A Narrative Essay tells a story. This story is usually an experience or an event from the author’s past, a recent or ongoing event or experience, or something about a memorable person. Since in a narrative essay the author narrates personal experiences, it is generally written in first person and is told in a casual conversational style. The essay is written from the author’s point of view and tries to lead the reader to reflect on it.
There are certain features to a narrative essay that should be kept in mind while writing it. These are:
- The first paragraph should be an introduction, clearly telling the reader what kind of narrative it is – an event, an experience, or an observation.
- Plenty of sensory details should be given, creating a unified and forceful effect.
- While giving the details, anecdotes should be included using dialogues if necessary.
- The event, experience, or observation should be recreated in such a way that the reader feels involved.
- The verbs and modifiers used should be vivid and precise.
- It should include all the conventions of a story – plot, setting, characters, climax, and an ending.
- The essay should be well organized with the events described as they happened in time.
- The final paragraph should be a reflection on the larger meaning or importance of the “story”.
Keep all these points in mind while making your point and you have a successful narrative essay.
Other essay types:
- Explanatory/Expository Essay
- Cause and Effect Essay
- Descriptive Essay
- Argumentative/Persuasive Essay
- Comparison and Contrast Essay
- Definition Essay
- Process Essay
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