like? A daily commute, a morning shower, a stop at the grocery store after work. It can also be everyday annoyances: swatting at mosquitoes in the evening, holding your breath when you walk past a sewer grate, forgetting not to scratch at the rash on your wrist, etc.

What do these boring, everyday tasks do? One, they humanize your characters, giving them relatable behaviors that act as windows to their worlds. Two, these tasks show the reader what everyday life looks like before the inciting incident . Once the protagonist’s life becomes upended by something major, we now relate to the character on a personal level and want them to succeed on their journey.

Just be careful not to provide too many everyday details that your story loses sight of its plot. The reader doesn’t need to see every moment in a typical day of your protagonist’s life—and, unless it’s extremely relevant, don’t start your story with your protagonist waking up, as this is an overdone cliché.

A trope is a theme or archetype that shows up regularly in a genre of work. Tropes give structure to a story, providing a kind of scaffolding that the author can manipulate and build from, creating a story both fresh and readable. In genre fiction, tropes are essential to the art of storytelling.

Tropes are commonly misconstrued as clichés, but that’s not the case. For example, a trope in the romance genre is the “meet-cute,” where two soon-to-be-lovers meet each other in a unique and adorable situation. While this trope recurs throughout romance fiction, writers are free to experiment with the meet-cute in their own original ways.

If you intend to write genre fiction, or even to pull from different genres in your own literary work, it’s important to familiarize yourself with that genre’s tropes. The wiki TV Tropes is a fantastic resource for this, covering tropes in both film and literature.

Vernacular refers to regional dialects. Like “the everyday,” vernacular helps humanize your characters, while also establishing a sense of place in your story.

If your characters are strongly immersed in the culture of their upbringing, do some research on the vernacular of that place. For example, a character who grew up in Wisconsin should say “bubbler,” not “water fountain.”

Language, and even just the English language, is fantastically diverse. Using vernacular in your characters’ dialogue makes them feel more flesh-and-blood, and it also provides some entertaining moments in language and storytelling.

Wordplay makes for enjoyable, engaging storytelling. Twists of phrase create memorable moments of narration and dialogue, keeping the reader glued to the page.

Wordplay comes in many different forms. Puns, malapropisms, neologisms, oxymorons, kennings, onomatopoeias, portmanteaus, zeugmas, and contronyms are just some of the ways that writers have fun with language.

Additionally, sound devices like alliteration and rhyme also create memorable, meaningful moments in language.

Way before the printing press and the invention of modern prose, storytellers told their tales orally and entirely in verse. The epic poem was a way of sharing stories, and because pencil and paper were scarce in antiquity, storytellers had to memorize their work. These wordplay devices were ways of memorizing stories, allowing the storyteller to move through the plot while keeping the listener entertained.

Thus, these tools are freely at the writer’s disposal, and storytellers are encouraged to use them. Wordplay is essential to the magic of storytelling, so harness the magic of words!

To learn more about wordplay, check out our article: Word Play: Examples of a Play on Words

The above elements and techniques coalesce into the power of storytelling. But, why is storytelling important?

In short, storytelling is the closest that writers come to creating real worlds, characters, and events. When a story is told well and meaningfully, the reader is transported into a world of the writer’s own making—a world with its own rules, laws, physics, relationships, and ideas. In this world, the writer can twist emotions, make powerful statements, and entertain the reader in beautiful ways.

But for the reader to access this world, the writer needs to use storytelling techniques. Storytelling is a portal into a different dimension, or a doorway into an unexplored house, or a bridge across a river, or a rocketship to different planets.

You must transport your reader if you want to persuade, inspire, or provoke them.

Whatever the metaphor, you must transport your reader if you want to persuade, inspire, or provoke them. This is what makes writers both fantastically powerful and fantastically human.

Wield the Art of Storytelling at Writers.com

The instructors at Writers.com have mastered these storytelling techniques, and they’re ready to show you the craft. Gain meaningful feedback and insight on your work, and harness the magic of storytelling in one of our upcoming courses .

Sean Glatch

[…] Capturing the Art of Storytelling: Techniques & Tips […]

very useful your article

Wisconsin native here. Bubbler is a southeastern Wisconsin term. It was probably originally a Milwaukee area term. Most wisconsinites outside that area have never heard the term bubbler and instead use drinking fountain or water fountain. I grew up in Wisconsin and never heard of it until we moved down into the southern part of the state. My kids came home from their first day of school and asked if I’d ever heard of a bubbler and I hadn’t. 🙂

Thanks, Steve! I’m a Milwaukee native myself, and thought it was a statewide thing. It’s always fun to say “bubbler” outside the state and have people look really, really confused.

It’s even more fun to use it in different countries and get people REALLY REALLY confused.

[…] Metaphors, analogies, and vivid descriptions can be employed to illustrate abstract ideas and engage readers in a way that straightforward explanations […]

[…] look at each of these items and more. Creating real, flesh-and-blood people is essential to great storytelling, so let’s explore the alchemy of turning words into real people—creating characters from […]

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What is a Narrative Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)

Narrative essays are a type of storytelling in which writers weave a personal experience into words to create a fascinating and engaging narrative for readers. A narrative essay explains a story from the author’s point of view to share a lesson or memory with the reader. Narrative essays, like descriptive essays , employ figurative language to depict the subject in a vivid and creative manner to leave a lasting impact on the readers’ minds. In this article, we explore the definition of narrative essays, list the key elements to be included, and provide tips on how to craft a narrative that captivates your audience.

Table of Contents

What is a narrative essay, choosing narrative essay topics, key elements in a narrative essay, creating a narrative essay outline, types of narrative essays, the pre-writing stage, the writing stage, the editing stage, narrative essay example, frequently asked questions.

Narrative essays are often based on one’s personal experience which allows the author to express himself/herself in compelling ways for the reader. They employ storytelling elements to convey the plot and captivate the reader while disclosing the story’s theme or purpose. The author must always have a purpose or theme in mind when writing a narrative essay. These essays may be assigned to high school students to assess their ability to create captivating stories based on personal experiences, or they may be required as part of a college application to assess the applicant’s personal traits. Narrative essays might be based on true events with minor tweaks for dramatic purposes, or they can be adapted from a fictional scenario. Whatever the case maybe, the goal is to tell a story, a good story!

In narrative essays, the emphasis is not so much on the narrative itself as it is on how you explain it. Narrative essay topics cover a range of experiences, from noteworthy to mundane, but when storytelling elements are used well, even a simple account can have weight. Notably, the skills required for narrative writing differ significantly from those needed for formal academic essays, and we will delve deeper into this in the next section.

You can talk about any narrative, but consider whether it is fascinating enough, has enough twists and turns, or teaches a lesson (It’s a plus if the story contains an unexpected twist at the end). The potential topics for a narrative essay are limitless—a triumphant story, a brief moment of introspection, or a voyage of self-discovery. These essays provide writers with the opportunity to share a fragment of their lives with the audience, enriching both the writer’s and the reader’s experiences. Narrative essay examples could be a write-up on “What has been your biggest achievement in life so far and what did it teach you?” or “Describe your toughest experience and how you dealt with it?”.

While narrative essays allow you to be creative with your ideas, language, and format, they must include some key components to convey the story clearly, create engaging content and build reader interest. Follow these guidelines when drafting your essay:   

• Tell your story using the first person to engage users.
• Use sufficient sensory information and figurative language.
• Follow an organized framework so the story flows chronologically.
• Include interesting plot components that add to the narrative.
• Ensure clear language without grammar, spelling, or word choice errors.

Narrative essay outlines serve as the foundational structure for essay composition, acting as a framework to organize thoughts and ideas prior to the writing process. These outlines provide writers with a means to summarize the story, and help in formulating the introduction and conclusion sections and defining the narrative’s trajectory.

Unlike conventional essays that strictly adhere to the five-paragraph structure, narrative essays allow for more flexibility as the organization is dictated by the flow of the story. The outline typically encompasses general details about the events, granting writers the option to prioritize writing the body sections first while deferring the introduction until later stages of the writing process. This approach allows for a more organic and fluid writing process. If you’re wondering how to start writing a narrative essay outline, here is a sample designed to ensure a compelling and coherent narrative:

Introduction

• Hook/Opening line: The introduction should have an opening/hook sentence that is a captivating quote, question, or anecdote that grabs the reader’s attention.
• Background: Briefly introduce the setting, time, tone, and main characters.
• Thesis statement: State clearly the main theme or lesson acquired from the experience.
• Event 1 (according to occurrence): Describe the first major event in detail. Introduce the primary characters and set the story context; include sensory elements to enrich the narrative and give the characters depth and enthusiasm.
• Event 2: Ensure a smooth transition from one event to the next. Continue with the second event in the narrative. For more oomph, use suspense or excitement, or leave the plot with cliffhanger endings. Concentrate on developing your characters and their relationships, using dialog to bring the story to life.
• Event 3: If there was a twist and suspense, this episode should introduce the climax or resolve the story. Keep the narrative flowing by connecting events logically and conveying the feelings and reactions of the characters.
• Summarize the plot: Provide a concise recap of the main events within the narrative essay. Highlight the key moments that contribute to the development of the storyline. Offer personal reflections on the significance of the experiences shared, emphasizing the lasting impact they had on the narrator. End the story with a clincher; a powerful and thought-provoking sentence that encapsulates the essence of the narrative. As a bonus, aim to leave the reader with a memorable statement or quote that enhances the overall impact of the narrative. This should linger in the reader’s mind, providing a satisfying and resonant conclusion to the essay.

There are several types of narrative essays, each with their own unique traits. Some narrative essay examples are presented in the table below.

How to write a narrative essay: Step-by-step guide

A narrative essay might be inspired by personal experiences, stories, or even imaginary scenarios that resonate with readers, immersing them in the imaginative world you have created with your words. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to write a narrative essay.

• Select the topic of your narrative

If no prompt is provided, the first step is to choose a topic to write about. Think about personal experiences that could be given an interesting twist. Readers are more likely to like a tale if it contains aspects of humor, surprising twists, and an out-of-the-box climax. Try to plan out such subjects and consider whether you have enough information on the topic and whether it meets the criteria of being funny/inspiring, with nice characters/plot lines, and an exciting climax. Also consider the tone as well as any stylistic features (such as metaphors or foreshadowing) to be used. While these stylistic choices can be changed later, sketching these ideas early on helps you give your essay a direction to start.

• Create a framework for your essay

Once you have decided on your topic, create an outline for your narrative essay. An outline is a framework that guides your ideas while you write your narrative essay to keep you on track. It can help with smooth transitions between sections when you are stuck and don’t know how to continue the story. It provides you with an anchor to attach and return to, reminding you of why you started in the first place and why the story matters.

• Compile your first draft

A perfect story and outline do not work until you start writing the draft and breathe life into it with your words. Use your newly constructed outline to sketch out distinct sections of your narrative essay while applying numerous linguistic methods at your disposal. Unlike academic essays, narrative essays allow artistic freedom and leeway for originality so don’t stop yourself from expressing your thoughts. However, take care not to overuse linguistic devices, it’s best to maintain a healthy balance to ensure readability and flow.

• Use a first-person point of view

One of the most appealing aspects of narrative essays is that traditional academic writing rules do not apply, and the narration is usually done in the first person. You can use first person pronouns such as I and me while narrating different scenarios. Be wary of overly using these as they can suggest lack of proper diction.

• Use storytelling or creative language

You can employ storytelling tactics and linguistic tools used in fiction or creative writing, such as metaphors, similes, and foreshadowing, to communicate various themes. The use of figurative language, dialogue, and suspense is encouraged in narrative essays.

• Follow a format to stay organized

There’s no fixed format for narrative essays, but following a loose format when writing helps in organizing one’s thoughts. For example, in the introduction part, underline the importance of creating a narrative essay, and then reaffirm it in the concluding paragraph. Organize your story chronologically so that the reader can follow along and make sense of the story.

• Reread, revise, and edit

Proofreading and editing are critical components of creating a narrative essay, but it can be easy to become weighed down by the details at this stage. Taking a break from your manuscript before diving into the editing process is a wise practice. Stepping away for a day or two, or even just a few hours, provides valuable time to enhance the plot and address any grammatical issues that may need correction. This period of distance allows for a fresh perspective, enabling you to approach the editing phase with renewed clarity and a more discerning eye.

One suggestion is to reconsider the goals you set out to cover when you started the topic. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is there a distinct beginning and end to your story?
• Does your essay have a topic, a memory, or a lesson to teach?
• Does the tone of the essay match the intended mood?

Now, while keeping these things in mind, modify and proofread your essay. You can use online grammar checkers and paraphrase tools such as Paperpal to smooth out any rough spots before submitting it for publication or submission.

It is recommended to edit your essay in the order it was written; here are some useful tips:

• Revise the introduction

After crafting your narrative essay, review the introduction to ensure it harmonizes with the developed narrative. Confirm that it adeptly introduces the story and aligns seamlessly with the conclusion.

• Revise the conclusion and polish the essay

The conclusion should be the final element edited to ensure coherence and harmony in the entire narrative. It must reinforce the central theme or lesson outlined initially.

• Revise and refine the entire article

The last step involves refining the article for consistent tone, style, and tense as well as correct language, grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Seeking feedback from a mentor or colleague can offer an invaluable external perspective at this stage.

Narrative essays are true accounts of the writer’s personal experiences, conveyed in figurative language for sensory appeal. Some narrative essay topic examples include writing about an unforgettable experience, reflecting on mistakes, or achieving a goal. An example of a personal narrative essay is as follows:

Title: A Feline Odyssey: An Experience of Fostering Stray Kittens

Introduction:

It was a fine summer evening in the year 2022 when a soft meowing disrupted the tranquility of my terrace. Little did I know that this innocent symphony would lead to a heartwarming journey of compassion and companionship. Soon, there was a mama cat at my doorstep with four little kittens tucked behind her. They were the most unexpected visitors I had ever had.

The kittens, just fluffs of fur with barely open eyes, were a monument to life’s fragility. Their mother, a street-smart feline, had entrusted me with the care of her precious offspring. The responsibility was sudden and unexpected, yet there was an undeniable sense of purpose in the air , filling me with delight and enthusiasm.

As the days unfolded, my terrace transformed into a haven for the feline family. Cardboard boxes became makeshift cat shelters and my once solitary retreat was filled with purrs and soothing meows. The mother cat, Lily, who initially observ ed me from a safe distance, gradually began to trust my presence as I offered food and gentle strokes.

Fostering the kittens was a life-changing , enriching experience that taught me the true joy of giving as I cared for the felines. My problems slowly faded into the background as evenings were spent playing with the kittens. Sleepless nights turned into a symphony of contented purring, a lullaby filled with the warmth of trust and security . Although the kittens were identical, they grew up to have very distinct personalities, with Kuttu being the most curious and Bobo being the most coy . Every dawn ushered in a soothing ritual of nourishing these feline companions, while nights welcomed their playful antics — a daily nocturnal delight.

Conclusion:

As the kittens grew, so did the realization that our paths were destined to part. Finally, the day arrived when the feline family, now confident and self-reliant, bid farewell to my terrace. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with a sense of love and accomplishment and a tinge of sadness.

Fostering Kuttu, Coco, Lulu, and Bobo became one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Their arrival had brought unexpected joy, teaching me about compassion and our species’ ability to make a difference in the world through love and understanding. The terrace, once a quiet retreat, now bore the echoes of a feline symphony that had touched my heart in ways I could have never imagined.

The length of a narrative essay may vary, but it is typically a brief to moderate length piece. Generally, the essay contains an introductory paragraph, two to three body paragraphs (this number can vary), and a conclusion. The entire narrative essay could be as short as five paragraphs or much longer, depending on the assignment’s requirements or the writer’s preference.

You can write a narrative essay when you have a personal experience to share, or a story, or a series of events that you can tell in a creative and engaging way. Narrative essays are often assigned in academic settings as a form of writing that allows students to express themselves and showcase their storytelling skills. However, you can also write a narrative essay for personal reflection, entertainment, or to communicate a message.

A narrative essay usually follows a three-part structure: – Introduction (To set the stage for the story) – Body paragraphs (To describe sequence of events with details, descriptions, and dialogue) – Conclusion (To summarize the story and reflect on the significance)

Paperpal is an AI academic writing assistant that helps authors write better and faster with real-time writing suggestions and in-depth checks for language and grammar correction. Trained on millions of published scholarly articles and 20+ years of STM experience, Paperpal delivers human precision at machine speed.    

Try it for free or upgrade to  Paperpal Prime , which unlocks unlimited access to Paperpal Copilot and premium features like academic translation, paraphrasing, contextual synonyms, consistency checks, submission readiness and more. It’s like always having a professional academic editor by your side! Go beyond limitations and experience the future of academic writing.  Get Paperpal Prime now at just US$19 a month!  

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The Art of Storytelling: Techniques for Writing Engaging Narratives

May 16, 2023 //  by  Lindsay Ann //   Leave a Comment

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Neuroscience shows us that our brains are naturally designed for writing narratives. We can see narratives being told as far back as our cave dwelling ancestors who told the story of their fantastic hunts by drawing pictures on their cave walls.

Storytelling preserves culture. It creates connection. It helps us learn lessons and grow as people. By telling stories, humans have learned from cautionary tales, taught others how to make something, do something, or where to find something.

When we hear a story, our brain releases dopamine that gives us a sense of calm and lowers our blood pressure.

Businesses have recognized that storytelling is far more powerful in selling products and services than persuasion alone.

In short, people love narratives . 

Despite our natural inclination for stories, sometimes the narrative can be the first assignment on the chopping block when trying to figure out the jigsaw puzzle that is all of that ELA curriculum in just 180 short days.

But given what we know about how important narrative stories are to human development, maybe it’s time we reconsider being so willing to let go of the narrative! 

Today let’s check out some unique ways to bring the art of storytelling into the high school English classroom to tap into our students’ instinctual desire to tell great stories. 

Written Narratives

When it comes to teaching written narratives, we may believe that form matters. The personal narrative or memoir tends to be the form that dominates the narrative standards in the high school ELA curriculum, or at least it does in my district. I have found that it can be easier to get students to turn their life experiences into a narrative than it is to get them to come up with a complete story from scratch. 

However, if we want our students to pursue authentic writing and write with audience and purpose in mind, we also need to remember that the good ole fashioned fictional story has a place in our year-long scope and sequence.

Neither the personal narrative nor the short story is more important than the other. The skills and processes required to write both forms are similar, so allow room for flexibility!

Personal Writing Examples

Here are some examples of narrative writing that include both personal narrative and fiction stories:

• A student might write about a coming of age experience or rite of passage they’ve had and write it as a personal narrative.
• A student might take their coming of age experience and turn it into a completely fictionalized narrative using made up character names, changing character traits, reimagining the setting, and even playing with the order of events and changing up the events altogether.
• A student may take a family story that’s been passed down from generation to generation but tell it through the eyes of an ancestor. 

There’s no limit to the rich, authentic writing that can come from our students’ minds when we allow them the freedom to express themselves and explore various formats to accomplish their purpose. 

Writing a Narrative Essay

Writing a narrative essay follows the same steps of the writing process as any other genre of writing. The trick for writing a narrative essay, though, is to get students to understand that stories are everywhere and yes , they have an important story to tell!

Brainstorming

Start by showing students that stories are everywhere. By looking for stories in everyday life, they’ll start to brainstorm ideas before their pen hits the paper.

Get students to start to tell their own stories. Sit in a circle and share about a time they were embarrassed, a prized childhood possession, their favorite teacher. 

Challenge them to think beyond their own stories . Give them prompts that will inspire fiction writing . Encourage them to make up their own world, characters, and conflicts. And they can totally draw inspiration from their own life to do this!

Planning for the “story arc”

Once they have an idea, now it’s time to plan!

For narrative writing, students should focus on mapping out their story.

The Freytag’s Pyramid is an oldie but goodie for this kind of thinking work. What information should be included in the exposition? What will be the climax of their story? Will they choose to absolutely infuriate their readers and leave them with a cliffhanger ending?

By the time they get to high school, students are pretty familiar with the elements of plot, but they may not be used to considering pacing . The pacing of the story is best described as that thrilling moment in a mystery when you’re flying through the pages at the edge of your seat about to catch the killer in action.

When planning for pacing, an easy way to do so is for students to divvy up the important plot points and create a bar graph to represent how much time and space those sections will take up in their story.

They may want to slooooowly drag the reader along in the rising action in order to create a dramatic climax but quickly fly through the falling action and briefly resolve. Or they may want to quickly get to the climax but draw out the resolution. All of these options are fair game, but students need to be taught to be intentional about making these choices in their writing.

Collaborative feedback

I’ve found that when writing narratives, collaborative feedback from a peer or a small group of peers is almost always valuable to the writer. 

I’m not a writing scientist (if that is an occupation, SIGN ME UP!), but if I had to wager a bet, I’d put my money on the fact that, because people really do love stories so much, it’s easier for us to tell someone else if their story is engaging or not. 

When responding to storytelling, students don’t feel the pressure of telling their partner or small group technical things like if their anaphora is well placed. Instead, they can simply say, “I don’t understand why this character did this,” or “I wasn’t very shocked by the ending and I know you wanted it to be. What would make it shocking is if…”

Writing is a recursive process. Students can toggle back and forth between writing and revising and collaborating before the piece is finally done and ready to be published. 

As with any writing, it’s important to remind students not to skip this part of the writing process!

This is where they can take the feedback and apply it to make their story even more powerful. 

Publication

Check out these outlets for publishing students’ narrative writing:

• Make a book for Six Word Memoirs
• Create a class blog
• Scholastic writing contest
• NCTE writing awards
• Skipping Stones magazine

Narrative Writing Mentor Texts

Students need to see examples of a wide variety of narratives to understand how to play with language, form, and syntax.

High quality narrative mentor texts can be used for brainstorming, mini lessons, writing conferences, and sooooo much more. 

Here are some examples of traditional and some non traditional ways to bring the narratives of others into your classroom!

• New York Times student contest winners : These are student submissions from the Times’ narrative contest. Students will love relating to the topics of these submissions and learning craft from amateur writers who are on their level.
• Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture : When diagnosed with terminal cancer, Randy Pausch, professor at Carnegie Mellon University, delivered one final lecture. The lecture ended up being a love letter to his family. Discuss how Pausch ties smaller stories, a.k.a. “life lessons” together under a unifying theme and illustrates each story with a concise, bite-sized aphorism takeaway. If you’re looking for a real-world assignment, have students write their own last lectures to deliver to the class at the end of the year.
• Vlogs/Tik Tok/Instagram: Don’t sleep on using social media as mentor texts. Some of the best examples of personal narratives come from those Day in the Life Of style posts, and some Tik Tok creators have told amazingly elaborate fiction stories using that medium!
• The Moth : The Moth brings the art of storytelling to life. Professional and amateur storytellers and performers orally share stories to live audiences and via a recorded podcast. At my school, freshmen end the year by writing and sharing their own Moth speeches.
• TED Talks on Storytelling Activity: You know I’m obsessed with using TED Talks in the classroom, but they’re soooo great for teaching narrative writing because of the range of talks on the subject. There are talks that are instructive on how to write a narrative, there are talks that share personal stories, talks that share fiction stories, and everything in between!
• Welcome to Night Vale
• Narrative writing with pictures : Let. Students. Write. Using. Pictures. 

That is the message.

Yes, even in high school.

The graphic novel, graphic memoir, and graphic stories are all valuable! Show students some examples of this and see what they can create!

• The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
• Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
• Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
• Becoming by Michelle Obama 
• Somebody’s Daughter Ashley C. Ford

Simple Writing Activities

Need story ideas for your students?

Snowball writing: This method allows students to be collaborative and creative. One student starts the writing process for the class (you can use a prompt or have your student make up their own idea!).

After writing for a specified amount of time, the student will crumple up the paper and make a “snowball,” and toss it to someone else. That person continues writing and repeats the process. You can even make a snowball fight where multiple stories are being thrown around at the same time. 

Simple Snowball Prompts: 

• What are some words of wisdom you’ve been given that guide your life?
• What events have brought you closer to your family?
• What’s special about where you grew up?
• What places do you remember fondly from your childhood?
• What’s the best party you’ve ever been to?
• What’s one song that every time you hear it you’re transported back to a moment in time? Write about that moment.

Photo Essay: Check out this resource for descriptive writing using a photo essay. This is such a unique way to get students thinking about their own stories (and the stories all pictures tell).

Credos: Credos challenge students to think about who they are at their core. What beliefs and ideals guide them through life? What has shaped them into who they are?

This credo lesson is a perfect opportunity for students to think critically about their life experiences and analyze how those experiences have impacted the way they think. 

Wrapping Up

I hope you found this post helpful. I really believe when we allow students flexibility to tell stories in their own ways and on their own terms, we can untap creativity they didn’t even know they had. 

Tell me about your best and worst experiences with teaching narrative writing in the comments below! I’d love to hear what’s worked and what hasn’t! 

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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Storytelling, Creativity and Writing as a Tool for Building Sophisticated Social Skills

• Published: 06 April 2023
• Volume 52 , pages 1397–1408, ( 2023 )

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• Menglin Fang 1 , 2 &
• Milena Tsvetkova 3  

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Intro. The aim of the work is to prove the effectiveness of the recommendations developed by the authors for introducing the basics of storytelling into the educational process in the context of the development of sophisticated social skills. Methods. A survey method was used to determine students’ knowledge of storytelling. Previously 52% of students used the storytelling techniques only partly in classes, and 30% of students are not familiar with the storytelling features and have not previously used them. Results. The survey revealed students’ insufficient knowledge about storytelling. Comparison of students’ skills before and after the experiment showed that the developed recommendations have an impact on learning effectiveness. Such findings are attributed to the fact that after the experiment 89% of students had high scores (90–98 points), while before the experiment only 15% of students possessed such skills, with their scores ranging from 82 to 90 points. Conclusion. Research findings may be used to develop creative texts that, among other things, drive sophisticated social skills. Practical significance. The research findings may be used by future and present scientific journalists, television journalists and presenters seeking to improve their professional and creative skills which would help them to stay competitive in the media industry.

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Fang, M., Tsvetkova, M. Storytelling, Creativity and Writing as a Tool for Building Sophisticated Social Skills. J Psycholinguist Res 52 , 1397–1408 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10936-023-09949-0

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The Art of Storytelling in Academic Writing: 5 Steps to a Better Research Paper

Life is about stories. We each have one. Humans use stories to create social connections, to share ideas, to entertain, and to inform. Communication takes place through stories, whether fictional, historical, or contextual. But what many people don’t know is that storytelling is just as important when it comes to academic writing.

Manuscripts submitted for publication, dissertations, and other research reports tell the story of a scientific investigation. Stories consist of five major components: setting, conflict, character, plot, and theme. Each component has its parallel in academic writing.

Since I don’t have time to dissect an entire manuscript or dissertation, I’m going to use an abstract to illustrate the concept of storytelling in academic writing. An abstract contains all the major elements of a research report: background, method, results, and conclusions.

Consider the following sample abstract:

The United States is currently facing a shortage of family practice physicians, resulting in fewer preventative health care options for patients and an increasing number of non-urgent visits to hospital emergency rooms. Despite a steady increase in medical school applications, student enrollment is limited due to a shortage of clinical faculty. Previous studies have identified high turnover rates among clinical faculty as a major challenge for medical schools. In the present study, the factors related to successful recruitment and retainment of clinical faculty were investigated by exploring the lived experiences of novice clinical faculty during the role transition from clinical practice to clinical educator. Three common themes associated with positive role transitions were identified: orientation, training, and ongoing support. The results of this study may assist human resources personnel in medical schools with the development of programs to improve recruitment and retention of novice clinical faculty.

1. The Setting

In a research report, the setting is provided by the background information, which is drawn from the scientific literature. The reader needs to understand the overall problem and how the research topic addresses the problem. A good introduction takes the reader from a broad description of the problem to the specific focus of the study in a series of logical, sequential steps.

In the example above, the abstract begins by describing a nationwide crisis: the shortage of family physicians. The shortage of physicians is due to a shortage of clinical faculty to teach medical students. The shortage of faculty is due to high turnover rates. The high turnover rates are due to issues with recruitment and retention of faculty, which is what the study aims to address. Thus, in a few sentences, the reader is taken from a broad problem (nationwide shortage of family physicians) to the focus of the study (recruitment and retainment of clinical faculty) in a series of logical steps that clearly explain the relevance of the study to the issue at hand.

2. The Conflict

In stories, the conflict is a struggle or an oppositional situation that involves the central character. In research reports, conflicts are based in the scientific literature. Two main types of conflict in research are discrepancies in results and gaps in the literature (i.e., unanswered questions).

When writing a paper or dissertation , a clear description of the conflict serves to engage the reader and imparts a degree of importance to the study. In the example above, the conflict is a gap in knowledge regarding the reasons for high turnover rates among clinical faculty in medical schools. The importance of the study is emphasized by connecting the gap in knowledge to the broader problem: the shortage of family physicians. Importantly, the consequences of the present situation are clearly identified: emergency rooms are being taxed by visits from patients who would be better served by a family physician, and family physicians often engage in preventative health measures to further reduce the need for hospitalization. Thus, in this case, the conflict is presented as a crisis situation with implications for healthcare costs and the health of U.S. citizens.

3. The Character

Once the background (setting) has been presented and the reader is made aware of the conflict, it is time to introduce the main character: the study. The study should be introduced to the reader as the solution to the conflict. I like to think of it as the hero swooping in to save the day.

In the above example, the problem has been clearly presented in the first three sentences. The fourth sentence introduces the study by presenting it as the potential solution to the conflict.

In the present study, the factors related to successful recruitment and retainment of clinical faculty were investigated…

The reader has already been made to understand how the successful recruitment and retainment of clinical faculty relates to the overall problem (the shortage of family physicians). The study is introduced as a means to resolve the problem (by identifying the factors involved in successful recruitment and retainment of clinical faculty). This introduction not only emphasizes the importance of the study to the reader, but also continues to engage the reader and maintain interest. Importantly, the reader is clear about the role of the study in resolving the conflict, and the need for the study is apparent.

Aside from presenting the role of the main character (to resolve the conflict), the reader also needs to be introduced to the main character. The sentence fragment above ends with the following brief description of the methodology that not only explains how the study aims to resolve the conflict, but also describes the nature of the study itself:

…by exploring the lived experiences of novice clinical faculty during the role transition from clinical practice to clinical educator.

The qualitative nature of the study is made apparent by the description of the method (exploring the lived experiences of novice faculty). In addition, the reader learns that the phenomenon of role transition provides an outcome measure for the study. In other words, factors that are associated with successful recruitment and retention of clinical faculty are assumed to be associated with a positive role transition. Thus, the study is also phenomenological in nature.

With this information, the reader can create a framework, a mental context in which all the information that follows will be interpreted. Once again, this technique serves to engage the reader and reinforce the importance of the study.

4. The Plot

The plot consists of the events that happen in a story that relate to the central conflict. In a research report, the plot is simply the description of the study and the results. However, as with fictional writing, the connection to the central conflict must be made clear to the reader throughout the manuscript or dissertation. Confusing plotlines are the bane of any writer.

The purpose of the methods section is to provide a context in which the reader can interpret the findings and to allow other researchers to reproduce the study. Ideally, the methods section is written in a logical order that follows the sequence of events that comprise the method, beginning with sampling and followed by data collection, sorting or filtering (if applicable), and data analysis.

Results should be presented in a format that is easy to follow using visual aids such as tables, graphs, and illustrations as appropriate. The goal should be to make it easy for the reader to access the results. For example, lengthy textual descriptions of measures or statistical data should be avoided. No matter how groundbreaking the research, nobody wants to slog through paragraphs filled with numbers.

Results should be presented in a way that clearly connects them with the research topic. One of the more common mistakes I find when editing a dissertation is the presentation of results that have no clear connection to the research topic. Like a plotline that has no clear connection to the main conflict in the story, such tactics leave the reader with the impression that the material was added to provide bulk rather than substance.

5. The Theme

The theme of a story is the central idea or belief that the author wishes to convey. In a research report, the theme is largely found in the discussion of the results and the conclusions drawn from the findings, including implications for future research.

In the sample abstract above, the findings are necessarily brief. However, they convey a central message: novice clinical faculty need proper training, orientation, and support in order to be successful in their transition from practice to teaching. The implications are clear: implementing these practices will help retain novice faculty, which will boost the number of medical students and increase the number of family physicians.

The theme of a study is important: it emphasizes the contribution of the study to the body of knowledge in the field, it offers explanations for unexpected or potentially conflicting results, and it provides the reader with a sense of direction for future studies. In the sample abstract, the last sentence leaves the reader with a sense of future directions for the research.

The results of this study may assist human resources personnel with the development of programs to improve recruitment and retention of novice clinical faculty.

There is an art to writing about results. The researcher must be honest about what the study found (or did not find), point out limitations while not making the study appear weak, and draw conclusions that are clearly supported by the data. While major findings are easier to present in a positive light, the reality of scientific investigation is that studies often yield negative or conflicting results. The ability to demonstrate the importance of such findings is the mark of good academic writing.

I’ve mentioned reader interest and engagement frequently in this article, and you may ask yourself why, as a researcher publishing a study, these things should matter. The truth is that scientists, like many other professionals, succeed by convincing others of the importance and relevance of their work. This is achieved through clear communication that engages the reader.

Storytelling has been a method of information exchange for humans since we first began to communicate ideas. Thus, applying the concepts of storytelling to academic writing can promote the conditions that are necessary for success. Grants are awarded, promotions are granted, and presentations are well attended all on the basis of clear, engaging communication. There are thousands of scientists out there who possess a high degree of intelligence and are doing work in important areas of research. To stand out among the crowd, you’ll need clear and effective communication. The best way to do that? Tell a good story.

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Telling the Story of Yourself: 6 Steps to Writing Personal Narratives

Jennifer Xue

Table of Contents

Why do we write personal narratives, 6 guidelines for writing personal narrative essays, inspiring personal narratives, examples of personal narrative essays, tell your story.

First off, you might be wondering: what is a personal narrative? In short, personal narratives are stories we tell about ourselves that focus on our growth, lessons learned, and reflections on our experiences.

From stories about inspirational figures we heard as children to any essay, article, or exercise where we're asked to express opinions on a situation, thing, or individual—personal narratives are everywhere.

According to Psychology Today, personal narratives allow authors to feel and release pains, while savouring moments of strength and resilience. Such emotions provide an avenue for both authors and readers to connect while supporting healing in the process.

That all sounds great. But when it comes to putting the words down on paper, we often end up with a list of experiences and no real structure to tie them together.

In this article, we'll discuss what a personal narrative essay is further, learn the 6 steps to writing one, and look at some examples of great personal narratives.

As readers, we're fascinated by memoirs, autobiographies, and long-form personal narrative articles, as they provide a glimpse into the authors' thought processes, ideas, and feelings. But you don't have to be writing your whole life story to create a personal narrative.

You might be a student writing an admissions essay , or be trying to tell your professional story in a cover letter. Regardless of your purpose, your narrative will focus on personal growth, reflections, and lessons.

Personal narratives help us connect with other people's stories due to their easy-to-digest format and because humans are empathising creatures.

We can better understand how others feel and think when we were told stories that allow us to see the world from their perspectives. The author's "I think" and "I feel" instantaneously become ours, as the brain doesn't know whether what we read is real or imaginary.

In her best-selling book Wired for Story, Lisa Cron explains that the human brain craves tales as it's hard-wired through evolution to learn what happens next. Since the brain doesn't know whether what you are reading is actual or not, we can register the moral of the story cognitively and affectively.

In academia, a narrative essay tells a story which is experiential, anecdotal, or personal. It allows the author to creatively express their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and opinions. Its length can be anywhere from a few paragraphs to hundreds of pages.

Outside of academia, personal narratives are known as a form of journalism or non-fiction works called "narrative journalism." Even highly prestigious publications like the New York Times and Time magazine have sections dedicated to personal narratives. The New Yorke is a magazine dedicated solely to this genre.

The New York Times holds personal narrative essay contests. The winners are selected because they:

had a clear narrative arc with a conflict and a main character who changed in some way. They artfully balanced the action of the story with reflection on what it meant to the writer. They took risks, like including dialogue or playing with punctuation, sentence structure and word choice to develop a strong voice. And, perhaps most important, they focused on a specific moment or theme – a conversation, a trip to the mall, a speech tournament, a hospital visit – instead of trying to sum up the writer’s life in 600 words.

In a nutshell, a personal narrative can cover any reflective and contemplative subject with a strong voice and a unique perspective, including uncommon private values. It's written in first person and the story encompasses a specific moment in time worthy of a discussion.

Writing a personal narrative essay involves both objectivity and subjectivity. You'll need to be objective enough to recognise the importance of an event or a situation to explore and write about. On the other hand, you must be subjective enough to inject private thoughts and feelings to make your point.

With personal narratives, you are both the muse and the creator – you have control over how your story is told. However, like any other type of writing, it comes with guidelines.

1. Write Your Personal Narrative as a Story

As a story, it must include an introduction, characters, plot, setting, climax, anti-climax (if any), and conclusion. Another way to approach it is by structuring it with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should set the tone, while the body should focus on the key point(s) you want to get across. The conclusion can tell the reader what lessons you have learned from the story you've just told.

2. Give Your Personal Narrative a Clear Purpose

Your narrative essay should reflect your unique perspective on life. This is a lot harder than it sounds. You need to establish your perspective, the key things you want your reader to take away, and your tone of voice. It's a good idea to have a set purpose in mind for the narrative before you start writing.

Let's say you want to write about how you manage depression without taking any medicine. This could go in any number of ways, but isolating a purpose will help you focus your writing and choose which stories to tell. Are you advocating for a holistic approach, or do you want to describe your emotional experience for people thinking of trying it?

Having this focus will allow you to put your own unique take on what you did (and didn't do, if applicable), what changed you, and the lessons learned along the way.

3. Show, Don't Tell

It's a narration, so the narrative should show readers what happened, instead of telling them. As well as being a storyteller, the author should take part as one of the characters. Keep this in mind when writing, as the way you shape your perspective can have a big impact on how your reader sees your overarching plot. Don't slip into just explaining everything that happened because it happened to you. Show your reader with action.

You can check for instances of telling rather than showing with ProWritingAid. For example, instead of:

"You never let me do anything!" I cried disdainfully.

"You never let me do anything!" To this day, my mother swears that the glare I levelled at her as I spat those words out could have soured milk.

Using ProWritingAid will help you find these instances in your manuscript and edit them without spending hours trawling through your work yourself.

4. Use "I," But Don't Overuse It

You, the author, take ownership of the story, so the first person pronoun "I" is used throughout. However, you shouldn't overuse it, as it'd make it sound too self-centred and redundant.

ProWritingAid can also help you here – the Style Report will tell you if you've started too many sentences with "I", and show you how to introduce more variation in your writing.

5. Pay Attention to Tenses

Tense is key to understanding. Personal narratives mostly tell the story of events that happened in the past, so many authors choose to use the past tense. This helps separate out your current, narrating voice and your past self who you are narrating. If you're writing in the present tense, make sure that you keep it consistent throughout.

6. Make Your Conclusion Satisfying

Satisfy your readers by giving them an unforgettable closing scene. The body of the narration should build up the plot to climax. This doesn't have to be something incredible or shocking, just something that helps give an interesting take on your story.

The takeaways or the lessons learned should be written without lecturing. Whenever possible, continue to show rather than tell. Don't say what you learned, narrate what you do differently now. This will help the moral of your story shine through without being too preachy.

GoodReads is a great starting point for selecting read-worthy personal narrative books. Here are five of my favourites.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Jane Yolen, the author of 386 books, wrote this poetic story about a daughter and her father who went owling. Instead of learning about owls, Yolen invites readers to contemplate the meaning of gentleness and hope.

Night by Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel was a teenager when he and his family were sent to Auschwitz concentration camp in 1944. This Holocaust memoir has a strong message that such horrific events should never be repeated.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

This classic is a must-read by young and old alike. It's a remarkable diary by a 13-year-old Jewish girl who hid inside a secret annexe of an old building during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in 1942.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

This is a personal narrative written by a brave author renowned for her clarity, passion, and honesty. Didion shares how in December 2003, she lost her husband of 40 years to a massive heart attack and dealt with the acute illness of her only daughter. She speaks about grief, memories, illness, and hope.

Educated by Tara Westover

Author Tara Westover was raised by survivalist parents. She didn't go to school until 17 years of age, which later took her to Harvard and Cambridge. It's a story about the struggle for quest for knowledge and self-reinvention.

Narrative and personal narrative journalism are gaining more popularity these days. You can find distinguished personal narratives all over the web.

Curating the best of the best of personal narratives and narrative essays from all over the web. Some are award-winning articles.

Narratively

Long-form writing to celebrate humanity through storytelling. It publishes personal narrative essays written to provoke, inspire, and reflect, touching lesser-known and overlooked subjects.

Narrative Magazine

It publishes non,fiction narratives, poetry, and fiction. Among its contributors is Frank Conroy, the author of Stop-Time , a memoir that has never been out of print since 1967.

Thought Catalog

Aimed at Generation Z, it publishes personal narrative essays on self-improvement, family, friendship, romance, and others.

Personal narratives will continue to be popular as our brains are wired for stories. We love reading about others and telling stories of ourselves, as they bring satisfaction and a better understanding of the world around us.

Personal narratives make us better humans. Enjoy telling yours!

Write like a bestselling author

Love writing? ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of your stories.

Jennifer Xue is an award-winning e-book author with 2,500+ articles and 100+ e-books/reports published under her belt. She also taught 50+ college-level essay and paper writing classes. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, Fortune, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Business.com, Business2Community, Addicted2Success, Good Men Project, and others. Her blog is JenniferXue.com. Follow her on Twitter @jenxuewrites].

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How to tell a captivating story — from a wedding toast to a job interview

Audrey Nguyen

Our lives are filled with storytelling, from the stories we tell our friends over dinner, to the ones we tell at eulogies, during toasts, at job interviews and on dates.

7 tips on giving a memorable toast for any occasion

"[Stories] make us laugh and they make us feel hope, and they make us feel like it's going to be OK, [like] we're less alone," says Sarah Austin Jenness, the executive producer of The Moth , an organization and podcast dedicated to teaching and promoting the craft of storytelling. Jenness is one of the co-authors of How to Tell a Story: the Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth .

Stories help us relate to each other and build community, say Jenness and her co-author and fellow storytelling coach, Meg Bowles. Leveling up our storytelling game can lead to more meaningful connections.

Here's their step-by-step guide on how to tell a story, from an idea to delivery:

1. Understand that a story is more than a scene or an anecdote.

Does the story you want to tell have a beginning, a middle and an end? Does it have tension? Does it show some sort of transformation? These are the basic elements that make an anecdote blossom into a full-bodied story.

When you're telling a story, you aren't just describing what happened when you walked into the coffee shop and saw your ex on a date. You're telling us how that moment felt emotionally, how you were affected, how you reacted and how you're a different person after having endured that moment.

2. Select a meaningful story.

Each of us has hundreds of stories we could tell. How do we know which one to pursue? "I always say to think back to moments in your life that really shifted you in some way," Bowles says. "Dig in to that."

When you think of a moment, ask yourself, "Why did that moment stick with me? What about that moment was important to me?"

"You start to see patterns of your story arise," says Bowles.

Big decisions are a good place to find stories; so are embarrassing moments and mistakes. Think of a time you did something but it didn't go as planned. Within these kinds of prompts you can begin to explore moments of vulnerability.

If you're not sure how or where to start mining for your own stories, here are some helpful prompts:

• If your life were a movie, what's one scene you'll never forget? 
• What's something someone said to you that you'll never forget? 
• Tell us about a breakthrough moment. 
• Tell us about a time you had to follow your heart. 
• Tell us about a moment you were reunited with something you treasure.

3. Develop your story.

Once you find the story you want to tell, put it under a magnifying glass to blow it up big. Where were you (physically, mentally, emotionally) in that moment? How did it impact your life? What were the results?

Boil your story down to one sentence that helps focus what it's really about. For example, "It took a disaster for me to understand the important role my father played in our community." This will help you decide which details support your main point.

Every family has stories to tell. Here's how to document yours

Remember that in any great story you're not just sharing events that happened, you're also sharing the thoughts and feelings running through you during those events.

4. Figure out the structure.

A good rule of thumb is to start in the action of the story – this will draw people in. From there, ask yourself if you'll tell your story in chronological order, or if you'll start at the end and find your way back to the beginning, or if you want tell it in a series of flashbacks instead of a linear structure.

Don't worry about getting too fancy with the structure – often, telling a story chronologically is the best way to go. "You want to take people through the journey so they can experience what you experienced, " Bowles says.

5. Understand how you've changed by the end.

By this point, you know the moment your story is centered on, what the stakes or tensions are and how you want to tell the story. Writing the ending can be the hardest part.

"Stories in real life usually aren't tied up with a bow," Jenness says. "You just have to end the story in a different place than [where] you began."

The key to a good ending is showing the audience your transformation over the course of the story, even if it's a slight transformation. "There's the 'you' we met in the beginning and the 'you' at the end," she explains.

6. Ask yourself if you're ready to share the story.

If you're considering telling a story rooted in vulnerability or trauma, it's important to consider whether you're emotionally ready to share that story.

Here are some signs you might not be ready to tell a story publicly:

• if you get stuck on one scene and aren't able to come out of it because you're reliving it – this can happen with traumatic events and could be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder. 
• if it's tough to find an ending to a story, it may mean that you're still living it. You might need to "press pause" and return to the story when you've had more time to process.

7. Before you deliver the story, practice, practice and practice again – but don't memorize it.

It's natural to feel nerves before sharing a story aloud. Become very familiar with your story. Practice enough to be comfortable telling it from memory, but the Moth team recommends that you don't memorize it word for word. If you memorize it verbatim, your delivery can sound stiff and you might go blank.

"Stories are alive and they're meant to sound alive," Bowles says.

A good strategy is to really learn the words you want to use for the beginning and end of your story, but keep your notes in between as bullet points. That way you can naturally fill the gaps, but you have your most important elements well-rehearsed.

"If you go blank on stage, just think, 'What happened next?'" Jenness says. "If you realize you didn't set it up right, you can always say 'Now, what I forgot to tell you about my mom is...' or 'What you really need to know...'"

8. Remember that storytelling is not about the storyteller – it's about connection.

Want To Listen Better? Turn Down Your Thoughts And Tune In To Others

Keep it short and tight. If you're telling a story in a more interactive environment, like over dinner, remember that the purpose of storytelling is to engage with others. It's not about taking the spotlight for the entire time you're with someone. You want to offer a jumping-off point for someone else to share their own story, too.

Want to practice listening and find inspiration? Check out stories heard on The Moth .

Elise Hu is also the host of the TED Talks Daily podcast.

The podcast portion of this story was produced by Audrey Nguyen and Meghan Keane.

We'd love to hear from you. If you have a good life hack, leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email us at [email protected] . Your tip could appear in an upcoming episode.

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Teaching Narrative Writing: Strategies to Help Students Enjoy Writing Stories

Teaching narrative writing can be an incredibly rewarding experience, unlocking the hidden storyteller within each student. But how can you make the process engaging, exciting, and effective for your students? Discover the essential components of narrative writing, explore engaging teaching methods, and learn how to foster a love for writing that will last a lifetime.

Table of Contents

The Basics of Narrative Writing

Narrative writing is the exciting art of storytelling, including personal narratives. It’s a form of writing that shares captivating sequences of events, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking themes. Every personal narrative should have a captivating beginning, exciting middle, and satisfying end, as well as engaging characters and a vivid setting, which teachers can teach students. By understanding these narrative elements and exploring narrative writing examples, you’ll be well-equipped to introduce narrative writing to your students and help them develop their own stories.

The key components of a narrative structure are orientation, complications and events, and resolution. These elements create a captivating story and are essential aspects of teaching narrative writing. Encouraging students to recognize their natural storytelling abilities and create their own story is a great way to introduce this form of writing through a narrative writing unit.

Videos, songs, and other engaging activities can make learning narrative writing fun and exhilarating, enhancing the effectiveness of writing instruction. With narrative writing online, students can access these resources anytime, anywhere.

Plot Development

Plot development is essential for captivating stories and should include a concise beginning, middle, and end. In teaching narrative writing, focus on the key components of a narrative text: orientation, complication, resolution, and ending. One great way to help students understand the structure of a narrative story is by deconstructing a text through a fun activity like cutting it up and sticking it back together. This sorting task can be engaging for middle school students learning narrative writing.

Temporal words play a significant role in narrative writing, as they assist students in arranging their events in an orderly, chronological fashion. A Narrative Plot Structure Diagram or a plot map can provide students with a visual representation of how to craft a captivating narrative that starts with an exciting action. These tools can be invaluable in teaching plot development and helping students create stories that truly capture the reader’s imagination.

Character Creation

Character creation is an exciting opportunity to craft believable, relatable characters with distinct personalities and physical traits that will captivate your readers. Character traits infuse a story with realism, depth, and meaning, creating an unforgettable and captivating experience for the reader. To help your students create characters that come to life, encourage them to use real people as inspiration, craft brief background stories and physical descriptions, and include small details that make their characters unique.

For a short story, it’s recommended to have one main character and a few secondary ones. Teaching character creation involves guiding students in developing their characters and ensuring they have a clear understanding of each character’s traits and distinguishing features. This will help students create engaging and memorable characters that truly bring their stories to life.

Setting the Scene

Setting the scene plays an essential role in helping to create the story’s atmosphere and giving context to the characters and events. Encouraging students to select a suitable setting for their story can help them move onto the exciting task of crafting characters to inhabit their imaginative world. To give students the boost they need to tackle the intimidating blank page when writing, offer them the support they need by providing word banks or other resources to get them started.

For older or more advanced students, exploring and challenging existing story-setting expectations can be an exciting activity. They may find this a great opportunity to push their boundaries and learn something new. By doing so, they can create a unique story with a humorous twist or a more original story that will captivate their readers. Encouraging students to experiment with their story settings can spark creativity and inspire them to think outside the box.

Engaging Teaching Methods for Narrative Writing

To help students develop their narrative writing skills, it’s essential to use engaging teaching methods that spark creativity and interest. Engaging methods can include storytelling games and visual aids, which not only make the writing process enjoyable, but also provide valuable insight into the structure, elements, and techniques used to craft a captivating story. By incorporating these methods into your writing instruction, you’ll provide an interactive and memorable learning experience for your students.

Storytelling games and visual aids are just two examples of engaging methods to teach narrative writing. Other approaches may include using narrative writing prompts, brainstorming sessions, reading mentor texts, and teaching the 5Ws (and 1H). By using a variety of methods, you can help your students develop the skills and confidence they need to become successful narrative writers.

Storytelling Games

Storytelling games are an excellent way to encourage students to think creatively and collaborate on developing stories. One exciting storytelling game is Round Robin Storytelling, where each person gets to contribute to the story. Round Robin Storytelling encourages the development of speaking and listening skills, making it a great addition to narrative writing instruction. To ensure success in Round Robin Storytelling, pay special attention to less confident learners and provide them with the necessary support.

In addition to Round Robin Storytelling, there are many other storytelling games that can be used to engage students in narrative writing. Some examples include story dice, story starters, and collaborative writing activities. By incorporating these games into your lesson plans, you’ll provide a fun and interactive way for students to practice their writing skills and develop their storytelling abilities.

Visual Aids

Visual aids, such as photographs, illustrations, diagrams, charts, graphs, videos, and props, can inspire students and help them visualize their stories. In teaching writing, visual aids can be an invaluable tool in helping students express ideas and comprehend experiences that language may not be able to capture. Visual aids can also help students link their own experiences to the stories they are writing, providing a deeper connection and understanding of the narrative.

To incorporate visual aids into your writing instruction, consider using visual prompts such as pictures, illustrations, or videos to inspire students’ creativity and imagination. You can also use graphic organizers, like story maps or character profiles, to help students plan and organize their narratives. By using visual aids in your lesson plans, you’ll not only engage your students, but also help them develop important skills in visual literacy and storytelling.

Implementing Mentor Texts

Mentor texts are essential for teaching narrative writing, as they provide examples of successful storytelling. These texts can showcase various narrative elements and techniques, helping students understand what makes a great narrative story. To make the most of mentor texts, students should carefully observe how the author crafted the text to serve their purpose, and identify areas in the model that demonstrate the criteria outlined in the rubric.

In addition to providing valuable insight into narrative writing, mentor texts can also serve as a source of inspiration for students. By reading and analyzing mentor texts, students can not only learn from the best but also develop their own unique writing style and voice.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss how to choose the right mentor texts and how to analyze them effectively.

Choosing the Right Mentor Texts

When selecting mentor texts, it is crucial to consider their captivating nature, excellence, pertinence, and capacity to provide vivid illustrations of the writing strategies being taught. Teachers can discover inspiring mentor texts for teaching narrative writing on various websites, such as the Cult of Pedagogy website. By evaluating mentor texts, teachers can select the ones that are most suitable for their students’ age and skill level.

To ensure you select the best mentor texts, consider the following criteria: the text should be engaging, of high quality, relevant to the topic, and provide clear examples of the writing techniques being taught. By choosing mentor texts that meet these criteria, you’ll provide your students with powerful examples of successful storytelling that they can learn from and aspire to emulate in their own writing.

Analyzing Mentor Texts

Analyzing mentor texts is a great way to learn from the best. It involves closely examining the techniques used by the author to create a powerful effect on the reader. By exploring how the author develops the plot, creates characters, and sets the scene, students can gain a better understanding of the essential elements of narrative writing. This can help them hone their own writing skills by learning how to create compelling stories that truly capture the reader’s imagination.

When analyzing a mentor text, students should explore how the author uses language to create a certain mood or atmosphere. They can also examine how the author uses figurative language, sensory details, and vivid verbs to bring the story to life. By engaging in this process, students can not only learn valuable writing techniques, but also develop their analytical skills and critical thinking abilities.

Writing Workshops and Peer Review

Writing workshops and peer review sessions provide opportunities for students to practice their writing skills and receive feedback. These sessions can help students improve their writing, develop their ability to give and receive constructive criticism, and foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

By combining writing workshops with peer review, students can benefit from a structured approach to the writing process. This includes pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, all of which help students write and develop their writing skills and confidence in their abilities.

With this approach, students can become more confident and competent writers, ready to tackle any narrative writing challenge.

Organizing Writing Workshops

Organizing writing workshops involves setting clear objectives, providing guidance, and allowing time for independent writing. To create an ideal writing space, provide a designated area with the necessary supplies, such as notebooks, pens, and other materials, and ensure the space is comfortable and conducive to writing. Schedule the workshop to be engaging and motivating, with topics that are inspiring and relevant to the students.

Planning mini-lessons effectively can significantly contribute to the success of a writing workshop. Select topics that align with the workshop’s goals, prepare materials, and create activities that engage the students in a meaningful way. Ensure that there is ample time for independent writing, offering guidance and support as needed.

By organizing and conducting writing workshops effectively, you can create a nurturing environment where students can develop their writing skills and confidence.

Effective Peer Review Strategies

Effective peer review strategies involve teaching students how to provide constructive feedback and encouraging a supportive environment. By providing clear guidelines for feedback, encouraging constructive criticism, and allowing time for revisions based on feedback, you can foster effective peer review strategies in narrative writing. It is essential to communicate clear objectives, expectations, and criteria for acceptable work, and to provide students with focused tasks or criteria.

To foster an environment of support, offer positive reinforcement, honor student successes, and create a safe space for students to express their ideas. Encourage cooperation and peer review, and guide students on how to give feedback that is both helpful and constructive. By implementing effective peer review strategies, you can create a collaborative and supportive learning environment where students can grow and develop as writers.

Assessing and Providing Feedback on Student Narratives

Assessing and providing feedback on student narratives is crucial for their growth as writers. By carefully examining content, grammar, sentence structure, story cohesion, story grammar, vocabulary, and voice, as well as mechanics such as spelling, capitalization, and punctuation, you can gain a better understanding of their writing and provide valuable feedback. Utilizing a rubric or other assessment tool can help to clearly define expectations and assess writing progress both in the present and over time.

Formative assessment is an invaluable tool for gathering information about student learning and providing feedback to help guide instruction and support student growth. Summative assessment, on the other hand, is an excellent way to evaluate student learning and progress at the end of a unit or course. By using both formative and summative assessments, along with providing helpful and meaningful feedback, you can support your students’ development as writers and help them reach their full potential.

Grading Rubrics

Grading rubrics are powerful sets of guidelines or criteria used to evaluate student work and measure their progress. They include a task description, the outcome being assessed, the characteristics to be rated, levels of mastery/scale, and a description of each characteristic at each level of mastery/scale. By using grading rubrics, you can ensure consistent and fair assessment of students’ work, helping them understand what they need to improve and what they have already mastered.

To create effective grading rubrics, consider the following components: a task description, the outcome to be evaluated, the criteria to be graded, levels of mastery/scale, and a description of each criterion at each level of mastery/scale. By clearly defining expectations and assessment criteria, grading rubrics can help motivate students and provide them with a clear understanding of what is required for success in narrative writing.

Providing Constructive Feedback

Providing constructive feedback involves identifying strengths and areas for improvement, as well as offering specific suggestions for revision. To give constructive feedback, focus on providing both corrective and affirming comments about past behavior. This approach can help students recognize areas that need improvement and motivate them to take action.

To ensure that your feedback is helpful and meaningful, be specific in your comments and provide clear guidance on how students can improve their work. Offer praise and support where appropriate, and encourage students to continue working on their writing skills. By providing constructive feedback, you can help your students grow and develop as writers, ready to tackle any narrative writing challenge.

Encouraging a Love for Writing

Encouraging a love for writing involves creating a supportive environment and celebrating student success. By providing resources, encouragement, and opportunities for students to share their work, you can help foster a love for writing that will last a lifetime.

In the following sections, we’ll explore how to build a supportive writing environment and celebrate student success. Creating a nurturing environment for writing can help unlock students’ creativity, access resources and guidance, and celebrate their successes. By fostering a positive community and recognizing student achievements, you can inspire a love for writing that will stay with your students throughout their academic careers and beyond.

Building a Supportive Writing Environment

To create a supportive writing environment, provide a designated area with the necessary supplies, such as notebooks, pens, and other materials, and ensure the space is comfortable and conducive to writing. Schedule regular writing workshops and activities that engage students in the writing process and provide guidance and feedback as needed. Encourage students to share their work with their peers and offer constructive criticism and support to help them grow as writers.

In addition to providing resources and encouragement, cultivate a positive community by honoring student successes and creating a safe space for students to express their ideas. Encourage cooperation and peer review, and provide opportunities for students to practice giving and receiving feedback. By creating a supportive writing environment, you can help your students develop the skills and confidence they need to become successful narrative writers.

Celebrating Student Success

Celebrating student success can involve showcasing their stories, offering praise, and acknowledging their progress and achievements. Teachers can display student stories in the classroom, share them with other classes for inspiration, or publish them in a school newsletter or website to spread the good news. By recognizing and celebrating student success, you can help foster a love for writing and motivate students to continue honing their skills.

In addition to showcasing student stories, provide verbal feedback, give out awards or certificates, and write letters of recommendation to recognize their accomplishments. Recognize and reward students for their achievements by providing extra credit, offering special privileges, or giving out small gifts or tokens of appreciation to show your gratitude. Celebrating student success will not only inspire a love for writing, but also help students develop the confidence and motivation needed to continue their writing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to teach narrative writing.

Engage students by exposing them to inspiring narratives and showing them stories are everywhere. Guide them through the structure of a story with in-class activities, like story mapping and reading models.

Assign an essay to demonstrate their knowledge, and plan out how long each step should take.

What are the five steps to narrative writing?

To write a narrative essay , begin by choosing a topic, create an outline, write the essay, revise it, and proofread it before publishing.

What is narrative writing?

Narrative writing tells a story through a main character in a setting, with a problem or event that engages the reader. It is characterized by a plot that follows what happens to this character, making it an interesting and entertaining experience.

The plot should be structured in a way that builds suspense and keeps the reader engaged. It should also have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The characters should be developed and have a clear motivation.

How can storytelling games and visual aids help in teaching narrative writing?

Storytelling games and visual aids can provide an engaging way to spark creativity in students and help them explore ideas in narrative writing. They help to capture experiences that language alone may not be able to convey.

What is the importance of mentor texts in teaching narrative writing?

Mentor texts are invaluable when teaching narrative writing, offering powerful examples of successful storytelling and insight into structure, elements, and techniques used to craft a captivating story.

By studying mentor texts, students can learn how to create a compelling narrative arc, develop characters, and use language to evoke emotion. They can also gain an understanding of how to use dialogue, pacing, and other elements to create a vivid and engaging story.

In conclusion, teaching narrative writing is an exciting and rewarding journey that can help students unleash their creativity and develop valuable writing skills. By understanding the basics of narrative writing, using engaging teaching methods, implementing mentor texts, organizing writing workshops, assessing and providing feedback, and encouraging a love for writing, you can inspire and support your students as they embark on their own storytelling adventures.

Remember, the key to successful narrative writing is to create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to explore their imaginations and share their stories with the world.

How to Use Storytelling to Write Standout MBA Essays

May 28, 2021

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on July 19, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below. 

With admissions rates at elite MBAs like Stanford Graduate School of Business hovering around 6%, standing out from the crowd is one of the most important challenges you will face during your business school application journey. 

Though there are many elements that make up a successful MBA application, one of the most important is your admissions essay. 

Writing admissions essays that cut through the noise and help the admissions committee connect with you and your ideas means getting into your target business schools.

And how do you write compelling essays? 

It’s simple: tell a good story. 

Why does storytelling matter?

In today’s fast-paced world, a sort of “ attention economy ” has developed in which an ever-increasing stream of inputs battling for our ever-decreasing attention spans . 

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a tool that would reliably cut through all the distraction?

Luckily, such a tool already exists. In fact, storytelling has been the key to hacking the brain’s circuitry since long before the first word was ever written down ( even Harvard Business School agrees! )

In fact, the importance of storytelling has only become even more entrenched as research on the topic emerges, meaning stories remain one of the most efficient means we have to transmit information to others. 

The power of storytelling even extends into a realm often thought to be “too serious” for stories: the business world. 

Photo courtesy of Kellogg Insight, Credit: Yevgenia Nayber

Yet, with thought leaders reinforcing that stories are not only important but an essential tool for modern leaders (and the best TED talks being overwhelmingly story-driven), it’s clear that the ability to tell compelling stories is an advantage.

Harnessing this tool when writing your admissions essays goes a long way to giving you the edge you need to land a spot in your dream MBA program. 

Hook your reader from the very first sentence

Quickly grabbing your audience’s attention is one of the most important, yet most challenging tasks when telling any story. 

Let’s take a look at Nike’s “Breaking 2” commercial, named one of the 10 best ads of 2017 . 

The ad starts out with the phrase, “Breaking the two hour marathon barrier is impossible.”

Immediately, as we see the runner standing at the starting line, preparing to train in the early light before dawn, we immediately want to know if this solitary figure has what it takes to “do the impossible.”

This curiosity drives us forward and makes it so that we literally can’t take our eyes off of the screen. 

A good hook in your essay functions in much the same way: it sparks the reader’s interest and compels them to keep reading. 

Let’s take two versions of the same essay for example. 

Here, the author has gone right into the story, neglecting to write a hook:

I have always been fascinated by cosmology and astronomy, not only because they relate to the study of the universe, but because they are an exercise in thinking beyond limitations. I first encountered these concepts at a young age. After presenting a perfect report card to my parents at age seven, I was rewarded with a book on spacetime. Diving into the realm of the cosmos inspired me to think about reality in imaginative ways free from the constraints often imposed by society and connecting me to the great thinkers of the past who made groundbreaking discoveries that changed the world.

Did this leave you wanting more? Perhaps not. 

However, in the final version of the story, the author hits us with:

What do Copernicus and Phil Knight have in common? I learned about Copernicus after receiving a book on astronomy from my parents that awakened my childhood passion for the cosmos. I first learned about Knight from his book, Shoe Dog, but became more familiar with him much later in life while working with Nike, a client in my portfolio. What both have in common, however, is that they were agents of change. They refused to accept the status quo and revolutionized society with simple yet groundbreaking ideas that changed humanity forever.

This version is much more compelling. Copernicus and Phil Knight seemingly have nothing in common, so figuring this small puzzle out moves the reader forward and ultimately ensures they become immersed in the story. 

Though MBA essay word limits are notoriously small , using an interesting hook that is related to your example is a good investment, as it will ensure the admissions committee member perusing your essay keeps reading and, ultimately, calls you for an interview. 

Using the STAR Method 

STAR stands for Situation – Task – Action – Result. 

Once you have determined your “ big idea ” — or the example you are going to present for the essay, it’s time to employ the STAR method. 

The framework will help you write a clear, compelling answer that provides background, tells exactly what you did and ends with a big reveal. 

Here’s how it works:

• Situation – Begin with setting the stage and presenting the complication or conflict of the story. For example: “My brand was losing market share to a new competitor” 

• Task – Identify your objective in light of the complication and summarize the task or project performed: “I decided to revise our strategy” 

• Action – Describe the action steps you took toward your goal: “I surveyed customers to learn what traits they valued and implemented product changes accordingly” 

• Results – Summarize the outcome and how you and/or your team made a difference: “We gained 20 additional market share.”

The STAR method makes it very easy for your reader not only to understand what took place, but to also see your role in all of it — important given the fact that it’s you and not your team or company that’s applying for an MBA. 

Not convinced you should follow this method? Check out the two stories below. Which does a better job of clearly showing the applicant’s strengths and achievement?

My greatest achievement in life so far has come from my study effort. It was one of the best days of my life when I got the news I was chosen for a scholarship from the Brazilian government to start a project in University of Texas. From this episode I learned that the long run counts a lot because this scholarship didn’t depend on taking a test and having a great day on it. It was awarded to students who had an English proficiency diploma at a specific point in time and a great college record. In Texas, I was forced to become a more independent man and I had the chance to connect with so many people with so many different backgrounds that I can say my desire to explore the world started there.

Or this one?

The achievement I’m most proud of happened recently. At my company, it had been three years since we had raised investments for a new fund, so finding a new opportunity was critical. In mid-December, that great opportunity arose, however, we’d be battling against an unbelievably short deadline to get the project approved. 

Normally, at this time of year, we’re still fully staffed, but given the stagnant market, only one manager and myself remained. In addition, the fund’s investment policy relied on a strategy that we’d never used. Finally, I’d never worked on the public offering of a fund before. 

Nonetheless, I knew that if the partner and I worked diligently to support each other, we could land this deal. Our first move was to organize a meeting to align all parties involved. Then, we divided tasks, and I took over coordinating stakeholders, assigning tasks and managing deliverables. In the end, we successfully delivered everything on time.

This experience made me more comfortable in a leadership position, as managing diverse stakeholders under pressure helped me better analyze what each brought to the table and execute accordingly. Recently, I’ve even been able to help other teams coordinate new offers. Finally, the project was a great opportunity to learn new management skills from my superior. This reinforced for me how important it will be to learn additional management frameworks at INSEAD and prepare myself to be a leader in the Private Equity market. 

Though the first essay includes a tremendous achievement, the lack of structure and details makes it difficult for us to understand exactly what happened. 

The second essay clearly tells the story, walking us step by step through her achievement and creating a much more compelling picture of the applicant’s leadership skills in action. 

The important role of conflict in stories

In life, we work hard to avoid conflict as much as possible, yet when it comes to stories, conflict is not only important, it is essential to captivating attention. 

Would Stranger Things have been as interesting if Eleven hadn’t had to rescue her friends from The Upside Down and they could all have spent a nice summer playing by the lake? Probably not. Watching her master her powers and venture into the unknown (or, in other words, watching how she handles conflict) is just what makes the show so addictive. 

Conflict and how our “hero” (in this case, you!) solves the challenge is at the core of any good story, so make sure you use the STAR method to clearly set up the conflict you needed to navigate and then show how you took steps to turn this roadblock into one of your standout moments. 

Let’s take this essay for example. In an early version, the story was conflict-free. 

Upon joining MBB after graduation, another experience inspired personal growth. While abroad, I participated in recruiting processes for top consulting firms, and saw firsthand that MBB lagged behind in recruiting students pursuing dual degrees abroad. After joining, I created a dedicated process to recruit these top performers. Four months later, we had the first online connection event, which attracted more than 40 interested students. The program has since become an essential recruiting tool. I am proud to lead this internal team in contributing to MBB’s long-term success as we attract the talent we need to deliver high-impact results to clients.

Though this shows initiative on the applicant’s part, it is far less compelling than this version of events:

After graduating, I joined MBB, as it allowed me to channel my intellectual curiosity, explore various sectors and be an agent of change. While abroad, I participated in recruiting processes for other top consulting firms, and saw firsthand that MBB lagged behind in recruiting dual-degree students. After joining, I spoke with several partners about creating a program to solve this issue. The partners were hesitant, however, concerned they could not adequately evaluate candidates remotely. After demonstrating the implications of overlooking these high-potential candidates, I received permission to create a dedicated dual-degree recruiting process. Four months later, I had mobilized 10 colleagues, leading them in organizing BCG’s first online connection event. The program has since become an essential recruiting tool, bringing in more than 10% of our hires since inception.

Here, not only does she show initiative, she also shows she has an ability to clearly communicate and add value to her firm, even when the odds are stacked against her. 

So, when writing your MBA application essays, make sure to give your stories some much-needed drama!

Isn’t it better not to use stories so I stand out?

In a word, no . 

Our brains are quite literally hard wired to love stories . 

SOURCE: OneSpot  

Though it is a good idea to choose unique examples to help you stand out, you should not discard the narrative approach when writing. 

First, examples that don’t use a story format can often be boring. 

We have worked with numerous reapplicants with 770+ GMAT scores who refused to tell stories in their applications and found themselves dinged before interview across the board. 

Though the GMAT is certainly a crucial part of any business school application, Harvard estimated that 80% of its 10,000+ applicants were fully qualified to attend the school, meaning that a high GMAT score will only get you so far. 

You must also connect with your reader and compellingly show them why you deserve a spot in their prestigious program. To connect psychologically with your reader , your best bet is storytelling. 

Second, examples told in non-story formats are often highly confusing. 

In general, stories flow nicely from topic to topic, building upon what has already been told to advance the narrative. 

When clients neglect to use story format, their essays often end up confusing to read, meaning they fail to clearly demonstrate the candidate’s potential and fit with the school.

For that reason, we suggest choosing unique examples that are both consistent with your personal brand and that show you are a standout among your pool. When writing about the examples, however, stick to the tried-and-true story format. 

After all, thousands of years of human history prove this is the right approach!

Get expert help crafting your story

You only get one chance to make an impression on the adcom, so make it count!

Good storytelling in your essays is often the difference between telling a story that moves elite business schools to move you forward in the application process and a “no.”

Yet translating your professional “highlights reel” into compelling stories is no easy task. 

That’s why our team at Ellin Lolis Consulting is obsessed with telling your story . 

In the words of our recent client Fernando , who secured a full scholarship at Michigan Ross,  “If you are looking for an MBA consultant that is capable of understanding your story comprehensively rather than giving quick glances on your essays without understanding your context, go with Ellin.”

Let our award-winning editors use their expert writing abilities, deep understanding of what elite business schools are looking for, and marketing know-how to transform your application essays from average to attention-grabbing and get you a spot in your top choice MBA program! 

Real MBA Essays That Got People In

School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted

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Essay Writing as Storytelling: Techniques to Engage and Persuade Your Readers

by Holy City Sinner

October 17, 2023

In academic writing, essays often appear as dry and formal compositions meant solely for conveying information. However, viewing essay writing through the lens of storytelling can transform this conventional approach into a compelling and engaging endeavour. The art of essay writing as storytelling injects your work with narrative elements, making it a more persuasive and captivating read. This article will look into essay writing as storytelling, offering valuable tips and techniques to help you effectively engage and persuade your readers while maintaining a simple and consistent writing style.

Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/glad-woman-with-cat-writing-in-planner-while-using-laptop-6002000/

• Come Up with a Catchy Opening

First, developing an engaging essay opening is crucial for effectively captivating and persuading your readers within the storytelling framework. Your essay’s introduction serves as the initial point of connection with your audience, shaping their perception of your work. A compelling start, often initiated through a captivating story, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant quote, instantly seizes your readers’ interest. This establishes the stage for the entire essay, fostering curiosity and anticipation similar to the opening lines of a captivating novel.

Nevertheless, there might be instances when sparking the creative process for an arresting introduction proves challenging. Crafting the ideal hook can be a formidable task, even for seasoned writers. During such moments, seeking assistance from professional writing services or “ do my dissertation for me ” platforms can be a valuable option. These resources can provide expert guidance to ensure your essay’s opening is both engaging and persuasive without the need for promotional language.

• Develop Your Characters

Viewing essay writing as storytelling brings with it the idea of developing characters, where characters represent the central ideas or arguments in your essay. This is a pivotal aspect of engaging and persuading your readers effectively. Just as well-constructed characters in a story engage the audience, well-developed ideas in an essay capture and maintain your readers’ attention.

To develop these characters (ideas) effectively, provide comprehensive background information and context. Go ahead and offer supporting evidence, such as data, examples, or expert opinions, to flesh out each idea. This builds a strong foundation and makes your readers care about the concepts you’re presenting. Moreover, highlight the significance and relevance of these ideas, much like you would with a character’s personality and motivations in a story, to help your readers emotionally connect with your essay.

To further enhance character development in your essay-as-story, craft vivid and relatable descriptions for your ideas. Just as a story uses imagery and details to bring characters to life, your essay should use descriptive language and specific examples to make your ideas more tangible. This allows your readers to visualize and connect with the concepts, making them more engaging and memorable.

Additionally, maintaining a consistent tone and voice throughout the essay ensures that your “characters” (ideas) have a clear and recognizable personality, making it easier for your readers to engage with and understand them. So, by adopting storytelling techniques and treating your essay as a narrative with well-developed characters (ideas), you can create a compelling and persuasive piece that resonates with your audience.

• Come up with a Clear Plot

Crafting a straightforward plot within your essay related to storytelling also plays a pivotal role in engaging and persuading your readers. A well-structured plot offers a logical framework, ensuring the seamless flow of your ideas or arguments making it easy for readers to follow your narrative. This enhances readability, keeping your audience focused as they progress from one point to the next.

Furthermore, a well-defined plot imparts a sense of direction and purpose to your essay, similar to a story guiding readers toward a resolution. Each paragraph should naturally transition from the previous one, creating a coherent sequence of ideas. This logical progression aids in reader comprehension, allowing them to grasp the bigger picture, hence deepening their understanding of your message.

• Use Vivid Descriptions

To truly engage and persuade your readers when writing your essay as storytelling, employing vivid descriptions is also a powerful tool. These descriptions help paint a rich mental image, making your content more immersive and appealing. You can start by using descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

For instance, instead of saying, “The city was busy,” you could describe it as “The bustling city streets echoed with the cacophony of car horns and the rhythmic footsteps of hurried pedestrians.” Another technique is the use of metaphor and simile. Comparing your ideas to something familiar can make them more relatable. For instance, if you’re writing about the importance of environmental conservation, you might say, “Biodiversity is the complex tapestry that keeps our planet’s ecosystem humming, just like the strings of a finely tuned instrument.” This helps readers visualize and connect with your concepts on a deeper level.

• Maintain a Consistent Tone and Voice

Maintaining a consistent tone and voice is vital when writing an engaging and persuasive essay using storytelling techniques. Consistency creates a sense of reliability, allowing your readers to connect with your narrative more effectively. Here are some tips to help you maintain consistency in your essay:

• Define Your Tone and Voice: Before you start writing, decide on the appropriate tone and voice for your essay. Is it formal, conversational, persuasive, or informative? Knowing this from the outset sets the stage for consistency.
• Stay True to Your Audience: Consider your target audience’s expectations and preferences. Tailor your tone and voice to match their needs and interests. What will resonate with them the most?
• Create Style Guidelines : Establish a set of style guidelines for your essay. Determine factors such as the use of first-person or third-person perspective, sentence structure, and vocabulary choices.
• Use Consistent Language: Be diligent in your choice of words and phrasing. Repeatedly use the same terms and phrases to describe key ideas or concepts. Avoid abrupt shifts in language that may confuse readers.
• Check Verb Tense: Ensure that you maintain consistent verb tenses throughout your essay. Shifting between past, present, and future tenses can disrupt the flow of your narrative.
• Edit and Proofread: Carefully review your essay to identify any deviations from the established tone and voice. Editing and proofreading can help you fine-tune your writing to maintain consistency.
• Read Aloud: Reading your essay loudly can be an effective way to identify discrepancies in tone and voice. If something sounds out of place, it likely needs revision.

Consistency in tone and voice not only enhances your essay’s readability but also fosters a more engaging and persuasive narrative. It helps your readers connect with your message, making it more effective in conveying your ideas.

Essay writing as storytelling offers a dynamic approach to engage and persuade your readers effectively. By incorporating compelling openings, developing characters, creating straightforward plots, using vivid descriptions, and maintaining a consistent tone and voice, you can transform your essays into captivating narratives. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to draw readers into your ideas and arguments, making them not only informed but genuinely engaged and persuaded. So, whether you’re tackling academic assignments or crafting persuasive essays, remember that the art of storytelling can elevate your writing to new heights, making it a truly unforgettable experience for your readers.

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• The Importance of Storytelling and Story Creation

Helping children who are blind or visually impaired or deafblind to tell their stories is very important to their social, emotional and cognitive development, especially communication and literacy.

Written by: Kate Hurst

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By Kate Hurst

Perhaps the thing that makes us human is the stories (real and imagined) that each of us has inside. Many people think that the gift of storytelling belongs only to writers, shamans, and the very old. The reality is we are all storytellers from the very earliest days of our lives. Children who are blind and visually impaired or deafblind also have stories inside them. Helping them to tell their stories is very important to their social, emotional and cognitive development, especially communication and literacy.

Stories come in different forms and mediums.

Stories come in a variety of forms: poetry, song, movement, pictures, plays and even Dad Jokes. The creators of the stories use various mediums such as braille, sign language, movies, and dance to share the stories with others. 

Some stories are dynamic, we hear them or experience them and then they are gone. Stories become static when we write them down or record them in some way so we can revisit them over-and-over again. 

Children who are visually impaired or Deafblind, may experience a story by tactually exploring items collected on a walk or playing with the materials used to take a bath if these are placed in an experience box or bag. Another child with low vision may enjoy simple picture books with limited print. Audio and braille are other mediums that may be used to share a story with others. 

The form or the medium are not as important as the story itself or the creation of the story.

Stories help us cope.

We make sense of our life experiences in part by the stories we learn or tell ourselves. Imagine a story the young child might create and revisit. 

“It is dark and stormy. I am frightened. I think I see a monster in my closet. Will it hurt me? If I cry out loud Dad or Mom will come save me.”

At the time the child tells himself the story he doesn’t know if it is fiction or nonfiction. He is just building a story based on his experience of what happens when he cries out at night. But the power of that story may help to calm him and take action to meet his own needs. This can be true of many stories we read or hear.

Even stories that might frighten us a bit, help us to cope because the outcome for the protagonist or hero ultimately turns out well.  So, when we face challenges in our own lives we may have a certain belief that everything will be alright eventually if we take action.

Research actually shows that using expressive writing can help us deal with stressful and traumatic events and can even positively impact our health. ( Opening Up by Writing It Down , Pennebaker, J.W. and Smyth, J. M., 2016)

Stories help us remember and imagine.

Humans are constantly creating stories. We make up stories in our heads about how our day will go before we head for the office. We tell ourselves stories about the amazing places we will see and exciting things we will do as we plan our vacations. We tell ourselves stories about how people treat us and how we treat them. We are our stories.

Many people may not agree that this is storytelling, but it is where many of us begin to learn the power our own memory and imagination. Stories told within a family or in a culture become even more powerful as they are shared year after year. They become part of who we are, what we believe, and how we see our future. 

When we preserve stories in some static form like a book or a recording or a movie, people from different times and places can share that story. Many of these stories guide whole populations in learning how to live their lives (e.g., religious and spiritual texts, the Constitution).

Using our imaginations to modify an existing story or create a fictional world allows us to create solutions to existing problems or imagine places where other challenges exist. For example, think of the different real-life devices that reflect the long-ago creations of Jules Verne in his stories, such as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea or From the Earth to the Moon . 

Stories help us solve problems and try on solutions.

Stories also help us to solve problems by providing opportunities to try out different actions that might lead to different outcomes. This is especially true if another person is helping to co-create the story.

When someone is creating a story with us, he or she might suggest a different action than we would suggest. What will be the outcome of the story with this new twist? What might I learn from their suggestion or solution? We can often work through a problem or situation by writing about it or creating a story.

Stories engage our attention.

When we find ourselves sitting in an airport or waiting to see the dentist, reading a magazine or book engages our attention and helps to make time pass more easily. For many of us, there is no better form of escape than to stick our noses in a book and vanish into the story. With the advent of audiobooks and podcasts, many of us listen to stories as we jog or walk or ride in a car or airplane. For many of us, reading or listening to stories is our favorite form of recreation.

Stories help us understand others.

Stories have the ability to help us learn about others and to find understanding and empathy for them and their situations. Whether we actually know the individual or not, hearing their story evokes feelings within us. Learning to relate to others and empathize with them is so important in developing social skills and making friends.

We need stories. 

Stories serve so many purposes in our lives. Stories are about so much more than just reading or listening. They are instrumental in cognitive, social and emotional development. 

Literacy begins with stories others tell us or we tell ourselves. Co-creating stories with an adult or peers helps our children and students begin to create stories they can share with others.

Adults begin “storytelling” with infants and toddlers by sharing nursery rhymes, songs, and bedtime stories. Then we help them to learn to read others’ stories and write their own. 

Stories help us understand others and ourselves. We feel empathy with the characters we encounter in stories. This ability to learn from stories is a skill that will help our students throughout their lives. In addition to academic goals, stories enrich lives and provide guidance to living.

If you want to do something great for your child or student, explore the ways you can begin to co-create stories with them. 

Other articles about the importance of storytelling

• Why Is It Important?
• Reflections by Students
• What Do We Mean by “Play”?
• Parallels Between Social & Symbolic Play and Playing with Words
• Differences Between Social Stories and “Playing with Words” Stories

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Critic’s Notebook

‘James,’ ‘Demon Copperhead’ and the Triumph of Literary Fan Fiction

How Percival Everett and Barbara Kingsolver reimagined classic works by Mark Twain and Charles Dickens.

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By A.O. Scott

One of the most talked-about novels of the year so far is “ James ,” by Percival Everett. Last year, everyone seemed to be buzzing about Barbara Kingsolver’s “ Demon Copperhead ,” which won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction . These are very different books with one big thing in common: Each reimagines a beloved 19th-century masterwork, a coming-of-age story that had been a staple of youthful reading for generations.

“Demon Copperhead” takes “David Copperfield,” Charles Dickens’s 1850 chronicle of a young boy’s adventures amid the cruelty and poverty of Victorian England, and transplants it to the rocky soil of modern Appalachia, where poverty and cruelty continue to flourish, along with opioids, environmental degradation and corruption. “James” retells Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” first published in 1884, from the point of view of Huck’s enslaved companion, Jim — now James.

The rewriting of old books is hardly a new practice, though it’s one that critics often like to complain about. Doesn’t anyone have an original idea ? Can’t we just leave the classics alone?

Of course not. Without imitation, our literature would be threadbare. The modern canon is unimaginable without such acts of appropriation as James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” which deposited the “Odyssey” in 1904 Dublin, and Jean Rhys’s “Wide Sargasso Sea,” an audacious postcolonial prequel to “Jane Eyre.” More recently, Zadie Smith refashioned E.M. Forster’s “Howards End” into “ On Beauty ” and tackled Dickens in “ The Fraud, ” while Kamel Daoud answered Albert Camus’s “The Stranger” with “ The Meursault Investigation .”

Shakespeare ransacked Holinshed’s “Chronicles” for his histories and whatever Latin and Italian plays he could grab hold of for his comedies and tragedies. A great many of those would be ripped off, too — reinvented, transposed, updated — by ambitious artists of later generations. Tom Stoppard and John Updike twisted “Hamlet” into “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” and “Gertrude and Claudius.” “Romeo and Juliet” blossomed into “West Side Story.” The best modern versions of “Macbeth” and “King Lear” are samurai movies directed by Akira Kurosawa .

As for Dickens and Twain, it’s hard to think of two more energetic self-imitators. Their collected writings are thick with sequels, reboots and spinoffs. Literary brands in their own right, they were among the most successful IP-driven franchise entertainers of their respective generations, belonging as much to popular culture as to the world of letters.

“David Copperfield,” drawing on incidents in Dickens’s early life and coming in the wake of blockbusters like “The Pickwick Papers” and “Oliver Twist,” functions as an autobiographical superhero origin story. David, emerging from a childhood that is the definition of “Dickensian,” discovers his powers as a writer and ascends toward the celebrity his creator enjoyed.

Twain was already famous when he published “Huckleberry Finn,” which revived the characters and setting of an earlier success. The very first sentence gestures toward a larger novelistic universe: “You don’t know about me without you have read a book by the name of ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’; but that ain’t no matter.” (Classic sequelism: a welcome back to the established fans while ushering in the newbies.) Tom, who very nearly ruins Huck’s book when he shows up at the end, is the heart of the franchise: Tony Stark to Huck’s Ant-Man, the principal hero in an open-ended series of adventures, including a handful that Twain left unfinished .

“James” and “Demon Copperhead,” then, might fairly be described as fan fiction. Not just because of the affection Everett and Kingsolver show for their predecessors — in his acknowledgments, Everett imagines a “long-awaited lunch with Mark Twain” in the afterlife; in hers, Kingsolver refers to Dickens as her “genius friend” — but because of the liberties their love allows them to take. “Huckleberry Finn” and “David Copperfield” may be especially susceptible to revision because they are both profoundly imperfect books, with flaws that their most devoted readers have not so much overlooked as patiently endured.

I’m not talking primarily about matters of language that scrape against modern sensibilities — about Victorian sexual mores in Dickens or racial slurs in Twain. As the critic and novelist David Gates suggests in his introduction to the Modern Library edition of “David Copperfield,” “sophisticated readers correct for the merely antiquated.” I’m referring to failures of stylistic and narrative quality control.

As Gates puts it, Dickens’s novel “goes squishy and unctuous” when he “stops following his storytelling instincts and starts listening to extra-literary imperatives.” Preachiness and piety are his most evident vices. Twain’s much noted misjudgment goes in other directions, as he abandons the powerful story of Huck and Jim’s friendship — and the ethical awakening at its heart — to revert to strenuous boys-adventure Tom Sawyerism. The half-dozen final chapters postpone Jim’s freedom so that Tom — and possibly Twain as well — can show off his familiarity with the swashbuckling tropes of popular fiction and insulate “Huckleberry Finn” from the charge of taking itself too seriously.

“Persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished,” Twain warned in a prefatory note. But “Huckleberry Finn” and “David Copperfield” are both essentially comic — sometimes outright hilarious — novels rooted in hatred of injustice. It’s impossible to tease those impulses apart, or to separate what’s most appealing about the books from what’s frustrating.

That tension, I think, is what opens the door to Kingsolver’s and Everett’s reimaginings. For Kingsolver, “David Copperfield” is an “impassioned critique of institutional poverty and its damaging effects on children in his society. Those problems are still with us.” (“You’d think he was from around here,” her protagonist says when he reads Dickens for the first time.)

One way Kingsolver insulates “Demon Copperhead” from Dickensian sentimentality is by giving her protagonist a voice likely to remind many readers of Huckleberry Finn himself. Huck, after all, is the North American archetype of the resourceful, marginal, backwoods man-child. Though she doesn’t push as far into regional dialect as Twain did, the tang and salt of what used to be called southwestern humor season her pages.

Dialect figures in Dickens and Twain as a mark of authenticity and a source of laughter. In “James,” Everett weaves it into the novel’s critique of power. He replicates Jim’s speech patterns from “Huckleberry Finn,” but here they represent the language enslaved Black characters use in front of white people, part of a performance of servility and simple-mindedness that is vital to surviving in a climate of pervasive racial terror. Among themselves, James and the other slaves are witty and philosophical, attributes that also characterize James’s first-person narration. “Never had a situation felt so absurd, surreal and ridiculous,” he muses after he has been conscripted into a traveling minstrel show. “And I had spent my life as a slave.”

In “Huckleberry Finn,” Jim is Huck’s traveling companion and protector, the butt of his pranks and the agent of his redemption. Early in their journey downriver, Huck is stricken with guilt at the “sin” of helping Jim escape. His gradual understanding of the error of this thinking — of the essential corruption of a society built on human chattel — is the narrative heart of Twain’s book. Against what he has been taught, against the precepts of the “sivilized” world, he comes to see Jim as a person.

For Everett’s James, his own humanity is not in doubt, but under perpetual assault. His relationship with Huck takes on a new complexity. How far can he trust this outcast white boy? How much should he risk in caring for him? To answer those questions would be to spoil some of Everett’s boldest and most brilliant twists on Twain’s tale.

Which, in Everett’s hands, becomes, like “David Copperfield,” the story of a writer. James, who has surreptitiously learned how to read, comes into possession of a pencil stub — a treasure whose acquisition exacts a horrific cost. It represents the freedom of self-representation, the hope, implicitly realized by the novel itself, that James might someday tell his own story.

James’s version is not something Twain could have conceived, but it is nonetheless a latent possibility in the pages of “Huckleberry Finn,” much as the terrible logic of dispossession, addiction and violence in 21st-century America can be read between the lines of Dickens. Everett and Kingsolver are able to see that. This is what originality looks like.

A.O. Scott is a critic at large for The Times’s Book Review, writing about literature and ideas. He joined The Times in 2000 and was a film critic until early 2023. More about A.O. Scott

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