Definition: A narrative tells a story. Whenever someone recounts an event or tells a story, he or she is using narration.
Purpose: Why are you telling the story? Every narrative must have a point or a purpose, usually to entertain or to inform.
Context: You should establish the context of your narrative early in the essay. You can follow this basic guidelines: Who, what, when, and where.
Point of View: A narrative may be written in first person (I) or third person (He, she, or it) point of view. Do NOT use the second person (you). Once you’ve decided on the point of view, stay consistent with it.
Details: Include enough details for clarity; however, select only the facts that are relevant. One golden rule of narrative writing is to show rather than tell. For example, “I was in a car wreck” vs. “I awoke in a heap of twisted metal and shattered glass, bleeding from my left shoulder.”
Organization: A narrative follows a chronological timeline; however, you may find flashbacks a creative option as long as the narrative can be clearly followed by the reader. Most narratives are told in the past tense. You should keep tenses consistent.
Requirements: 1.5 to 2 pages in length. double-spaced. Name, professor’s name, class, date, and narrative essay in the upper left-hand side of the paper. Header in the upper right-hand corner with your last name and the page number. Times New Roman font and 12 font size.
Tips: Engaging title. Compelling the first and last lines of the essay. Dialog if possible. Engage the senses.
What should a final draft look like?
The final draft is the graded draft, so it should be your best effort on the page. All of the essay requirements should be met, and the writing should be polished.
