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Narrative Essay: Definition, Examples & Characteristics - 88tuition

Narrative Essay: Definition, Examples & Characteristics - 88tuition

English

Introduction

A story is told through the use of a narrative essay. The story is given from the author's point of view, and it always comes to a conclusion with a point or lesson that the reader should keep in mind.

A narrative essay is a type of essay in which the entire tale is structured around a single motif or central topic. This type of writing is known as a narrative essay. The narrative revolves around a single theme, which acts as the focal point for all of the story's happenings, events, and people. The basic structure of an essay consisting of five paragraphs is followed by a narrative essay. The only thing that differentiates it from other works is that it is a narrative of characters, events, and dialogue.

Students assigned to write narrative essays should approach the topic as though they were telling a tale instead of writing it. They have the opportunity to express themselves imaginatively through the use of these essays. This kind of writing is often written in the first person to attract the attention and interest of the readers.


Representation of students writing essay

Have you ever read a story collection or a full-length novel? Have you paid attention to the manner in which the author describes to the reader the numerous events that take place in the book or the stories? or the method in which the characters are presented at the beginning of the story? The narrative writing style, on the other hand, is most frequently seen in the form of books and screenplays.

An essay is said to be narrative if it relates a tale from the author's own experience and is written in the first person. A tale or account that is told in the form of a narration, either verbally or in written form, is known as a narrative. The story drives home a message through the many occurrences and the information that is provided. The principles of storytelling are utilized in narrative essays, which are used to convey a major experience or event in the author's life. Creating a narrative essay provides authors with a greater creative license than writing other types of academic essays; nonetheless, it is essential that all of the creative components contribute to the objective of the story.

How should a narrative essay be written?

Using the writing process, you may make sure your narrative essay has all it needs to succeed.

Start with a central idea and organize your outline according to the story's major events. Finish the story's initial draught by filling it up with description and conversation. Clarity and depth should be considered as you make changes to your essay. Make sure there are no mistakes in spelling, punctuation, or grammar in your work. Put the completed piece out into the world by publishing it.

Characteristics 

An essay is a longer piece of writing on a single topic than a typical paragraph. An outstanding essay should have these characteristics:

1) All of the essay's parts should relate to the central idea.

2) There should be coherence or a natural progression of ideas. This requires that the thoughts, words, and paragraphs all flow together naturally.

3) Keep it relevant.  Leave out everything that isn't essential.

4) Emphasize the most important themes.

A Narrative Essay's Components

There are a few requirements for a narrative essay. These elements help the author present a coherent tale and captivate the attention of the reader.

  • Elements of the plot move the story along.

  • The essay's format makes it simple for the reader to follow the action.

  • The story is told from the first-person perspective.

  • The narrative includes sensory elements.

  • The tale will have an underlying message or theme.

  • The tale is typically told backward through time.

Examples of Narrative Essays

Most narrative essays focus on the author's own experiences. As a result, writers have many potential subjects for their narrative essays to choose from. Here are a few illustrations:

  • Coming face to face for the first time with someone important.

  • Making a mistake and learning from it is a great way to grow.

  • Setting and achieving one's goals.

  • Conquering adversity.

  • The initial experience of anything novel.

  • A dramatic shift brought about by an unexpected circumstance.

Narrative Essay Types

Two sorts of essays should be written in a narrative format:

Descriptive Narrative Essay

This is the task's most inventive configuration. The fundamental objective of a descriptive narrative essay is to vividly describe an experience, circumstance, or memory. The basic rule for writing a descriptive story is to "show, don't tell." The author's objective is to arouse the senses of the readers and present a precise image of an event.

Typically, a descriptive narrative essay is simple to write. It simplifies a convoluted tale so that the reader can infer the rest. Excellent writers stay true to their purpose and refrain from hyperbole. Two types of essays should be written in narrative form: When determining what to include in your writing, keep in mind that there are always some restrictions on the quantity of content you may offer to your audience.

Autobiographical

You must tell a true narrative throughout your life as part of your assignment. Note that this kind of project should concentrate on a single distinct occasion. An autobiographical essay, in contrast to a descriptive one, concentrates more on the narrative and its goal than on the specifics.

Conclusion

Students who are assigned to write narrative essays should approach the topic as though they were telling a tale instead of writing the essay. Pupils have the opportunity to express themselves imaginatively through the use of these writings. These kind of writings are often written in the first person in order to attract the attention and interest of the readers.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it always the case that a narrative essay will tell a story?

The purpose of a narrative essay is to convey a tale. The majority of the time, you will be telling a tale about a personal event that you have experienced. In contrast to the majority of academic writing, this sort of essay, along with the descriptive essay, gives you the opportunity to go personal and creative.

  1. Does a narrative essay need a topic?

In general, a narrative essay should have an introductory paragraph with a topic sentence (reiterating the prompt or basic idea), a brief commentary on the central theme, and a set-up for the body paragraphs. This is because the body paragraphs are where the bulk of the narrative essay will be presented. The body of the narrative essay needs to be comprised mostly of paragraphs that discuss the tale's events.

  1. How should a narrative essay end?

The Takeaway from the essay should be the end. The author should also incorporate some sort of introspective contemplation or critical examination of the significance of the event. It should include what did the reader take away from the essay.