write your own story essay

Get 25% OFF new yearly plans in our Storyteller's Sale

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Critique Report
• Writing Reports
• Learn Blog Grammar Guide Community Events FAQ
• Grammar Guide

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

By 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

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].

Get started with ProWritingAid

It's A Steal

Bring your story to life for less. Get 25% off yearly plans in our Storyteller's Sale. Grab the discount while it lasts.

Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via :

Essay Papers Writing Online

A complete guide to writing captivating and engaging narrative essays that will leave your readers hooked.

When it comes to storytelling, the ability to captivate your audience is paramount. Creating a narrative essay that holds the reader’s attention requires finesse and creativity. A well-crafted story is not merely a sequence of events; it should transport the reader to another time and place, evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression. Crafting a compelling narrative essay requires careful consideration of the elements that make a story interesting and engaging.

Dive into the depths of your imagination and unleash your creativity to give life to your narrative. The key to an engaging story lies in your ability to paint vivid images with your words. Strong sensory details and descriptive language allow readers to visualize the scenes and connect with the story on a deeper level. Engage the senses of sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell to take your readers on a sensory journey through your narrative.

In addition to capturing the reader’s imagination, establish a relatable protagonist to anchor your story. Your main character should be someone your readers can empathize with, someone they can root for. By creating a three-dimensional character with relatable qualities, you invite the reader to become emotionally invested in the narrative. Develop a character with flaws, desires, and a clear motivation for their actions. This will add depth and complexity to your story as your protagonist navigates through challenges and evolves.

Choose a captivating topic that resonates with your audience

When it comes to writing a narrative essay, one of the most important factors in capturing your audience’s attention is selecting a captivating topic. A captivating topic will resonate with your readers and draw them into your story, making them eager to read on and discover more.

Choosing a topic that resonates with your audience means selecting a subject that they can relate to or find interesting. It’s essential to consider the interests, experiences, and emotions of your target audience when deciding on a topic. Think about what will grab their attention and keep them engaged throughout your essay.

One way to choose a captivating topic is by drawing from personal experiences. Reflect on significant events or moments in your life that have had a lasting impact on you. These experiences can provide the basis for a compelling narrative, as they often resonate with others who have gone through similar situations.

Another approach is to explore topics that are relevant or timely. Think about current events or social issues that are capturing public attention. By addressing these topics in your narrative essay, you can tap into the existing interest and engage readers who are already invested in the subject matter.

Additionally, consider incorporating elements of surprise or intrigue into your chosen topic. This could involve telling a story with an unexpected twist or focusing on an unusual or lesser-known aspect of a familiar subject. By presenting something unexpected or unique, you can pique your audience’s curiosity and make them eager to discover what happens next.

In summary, selecting a captivating topic is crucial for creating a compelling narrative essay. By choosing a subject that resonates with your audience, drawing from personal experiences, addressing relevant topics, and incorporating elements of surprise, you can capture and hold your readers’ attention, ensuring that they stay engaged throughout your story.

Develop well-rounded characters to drive your narrative

In order to create a captivating story, it is essential to develop well-rounded characters that will drive your narrative forward. These characters should be multi-dimensional and relatable, with their own unique personalities, motivations, and struggles. By doing so, you will not only make your readers more invested in your story, but also add depth and complexity to your narrative.

When developing your characters, it is important to consider their backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. A character’s past experiences can shape their actions and decision-making throughout the story, while their beliefs can provide insight into their values and worldview. By delving into these aspects, you can create characters that feel authentic and true to life.

Furthermore, it is crucial to give your characters goals and motivations that propel them forward in the narrative. These goals can be internal or external, and can range from a desire for love and acceptance to a quest for power or revenge. By giving your characters something to strive for, you create tension and conflict that drives the plot.

In addition to goals and motivations, it is important to give your characters flaws and weaknesses. No one is perfect, and by acknowledging this, you create characters that are more relatable and human. Flaws can also create obstacles and challenges for your characters to overcome, adding depth and complexity to your story.

Lastly, remember to show, rather than tell, your readers about your characters. Instead of explicitly stating their traits and qualities, let their actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters reveal who they are. This will allow your readers to form their own connections with the characters and become more engaged with your narrative.

By taking the time to develop well-rounded characters with unique personalities, motivations, and flaws, you will create a narrative that is not only compelling, but also resonates with your readers on a deeper level. So, dive into the minds and hearts of your characters, and let them drive your story to new heights.

Create a clear and engaging plot with a strong conflict

In order to craft a captivating narrative essay, it is essential to develop a plot that is both coherent and captivating. The plot serves as the foundation of your story, providing the framework that will guide your readers through a series of events and actions. To create an engaging plot, it is crucial to introduce a strong conflict that will propel the story forward and keep your readers hooked from start to finish.

The conflict is the driving force that creates tension and suspense in your narrative. It presents the main obstacle or challenge that your protagonist must overcome, creating a sense of urgency and keeping your readers invested in the outcome. Without a strong conflict, your story may lack direction and fail to hold your readers’ interest.

When developing your plot, consider the various elements that can contribute to a compelling conflict. This could be a clash between characters, a struggle against nature or society, or a battle within oneself. The conflict should be meaningful and have significant stakes for your protagonist, pushing them to make difficult choices and undergo personal growth.

To ensure that your plot remains clear and engaging, it is important to establish a logical progression of events. Each scene and action should contribute to the overall development of the conflict and the resolution of the story. Avoid unnecessary detours or subplots that do not advance the main conflict, as they can distract from the core narrative and confuse your readers.

In addition to a strong conflict, a clear and engaging plot also requires well-developed characters that your readers can root for and relate to. The actions and decisions of your characters should be motivated by their personalities, desires, and beliefs, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. By creating multidimensional characters, you can further enhance the conflict and make it more compelling.

When crafting your plot, consider the pacing and structure of your narrative. Gradually increase the tension and suspense as the conflict intensifies, leading to a climactic moment that resolves the conflict and provides a sense of closure. Use techniques such as foreshadowing, dramatic irony, and plot twists to keep your readers engaged and guessing.

In conclusion, creating a clear and engaging plot with a strong conflict is essential for writing a compelling narrative essay. By introducing a meaningful conflict and developing it throughout the story, you can capture your readers’ attention and keep them invested in the outcome. Remember to establish a logical progression of events, develop well-rounded characters, and consider the pacing and structure of your narrative. With these elements in place, you can create a memorable story that resonates with your readers.

Use vivid and descriptive language to bring your story to life

When it comes to writing a compelling narrative essay, one of the most important elements is the use of vivid and descriptive language. This technique helps to immerse your readers in the story, making it more engaging and memorable. By carefully selecting your words and painting a clear picture with your descriptions, you can bring your story to life and make it resonate with your audience.

Instead of simply stating facts and events, try to use descriptive language that appeals to the senses. For example, instead of saying “It was a sunny day,” you could say “The sun bathed the landscape in a warm golden glow, casting long shadows across the grass.” Using words that evoke specific sensations and feelings can help your readers to not only see the scene but also experience it.

In addition to appealing to the senses, you can also use vivid language to create a strong emotional connection with your readers. By choosing words that carry a particular emotional weight, you can elicit a specific response from your audience. For instance, instead of saying “She was sad,” you could say “Her heart ached with a deep sense of loss, tears streaming down her face.” By using descriptive language to convey emotions, you can make your readers feel the same way your characters do, creating a more powerful and immersive reading experience.

Another effective technique is to use literary devices such as similes and metaphors to add depth and richness to your narrative. By comparing seemingly unrelated things, you can make your descriptions more vivid and memorable. For example, instead of saying “The waves were big,” you could say “The waves crashed against the shore like giants, their fury and power shaking the very foundations of the earth.” By using similes and metaphors, you can create vivid and imaginative descriptions that transport your readers into the world of your story.

Finally, don’t be afraid to use strong and colorful language to convey the tone and atmosphere of your narrative. Whether your story is light-hearted and humorous or dark and suspenseful, your choice of words can greatly impact the overall feel of the story. By carefully selecting descriptive adjectives and powerful verbs, you can set the mood and create an immersive reading experience that leaves a lasting impression.

In conclusion, using vivid and descriptive language is essential when writing a compelling narrative essay. By appealing to the senses, evoking emotions, using literary devices, and setting the tone, you can bring your story to life and captivate your readers. So, don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity and use language that paints a vibrant and memorable picture in the minds of your audience.

Incorporate sensory details to immerse your readers in the story

When crafting a compelling narrative essay, it’s important to engage your readers on a sensory level. By incorporating sensory details, you can create a vivid experience that immerses your readers in the story. Through the use of descriptive language and vivid imagery, you can evoke the senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to bring your story to life.

One way to engage your readers’ senses is by utilizing descriptive language to paint a visual picture. Instead of simply telling your readers what is happening, show them through descriptive details. For example, instead of saying “the sun was shining,” you could say “the golden rays of the sun illuminated the tranquil meadow, casting a warm glow on the vibrant wildflowers.” By using descriptive language, you can transport your readers to the setting of your story and engage their sense of sight.

In addition to engaging the sense of sight, you can also incorporate sensory details to appeal to your readers’ sense of sound. This can be achieved through the use of onomatopoeia, dialogue, and descriptive language. For example, instead of saying “the dog barked,” you could say “the dog’s sharp, piercing bark reverberated through the quiet neighborhood, causing heads to turn and hearts to race.” By incorporating sensory details related to sound, you can make your readers feel as if they are truly experiencing the events of your story.

Another way to immerse your readers in the story is by appealing to their sense of smell and taste. Incorporate descriptive language that allows your readers to imagine the scents and flavors of the narrative. For example, instead of saying “the food smelled delicious,” you could say “the aroma of the sizzling garlic and onions wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.” By incorporating sensory details related to smell and taste, you can make your readers feel as if they are present in the scene and experiencing it firsthand.

Lastly, don’t forget to engage your readers’ sense of touch. By describing the textures and physical sensations experienced by the characters or narrator, you can create a more immersive reading experience. For example, instead of saying “it was hot outside,” you could say “the scorching sun beat down on my skin, causing beads of sweat to form and trickle down my forehead.” By incorporating sensory details related to touch, you can make your readers feel as if they are physically present in the story.

Incorporating sensory details into your narrative essays is essential for creating a compelling and immersive reading experience. By engaging your readers’ senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, you can transport them to the world of your story and make them feel as if they are living it alongside your characters. So, don’t be afraid to use descriptive language and vivid imagery to captivate your readers’ imaginations and immerse them in your narrative.

Pace your narrative effectively to maintain suspense and interest

Mastering the art of pacing is crucial in creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. By controlling the rhythm and tempo of your story, you can effectively maintain suspense and interest, making your readers eager to find out what happens next.

One way to achieve this is by varying the length and complexity of your sentences and paragraphs. Short, concise sentences can create a sense of urgency, while longer, more descriptive ones can slow down the pace and build anticipation. By using a combination of both, you can create a dynamic flow that engages your readers and keeps them guessing.

Another technique to consider is the strategic placement of cliffhangers and plot twists. These unexpected moments can interrupt the flow of the narrative and leave readers wanting more. Whether it’s a shocking revelation or a sudden change in direction, these moments of suspense can captivate your audience and propel them forward in the story.

Additionally, carefully timing the reveal of key information can help maintain suspense and interest. By strategically withholding important details until the opportune moment, you can create a sense of curiosity and anticipation in your readers. This can be achieved through foreshadowing, hinting at future events, or by gradually unveiling the truth behind a mystery.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of well-placed pauses and moments of reflection. By allowing your characters – and your readers – to take a breath and reflect on what has just happened, you can create tension and build anticipation for what’s to come. These moments can also provide the opportunity for emotional connection and deeper character development.

In conclusion, pacing your narrative effectively is essential in maintaining suspense and interest throughout your story. By utilizing a combination of sentence and paragraph length variations, strategic cliffhangers, well-timed reveals, and moments of reflection, you can create a captivating and engaging narrative that keeps your readers eagerly turning the pages.

Pay attention to the overall structure and organization of your essay

Ensuring that your narrative essay has a clear and well-organized structure is essential in captivating your readers and keeping them engaged throughout your story. The overall organization and flow of your essay play a crucial role in conveying your message effectively.

When crafting your narrative essay, it is vital to consider the structure that best suits your story. You can choose from various structures, such as a chronological order, a reflective approach, or even a non-linear format. Whatever structure you decide on, make sure it aligns with the theme and tone of your narrative.

Before diving into the writing process, take some time to outline the main events and key points you want to cover in your essay. This will help you establish a logical flow and prevent your story from becoming disjointed or confusing for the reader.

Organization:

Effective organization involves arranging your ideas and events in a coherent manner. Start your essay with a compelling and attention-grabbing introduction that sets the scene and introduces the main characters or your central thesis. From there, progress through your story by presenting the events in a logical sequence.

Transition smoothly between each paragraph or section to maintain the flow of your essay. Use transitional phrases or words, such as “next,” “meanwhile,” or “afterward,” to guide your readers through the narrative. This will help them understand the chronology of the events and prevent any confusion.

It is also important to give your readers a break from the main plot by incorporating descriptive details, character development, and dialogue. These elements add depth to your story and engage the readers on a more emotional level.

In conclusion, paying close attention to the overall structure and organization of your essay is vital to creating a compelling narrative. By choosing a suitable structure and organizing your ideas effectively, you can guide your readers through your story in a captivating and engaging manner.

Related Post

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

3 Great Narrative Essay Examples + Tips for Writing

General Education

A narrative essay is one of the most intimidating assignments you can be handed at any level of your education. Where you've previously written argumentative essays that make a point or analytic essays that dissect meaning, a narrative essay asks you to write what is effectively a story .

But unlike a simple work of creative fiction, your narrative essay must have a clear and concrete motif —a recurring theme or idea that you’ll explore throughout. Narrative essays are less rigid, more creative in expression, and therefore pretty different from most other essays you’ll be writing.

But not to fear—in this article, we’ll be covering what a narrative essay is, how to write a good one, and also analyzing some personal narrative essay examples to show you what a great one looks like.

What Is a Narrative Essay?

At first glance, a narrative essay might sound like you’re just writing a story. Like the stories you're used to reading, a narrative essay is generally (but not always) chronological, following a clear throughline from beginning to end. Even if the story jumps around in time, all the details will come back to one specific theme, demonstrated through your choice in motifs.

Unlike many creative stories, however, your narrative essay should be based in fact. That doesn’t mean that every detail needs to be pure and untainted by imagination, but rather that you shouldn’t wholly invent the events of your narrative essay. There’s nothing wrong with inventing a person’s words if you can’t remember them exactly, but you shouldn’t say they said something they weren’t even close to saying.

Another big difference between narrative essays and creative fiction—as well as other kinds of essays—is that narrative essays are based on motifs. A motif is a dominant idea or theme, one that you establish before writing the essay. As you’re crafting the narrative, it’ll feed back into your motif to create a comprehensive picture of whatever that motif is.

For example, say you want to write a narrative essay about how your first day in high school helped you establish your identity. You might discuss events like trying to figure out where to sit in the cafeteria, having to describe yourself in five words as an icebreaker in your math class, or being unsure what to do during your lunch break because it’s no longer acceptable to go outside and play during lunch. All of those ideas feed back into the central motif of establishing your identity.

The important thing to remember is that while a narrative essay is typically told chronologically and intended to read like a story, it is not purely for entertainment value. A narrative essay delivers its theme by deliberately weaving the motifs through the events, scenes, and details. While a narrative essay may be entertaining, its primary purpose is to tell a complete story based on a central meaning.

Unlike other essay forms, it is totally okay—even expected—to use first-person narration in narrative essays. If you’re writing a story about yourself, it’s natural to refer to yourself within the essay. It’s also okay to use other perspectives, such as third- or even second-person, but that should only be done if it better serves your motif. Generally speaking, your narrative essay should be in first-person perspective.

Though your motif choices may feel at times like you’re making a point the way you would in an argumentative essay, a narrative essay’s goal is to tell a story, not convince the reader of anything. Your reader should be able to tell what your motif is from reading, but you don’t have to change their mind about anything. If they don’t understand the point you are making, you should consider strengthening the delivery of the events and descriptions that support your motif.

Narrative essays also share some features with analytical essays, in which you derive meaning from a book, film, or other media. But narrative essays work differently—you’re not trying to draw meaning from an existing text, but rather using an event you’ve experienced to convey meaning. In an analytical essay, you examine narrative, whereas in a narrative essay you create narrative.

The structure of a narrative essay is also a bit different than other essays. You’ll generally be getting your point across chronologically as opposed to grouping together specific arguments in paragraphs or sections. To return to the example of an essay discussing your first day of high school and how it impacted the shaping of your identity, it would be weird to put the events out of order, even if not knowing what to do after lunch feels like a stronger idea than choosing where to sit. Instead of organizing to deliver your information based on maximum impact, you’ll be telling your story as it happened, using concrete details to reinforce your theme.

3 Great Narrative Essay Examples

One of the best ways to learn how to write a narrative essay is to look at a great narrative essay sample. Let’s take a look at some truly stellar narrative essay examples and dive into what exactly makes them work so well.

A Ticket to the Fair by David Foster Wallace

Today is Press Day at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and I’m supposed to be at the fairgrounds by 9:00 A.M. to get my credentials. I imagine credentials to be a small white card in the band of a fedora. I’ve never been considered press before. My real interest in credentials is getting into rides and shows for free. I’m fresh in from the East Coast, for an East Coast magazine. Why exactly they’re interested in the Illinois State Fair remains unclear to me. I suspect that every so often editors at East Coast magazines slap their foreheads and remember that about 90 percent of the United States lies between the coasts, and figure they’ll engage somebody to do pith-helmeted anthropological reporting on something rural and heartlandish. I think they asked me to do this because I grew up here, just a couple hours’ drive from downstate Springfield. I never did go to the state fair, though—I pretty much topped out at the county fair level. Actually, I haven’t been back to Illinois for a long time, and I can’t say I’ve missed it.

Throughout this essay, David Foster Wallace recounts his experience as press at the Illinois State Fair. But it’s clear from this opening that he’s not just reporting on the events exactly as they happened—though that’s also true— but rather making a point about how the East Coast, where he lives and works, thinks about the Midwest.

In his opening paragraph, Wallace states that outright: “Why exactly they’re interested in the Illinois State Fair remains unclear to me. I suspect that every so often editors at East Coast magazines slap their foreheads and remember that about 90 percent of the United States lies between the coasts, and figure they’ll engage somebody to do pith-helmeted anthropological reporting on something rural and heartlandish.”

Not every motif needs to be stated this clearly , but in an essay as long as Wallace’s, particularly since the audience for such a piece may feel similarly and forget that such a large portion of the country exists, it’s important to make that point clear.

But Wallace doesn’t just rest on introducing his motif and telling the events exactly as they occurred from there. It’s clear that he selects events that remind us of that idea of East Coast cynicism , such as when he realizes that the Help Me Grow tent is standing on top of fake grass that is killing the real grass beneath, when he realizes the hypocrisy of craving a corn dog when faced with a real, suffering pig, when he’s upset for his friend even though he’s not the one being sexually harassed, and when he witnesses another East Coast person doing something he wouldn’t dare to do.

Wallace is literally telling the audience exactly what happened, complete with dates and timestamps for when each event occurred. But he’s also choosing those events with a purpose—he doesn’t focus on details that don’t serve his motif. That’s why he discusses the experiences of people, how the smells are unappealing to him, and how all the people he meets, in cowboy hats, overalls, or “black spandex that looks like cheesecake leotards,” feel almost alien to him.

All of these details feed back into the throughline of East Coast thinking that Wallace introduces in the first paragraph. He also refers back to it in the essay’s final paragraph, stating:

At last, an overarching theory blooms inside my head: megalopolitan East Coasters’ summer treats and breaks and literally ‘getaways,’ flights-from—from crowds, noise, heat, dirt, the stress of too many sensory choices….The East Coast existential treat is escape from confines and stimuli—quiet, rustic vistas that hold still, turn inward, turn away. Not so in the rural Midwest. Here you’re pretty much away all the time….Something in a Midwesterner sort of actuates , deep down, at a public event….The real spectacle that draws us here is us.

Throughout this journey, Wallace has tried to demonstrate how the East Coast thinks about the Midwest, ultimately concluding that they are captivated by the Midwest’s less stimuli-filled life, but that the real reason they are interested in events like the Illinois State Fair is that they are, in some ways, a means of looking at the East Coast in a new, estranging way.

The reason this works so well is that Wallace has carefully chosen his examples, outlined his motif and themes in the first paragraph, and eventually circled back to the original motif with a clearer understanding of his original point.

When outlining your own narrative essay, try to do the same. Start with a theme, build upon it with examples, and return to it in the end with an even deeper understanding of the original issue. You don’t need this much space to explore a theme, either—as we’ll see in the next example, a strong narrative essay can also be very short.

Death of a Moth by Virginia Woolf

After a time, tired by his dancing apparently, he settled on the window ledge in the sun, and, the queer spectacle being at an end, I forgot about him. Then, looking up, my eye was caught by him. He was trying to resume his dancing, but seemed either so stiff or so awkward that he could only flutter to the bottom of the window-pane; and when he tried to fly across it he failed. Being intent on other matters I watched these futile attempts for a time without thinking, unconsciously waiting for him to resume his flight, as one waits for a machine, that has stopped momentarily, to start again without considering the reason of its failure. After perhaps a seventh attempt he slipped from the wooden ledge and fell, fluttering his wings, on to his back on the window sill. The helplessness of his attitude roused me. It flashed upon me that he was in difficulties; he could no longer raise himself; his legs struggled vainly. But, as I stretched out a pencil, meaning to help him to right himself, it came over me that the failure and awkwardness were the approach of death. I laid the pencil down again.

In this essay, Virginia Woolf explains her encounter with a dying moth. On surface level, this essay is just a recounting of an afternoon in which she watched a moth die—it’s even established in the title. But there’s more to it than that. Though Woolf does not begin her essay with as clear a motif as Wallace, it’s not hard to pick out the evidence she uses to support her point, which is that the experience of this moth is also the human experience.

In the title, Woolf tells us this essay is about death. But in the first paragraph, she seems to mostly be discussing life—the moth is “content with life,” people are working in the fields, and birds are flying. However, she mentions that it is mid-September and that the fields were being plowed. It’s autumn and it’s time for the harvest; the time of year in which many things die.

In this short essay, she chronicles the experience of watching a moth seemingly embody life, then die. Though this essay is literally about a moth, it’s also about a whole lot more than that. After all, moths aren’t the only things that die—Woolf is also reflecting on her own mortality, as well as the mortality of everything around her.

At its core, the essay discusses the push and pull of life and death, not in a way that’s necessarily sad, but in a way that is accepting of both. Woolf begins by setting up the transitional fall season, often associated with things coming to an end, and raises the ideas of pleasure, vitality, and pity.

At one point, Woolf tries to help the dying moth, but reconsiders, as it would interfere with the natural order of the world. The moth’s death is part of the natural order of the world, just like fall, just like her own eventual death.

All these themes are set up in the beginning and explored throughout the essay’s narrative. Though Woolf doesn’t directly state her theme, she reinforces it by choosing a small, isolated event—watching a moth die—and illustrating her point through details.

With this essay, we can see that you don’t need a big, weird, exciting event to discuss an important meaning. Woolf is able to explore complicated ideas in a short essay by being deliberate about what details she includes, just as you can be in your own essays.

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

On the twenty-ninth of July, in 1943, my father died. On the same day, a few hours later, his last child was born. Over a month before this, while all our energies were concentrated in waiting for these events, there had been, in Detroit, one of the bloodiest race riots of the century. A few hours after my father’s funeral, while he lay in state in the undertaker’s chapel, a race riot broke out in Harlem. On the morning of the third of August, we drove my father to the graveyard through a wilderness of smashed plate glass.

Like Woolf, Baldwin does not lay out his themes in concrete terms—unlike Wallace, there’s no clear sentence that explains what he’ll be talking about. However, you can see the motifs quite clearly: death, fatherhood, struggle, and race.

Throughout the narrative essay, Baldwin discusses the circumstances of his father’s death, including his complicated relationship with his father. By introducing those motifs in the first paragraph, the reader understands that everything discussed in the essay will come back to those core ideas. When Baldwin talks about his experience with a white teacher taking an interest in him and his father’s resistance to that, he is also talking about race and his father’s death. When he talks about his father’s death, he is also talking about his views on race. When he talks about his encounters with segregation and racism, he is talking, in part, about his father.

Because his father was a hard, uncompromising man, Baldwin struggles to reconcile the knowledge that his father was right about many things with his desire to not let that hardness consume him, as well.

Baldwin doesn’t explicitly state any of this, but his writing so often touches on the same motifs that it becomes clear he wants us to think about all these ideas in conversation with one another.

At the end of the essay, Baldwin makes it more clear:

This fight begins, however, in the heart and it had now been laid to my charge to keep my own heart free of hatred and despair. This intimation made my heart heavy and, now that my father was irrecoverable, I wished that he had been beside me so that I could have searched his face for the answers which only the future would give me now.

Here, Baldwin ties together the themes and motifs into one clear statement: that he must continue to fight and recognize injustice, especially racial injustice, just as his father did. But unlike his father, he must do it beginning with himself—he must not let himself be closed off to the world as his father was. And yet, he still wishes he had his father for guidance, even as he establishes that he hopes to be a different man than his father.

In this essay, Baldwin loads the front of the essay with his motifs, and, through his narrative, weaves them together into a theme. In the end, he comes to a conclusion that connects all of those things together and leaves the reader with a lasting impression of completion—though the elements may have been initially disparate, in the end everything makes sense.

You can replicate this tactic of introducing seemingly unattached ideas and weaving them together in your own essays. By introducing those motifs, developing them throughout, and bringing them together in the end, you can demonstrate to your reader how all of them are related. However, it’s especially important to be sure that your motifs and clear and consistent throughout your essay so that the conclusion feels earned and consistent—if not, readers may feel mislead.

5 Key Tips for Writing Narrative Essays

Narrative essays can be a lot of fun to write since they’re so heavily based on creativity. But that can also feel intimidating—sometimes it’s easier to have strict guidelines than to have to make it all up yourself. Here are a few tips to keep your narrative essay feeling strong and fresh.

Develop Strong Motifs

Motifs are the foundation of a narrative essay . What are you trying to say? How can you say that using specific symbols or events? Those are your motifs.

In the same way that an argumentative essay’s body should support its thesis, the body of your narrative essay should include motifs that support your theme.

Try to avoid cliches, as these will feel tired to your readers. Instead of roses to symbolize love, try succulents. Instead of the ocean representing some vast, unknowable truth, try the depths of your brother’s bedroom. Keep your language and motifs fresh and your essay will be even stronger!

Use First-Person Perspective

In many essays, you’re expected to remove yourself so that your points stand on their own. Not so in a narrative essay—in this case, you want to make use of your own perspective.

Sometimes a different perspective can make your point even stronger. If you want someone to identify with your point of view, it may be tempting to choose a second-person perspective. However, be sure you really understand the function of second-person; it’s very easy to put a reader off if the narration isn’t expertly deployed.

If you want a little bit of distance, third-person perspective may be okay. But be careful—too much distance and your reader may feel like the narrative lacks truth.

That’s why first-person perspective is the standard. It keeps you, the writer, close to the narrative, reminding the reader that it really happened. And because you really know what happened and how, you’re free to inject your own opinion into the story without it detracting from your point, as it would in a different type of essay.

Stick to the Truth

Your essay should be true. However, this is a creative essay, and it’s okay to embellish a little. Rarely in life do we experience anything with a clear, concrete meaning the way somebody in a book might. If you flub the details a little, it’s okay—just don’t make them up entirely.

Also, nobody expects you to perfectly recall details that may have happened years ago. You may have to reconstruct dialog from your memory and your imagination. That’s okay, again, as long as you aren’t making it up entirely and assigning made-up statements to somebody.

Dialog is a powerful tool. A good conversation can add flavor and interest to a story, as we saw demonstrated in David Foster Wallace’s essay. As previously mentioned, it’s okay to flub it a little, especially because you’re likely writing about an experience you had without knowing that you’d be writing about it later.

However, don’t rely too much on it. Your narrative essay shouldn’t be told through people explaining things to one another; the motif comes through in the details. Dialog can be one of those details, but it shouldn’t be the only one.

Use Sensory Descriptions

Because a narrative essay is a story, you can use sensory details to make your writing more interesting. If you’re describing a particular experience, you can go into detail about things like taste, smell, and hearing in a way that you probably wouldn’t do in any other essay style.

These details can tie into your overall motifs and further your point. Woolf describes in great detail what she sees while watching the moth, giving us the sense that we, too, are watching the moth. In Wallace’s essay, he discusses the sights, sounds, and smells of the Illinois State Fair to help emphasize his point about its strangeness. And in Baldwin’s essay, he describes shattered glass as a “wilderness,” and uses the feelings of his body to describe his mental state.

All these descriptions anchor us not only in the story, but in the motifs and themes as well. One of the tools of a writer is making the reader feel as you felt, and sensory details help you achieve that.

What’s Next?

Looking to brush up on your essay-writing capabilities before the ACT? This guide to ACT English will walk you through some of the best strategies and practice questions to get you prepared!

Part of practicing for the ACT is ensuring your word choice and diction are on point. Check out this guide to some of the most common errors on the ACT English section to be sure that you're not making these common mistakes!

A solid understanding of English principles will help you make an effective point in a narrative essay, and you can get that understanding through taking a rigorous assortment of high school English classes !

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

How to Master Writing a Compelling Personal Narrative

by Suzanne Davis | Jun 18, 2020 | Writing Essays and Papers | 2 comments

I dreaded writing personal narrative essays.

I cringed when teachers assigned a personal narrative essay. I couldn’t think of an interesting story about myself. And even if I chose a fascinating personal narrative story, I struggled with how to write about it. But when I was in college that changed because I realized writing a personal narrative essay isn’t like writing any other kind of essay. No, it’s writing a story that reveals some piece of myself. 

And I love stories.  A personal narrative is a story about you. It’s the same as any other story: it has a beginning, middle, and end.  The difference is that it’s from your life. Through that story, you show your reader something that is unique to you. 

It can be a story that conveys your humor, your sensitivity, what scares you, excites you, angers you, or makes you sad.  A personal narrative essay lets other people connect with you.   There are 3 key things you need to know about writing a personal narrative essay:

• How to choose a good personal narrative essay topic.
• How to develop your personal narrative essay ideas.
• How to write a compelling personal narrative essay.

Choosing a Personal Narrative Topic 

There are 2 steps to choosing a good personal narrative essay topic.  The first is brainstorming stories from your life, and the second is evaluating the stories you list. Brainstorming:  Choose a place where you can focus. Then answer these questions :

• What are some significant stories from your life?
• When did you face a challenge or obstacle in your life?
• What are some funny things that happened to you or funny things you did?
• What stories are your most important memories?
• What are some sad events and what are some happy events from your life?

List as many ideas as you can for each of these questions. Don’t stop and erase any of your ideas. You want as many as choices as possible. Another way to discover a personal narrative essay topic is to select a writing prompt for personal narrative essays.  Search online for personal narrative essay prompts.  You’ll find great personal narrative writing prompts in my blog post, “11 Excellent Personal Narrative Essay Writing Prompts for College Students.”  https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/11-excellent-personal-narrative-writing-prompts-for-college-students/ I’ve included 8 personal narrative writing prompts in the infographic here:

Evaluating a personal narrative topic:  Now that you have several ideas, decide which stories are most interesting to you. If your story bores you, it will be hard to write a story that grabs your reader’s attention. Once you’ve narrowed your list, follow these steps to analyze your stories:

• Check to see if there is a beginning, middle, and end to each story. Does the middle of your story have one important moment or event in the story?  This important moment is called the climax of a story. Which narrative essay topics have a climax?
• Go over your list and look for stories you remember well. What stories can you describe in detail?
• Consider whether a story is one you want to share with other people. If it makes you uncomfortable to have other people know about this event then select another personal narrative essay topic.
• Analyze your personal narrative essay ideas again and choose a story you really want to write about and share with other people.

Developing a Personal Narrative Essay: Planning vs. Pantsing

There are 2 ways to develop your personal narrative: 1) plan your story or 2) write your story by the “seat of your pants.” Planning is where you figure out the things you want to include in your essay, and where you will include these things before writing. Pantsing or “writing by the seat of your pants” is where you take a personal narrative essay topic and start writing about it from beginning to end.  You don’t think about the things you want to include ahead of time. Both planning and pantsing work for developing a personal narrative essay.  It’s just a matter of which you like better.

Planning Your Personal Narrative

Planning a personal narrative essay is like planning any other kind of story.  You plan a beginning, a middle, and an end.  But for a personal narrative essay, you also include what you learned or realized because of this story. List the order in which things occurred.  You can do this in a simple list or you could create a story outline.

• First, how did the story start? Here you want to include the setting of where your story began. Describe the first thing that happened.
• Second, list the things that happened next. These things lead up to your climax.  The climax is the most important part of your story.
• Third, how does the story end? The ending of your story is the resolution.  A resolution in a personal narrative lets your reader know the result of everything that happened.
• Add any important realization or thing you learned from the experience.

Pantsing a Personal Narrative Essay

You’ll hear many writers talk about “pantsing” or writing by the “seat of their pants.”  They mean that they don’t plan what they will write before they start writing.  This method works well for some people writing personal narrative essays.

If you are pantsing a personal narrative essay, write down your topic.  Select a starting point for your story. Then write your story from beginning to end. When you finish writing, go back and see if you have all the pieces of your story from beginning to end.

• Where did you begin your story? What is the setting for your story (time and place)?  What is the first thing that happened?
• What events happen that lead up to the most important moment of your story?
• What is the climax of your story?
• How does your story end?
• What did you learn or realize?

Go back and add any missing pieces to your essay.

Writing a Personal Narrative 

The key to writing a fascinating and powerful personal narrative is how you help a reader experience the story. A good personal narrative essay shows what happened and how you felt.  It doesn’t tell what happened like a report of events. It follows the writing mantra of “show: don’t tell.” It has a lot of vivid description, emotion, and other elements that re-create your story. Here are things you can include your personal narrative:

Vivid Description:   As you write your story try to add the five senses to your story. What did you see?  What did you hear? What did you taste? What did you smell? What did you touch? Not every story has all five senses. That’s fine. Focus on describing the setting, characters, and actions in your story.  Use the senses that are most relevant to your story.  

Zoom in on important moments: There are pieces of your story that are more significant or interesting than other elements of your story.  Select a few important moments in your story and add more detail and description to those parts. It’s like taking a photo of birds. You can capture the whole picture of the birds, but if you want to feature a bluebird, or cardinal or another type of bird, you would zoom in on that bird.  You would see up close the colors of the feathers on its wings, the size of the bird’s feet, and how it is flying in the skying. You can do the same with your story. Zooming will draw the reader into important moments.

Emotion:  In a personal narrative essay, readers want to feel a connection to what you felt. If you were nervous or scared in the story then describe that. Describe how you felt at different times during your story.

Dialogue:  Can you add dialogue between yourself and another person? Some stories only have one person, so it may not be possible to add dialogue.  But character dialogue can add excitement.  If you add dialogue choose important things people said.  Be careful not to have too much dialogue in your personal narrative essay. Your readers want to see other kinds of action too.

In medias res:  In medias res is a Latin phrase that means “in the midst of things” Encyclopedia Britannica  https://www.britannica.com/art/in-medias-res-literature. In medias res is a technique where the writer begins his/her narrative at a point of action or a crucial moment in the story.  Then the narrative “flashes back” to the beginning of the story.  This writing strategy immerses readers in a story. It’s a way to make readers feel what you felt at that moment.  In medias res , is a wonderful technique to use in personal narratives. Test it out and see if it suits your personal narrative essay.

Enjoy Writing a Personal Narrative

When you write a personal narrative focus on making it a sensory experience.  You don’t need to use sophisticated language or writing techniques.  You just need to write your story well. Writing a personal narrative can be fun, exciting, and/or deeply moving.  Don’t panic or fear writing a personal narrative because you have many stories within you.  Stories that are great to share, and stories people will love to read.  And you are the best person to write your own stories.  Personal narrative essays are one of the most creative things you can write, so enjoy the process, and craft your own story. Try these tips as you write your next personal narrative.  And if this post helped you, please pin it to Pinterest or share it on your favorite social media!   Photo by  Sergey Zolkin  on  Unsplash

[…] story.  Check out the post “How to Master Writing a Compelling Personal Narrative Essay” https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/writing-a-personal-narrative/  to see how to use the show don’t tell approach in writing personal […]

Narrative writting and other acamedic writting is most needed. Speaking can find any where but English writting lessons and teachers teach it is very rare.

Hello Mubarik, yes narrative writing and academic writing are important. I am glad I can help you.

Tutorpreneur Hero Award

http://becomeanonlinetutor.com/tutorpreneur-hero/

SSL Certificate Seal

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Privacy Overview

• Scriptwriting

How to Write a Narrative Essay — A Step-by-Step Guide

N arrative essays are important papers most students have to write. But how does one write a narrative essay? Fear not, we’re going to show you how to write a narrative essay by breaking down a variety of narrative writing strategies. By the end, you’ll know why narrative essays are so important – and how to write your own.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step

Background on narrative essays.

Narrative essays are important assignments in many writing classes – but what is a narrative essay? A narrative essay is a prose-written story that’s focused on the commentary of a central theme .

Narrative essays are generally written in the first-person POV , and are usually about a topic that’s personal to the writer.

Everything in a narrative essay should take place in an established timeline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. 

In simplest terms, a narrative essay is a personal story. A narrative essay can be written in response to a prompt or as an independent exercise.

We’re going to get to tips and tricks on how to write a narrative essay in a bit, but first let’s check out a video on “story.” 

How to Start a Narrative Essay  •  What is a Story? by Mr. Kresphus

In some regards, any story can be regarded as a personal story, but for the sake of this article, we’re going to focus on prose-written stories told in the first-person POV.

How to Start a Narrative Essay

Responding to prompts.

Many people wonder about how to start a narrative essay. Well, if you’re writing a narrative essay in response to a prompt, then chances are the person issuing the prompt is looking for a specific answer.

For example: if the prompt states “recount a time you encountered a challenge,” then chances are the person issuing the prompt wants to hear about how you overcame a challenge or learned from it.

That isn’t to say you have to respond to the prompt in one way; “overcoming” or “learning” from a challenge can be constituted in a variety of ways.

For example, you could structure your essay around overcoming a physical challenge, like an injury or disability. Or you could structure your essay around learning from failure, such as losing at a sport or performing poorly on an important exam.

Whatever it is, you must show that the challenge forced you to grow. 

Maturation is an important process – and an essential aspect of narrative essays... of course, there are exceptions to the rule; lack of maturation is a prescient theme in narrative essays too; although that’s mostly reserved for experienced essay writers.

So, let’s take a look at how you might respond to a series of narrative essay prompts:

How successful are you?

This prompt begs the writer to impart humility without throwing a pity party. I would respond to this prompt by demonstrating pride in what I do while offering modesty. For example: “I have achieved success in what I set out to do – but I still have a long way to go to achieve my long-term goals.”

Who is your role model?

“My role model is [Blank] because ” is how you should start this narrative essay. The “because” is the crux of your essay. For example, I’d say “Bill Russell is my role model because he demonstrated graceful resolve in the face of bigotry and discrimination. 

Do you consider yourself spiritual?

For this prompt, you should explain how you came to the conclusion of whether or not you consider yourself a spiritual person. Of course, prompt-givers will differ on how much they want you to freely express. For example: if the prompt-giver is an employee at an evangelizing organization, then they probably want to see that you’re willing to propagate the church’s agenda. Alternatively, if the prompt-giver is non-denominational, they probably want to see that you’re accepting of people from various spiritual backgrounds.

How to Write Narrative Essay

What makes a good narrative essay.

You don’t have to respond to a prompt to write a narrative essay. So, how do you write a narrative essay without a prompt? Well, that’s the thing… you can write a narrative essay about anything!

That’s a bit of a blessing and a curse though – on one hand it’s liberating to choose any topic you want; on the other, it’s difficult to narrow down a good story from an infinite breadth of possibilities.

In this next video, the team at Essay Pro explores why passion is the number one motivator for effective narrative essays.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step  •  Real Essay Examples by Essay Pro

So, before you write anything, ask yourself: “what am I passionate about?” Movies? Sports? Books? Games? Baking? Volunteering? Whatever it is, make sure that it’s something that demonstrates your individual growth . It doesn’t have to be anything major; take a video game for example: you could write a narrative essay about searching for a rare weapon with friends.

Success or failure, you’ll be able to demonstrate growth.

Here’s something to consider: writing a narrative essay around intertextuality. What is intertextuality ? Intertextuality is the relationship between texts, i.e., books, movies, plays, songs, games, etc. In other words, it’s anytime one text is referenced in another text.

For example, you could write a narrative essay about your favorite movie! Just make sure that it ultimately reflects back on yourself. 

Narrative Writing Format

Structure of a narrative essay.

Narrative essays differ in length and structure – but there are some universal basics. The first paragraph of a narrative essay should always introduce the central theme. For example, if the narrative essay is about “a fond childhood memory,” then the first paragraph should briefly comment on the nature of the fond childhood memory.

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.

The body paragraphs should make up the vast majority of the narrative essay. In the body paragraphs, the writer should essentially “build the story’s case.” What do I mean by “build the story’s case?”

Well, I mean that the writer should display the story’s merit; what it means, why it matters, and how it proves (or refutes) personal growth.

The narrative essay should always conclude with a dedicated paragraph. In the “conclusion paragraph,” the writer should reflect on the story.

Pro tip: conclusion paragraphs usually work best when the writer stays within the diegesis. 

What is a Video Essay?

A video essay is a natural extension of a narrative essay; differentiated only by purpose and medium. In our next article, we’ll explain what a video essay is, and why it’s so important to media criticism. By the end, you’ll know where to look for video essay inspiration.

Up Next: The Art of Video Analysis →

Write and produce your scripts all in one place..

Write and collaborate on your scripts FREE . Create script breakdowns, sides, schedules, storyboards, call sheets and more.

• Pricing & Plans
• Product Updates
• Featured On
• StudioBinder Partners
• Ultimate Guide to Call Sheets
• How to Break Down a Script (with FREE Script Breakdown Sheet)
• The Only Shot List Template You Need — with Free Download
• Managing Your Film Budget Cashflow & PO Log (Free Template)
• A Better Film Crew List Template Booking Sheet
• Best Storyboard Softwares (with free Storyboard Templates)
• Movie Magic Scheduling
• Gorilla Software
• Storyboard That

A visual medium requires visual methods. Master the art of visual storytelling with our FREE video series on directing and filmmaking techniques.

We’re in a golden age of TV writing and development. More and more people are flocking to the small screen to find daily entertainment. So how can you break put from the pack and get your idea onto the small screen? We’re here to help.

• Making It: From Pre-Production to Screen
• What is Method Acting — 3 Different Types Explained
• How to Make a Mood Board — A Step-by-Step Guide
• What is a Mood Board — Definition, Examples & How They Work
• How to Make a Better Shooting Schedule with a Stripboard
• Ultimate Guide to Sound Recording: Audio Gear and Techniques
• 2 Pinterest

• TEFL Internship
• TEFL Masters
• Find a TEFL Course
• Special Offers
• Course Providers
• Teach English Abroad
• Find a TEFL Job
• About DoTEFL
• Our Mission
• How DoTEFL Works

Forgotten Password

• How To Write a Narrative Essay: Guide With Examples
• Learn English
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated December 12, 2023

Welcome to the creative world of narrative essays where you get to become the storyteller and craft your own narrative. In this article, we’ll break down how to write a narrative essay, covering the essential elements and techniques that you need to know.

Table of Contents

What is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay is a form of writing where the author recounts a personal experience or story. Unlike other types of essays, a narrative essay allows you to share a real-life event or sequence of events, often drawing from personal insights and emotions.

In a narrative essay, you take on the role of a storyteller, employing vivid details and descriptive language to transport the reader into the world of your story. The narrative often unfolds in chronological order, guiding the audience through a journey of experiences, reflections, and sometimes, a lesson learned.

The success of a narrative essay lies in your ability to create a compelling narrative arc. This means establishing a clear beginning, middle, and end. This structure helps build suspense, maintain the reader’s interest, and deliver a cohesive and impactful story. Ultimately, a well-crafted narrative essay not only narrates an event but also communicates the deeper meaning or significance behind the experience, making it a powerful and memorable piece of writing and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Types of Narrative Essays

Narrative essays come in various forms, each with unique characteristics. The most common type of narrative essay are personal narrative essays where you write about a personal experience. This can cover a whole range of topics as these examples of personal narrative essays illustrate. As a student in school or college, you’ll often be asked to write these types of essays. You may also need to write them later in life when applying for jobs and describing your past experiences.

However, this isn’t the only type of narrative essay. There are also fictional narrative essays that you can write using your imagination, and various subject specific narrative essays that you might have come across without even realizing it.

So, it’s worth knowing about the different types of narrative essays and what they each focus on before we move on to how to write them.

Here are some common types of narrative essays:

• Focus on a personal experience or event from the author’s life.
• Use the first-person perspective to convey the writer’s emotions and reflections.
• Can take many forms, from science fiction and fantasy to adventure and romance.
• Spark the imagination to create captivating stories.
• Provide a detailed account of the author’s life, often covering a significant timespan.
• Explore key life events, achievements, challenges, and personal growth.
• Reflect on the writer’s experiences with language, reading, or writing.
• Explore how these experiences have shaped the writer’s identity and skills
• Document the author’s experiences and insights gained from a journey or travel.
• Describe places visited, people encountered, and the lessons learned during the trip.
• Explore historical events or periods through a personal lens.
• Combine factual information with the writer’s perspective and experiences.

The narrative essay type you’ll work with often depends on the purpose, audience, and nature of the story being told. So, how should you write narrative essays?

How To Write Narrative Essays

From selecting the right topic to building a captivating storyline, we explore the basics to guide you in creating engaging narratives. So, grab your pen, and let’s delve into the fundamentals of writing a standout narrative essay.

Before we start, it’s worth pointing out that most narrative essays are written in the first-person. Through the use of first-person perspective, you get to connect with the reader, offering a glimpse into your thoughts, reactions, and the significance of the story being shared.

Let’s get into how to create these stories:

Write your plot

If you want to tell a compelling story you need a good plot. Your plot will give your story a structure. Every good story includes some kind of conflict. You should start with setting the scene for readers. After this, you introduce a challenge or obstacle. Readers will keep reading until the end to find out how you managed to overcome it.

Your story should reach a climax where tension is highest. This will be the turning point that leads to a resolution. For example, moving outside of your comfort zone was difficult and scary. It wasn’t easy at first but eventually, you grew braver and more confident. Readers should discover more about who you are as a person through what they read.

A seasoned writer knows how to craft a story that connects with an audience and creates an impact.

Hook readers with your introduction

In your introduction, you will introduce the main idea of your essay and set the context. Ways to make it more engaging are to:

• Use sensory images to describe the setting in which your story takes place.
• Use a quote that illustrates your main idea.
• Pose an intriguing question.
• Introduce an unexpected fact or a statement that grabs attention.

Develop your characters

You need to make readers feel they know any characters you introduce in your narrative essay. You can do this by revealing their personalities and quirks through the actions they take. It is always better to show the actions of characters rather than giving facts about them. Describing a character’s body language and features can also reveal a great deal about the person. You can check out these adjectives to describe a person to get some inspiration.

Use dialogue

Dialogue can bring your narrative essay to life. Most fiction books use dialogue extensively . It helps to move the story along in a subtle way. When you allow characters to talk, what they have to say seems more realistic. You can use similes , metaphors, and other parts of speech to make your story more compelling. Just make sure the dialogue is written clearly with the right punctuation so readers understand exactly who is talking.

Work on the pace of the story

Your story must flow along at a steady pace. If there’s too much action, readers may get confused. If you use descriptive writing, try not to overdo it. The clear, concise language throughout will appeal to readers more than lengthy descriptions.

Build up towards a climax

This is the point at which the tension in your story is the highest. A compelling climax takes readers by surprise. They may not have seen it coming. This doesn’t mean your climax should come out of left field. You need to carefully lead up to it step by step and guide readers along. When you reveal it they should be able to look back and realize it’s logical.

Cut out what you don’t need

Your story will suffer if you include too much detail that doesn’t move your story along. It may flow better once you cut out some unnecessary details. Most narrative essays are about five paragraphs but this will depend on the topic and requirements.

In a narrative essay, you share your experiences and insights. The journey you take your readers on should leave them feeling moved or inspired. It takes practice to learn how to write in a way that causes this reaction. With a good plot as your guide, it’s easier to write a compelling story that flows toward a satisfying resolution.

• Recent Posts

• 157 Words to Describe Your Friends, With Meanings & Examples - August 28, 2024
• 99 Funny Debate Topics to Inspire Learning and Laughter - August 26, 2024
• How to Sell an Online Course: A Step-By-Step Guide - August 23, 2024

More from DoTEFL

How to Write a Proposal Essay

• Updated February 27, 2024

How To Write an Essay in English: 11 Tips To Write a Great Essay

• Updated February 23, 2024

23 Amazing Facts About the English Language You Should Know

• Updated February 5, 2024

31 Best Summer Jobs for Teachers

• Updated May 1, 2024

49 Best Travel Jobs To Make Money Traveling & See the World

• Updated May 2, 2024

How to Choose a VPN for Traveling Abroad

• Updated December 14, 2023
• The global TEFL course directory.

BibGuru Blog

Be more productive in school

• Citation Styles

How to write a narrative essay [Updated 2023]

A narrative essay is an opportunity to flex your creative muscles and craft a compelling story. In this blog post, we define what a narrative essay is and provide strategies and examples for writing one.

What is a narrative essay?

Similarly to a descriptive essay or a reflective essay, a narrative essay asks you to tell a story, rather than make an argument and present evidence. Most narrative essays describe a real, personal experience from your own life (for example, the story of your first big success).

Alternately, your narrative essay might focus on an imagined experience (for example, how your life would be if you had been born into different circumstances). While you don’t need to present a thesis statement or scholarly evidence, a narrative essay still needs to be well-structured and clearly organized so that the reader can follow your story.

When you might be asked to write a narrative essay

Although less popular than argumentative essays or expository essays, narrative essays are relatively common in high school and college writing classes.

The same techniques that you would use to write a college essay as part of a college or scholarship application are applicable to narrative essays, as well. In fact, the Common App that many students use to apply to multiple colleges asks you to submit a narrative essay.

How to choose a topic for a narrative essay

When you are asked to write a narrative essay, a topic may be assigned to you or you may be able to choose your own. With an assigned topic, the prompt will likely fall into one of two categories: specific or open-ended.

Examples of specific prompts:

• Write about the last vacation you took.
• Write about your final year of middle school.

Examples of open-ended prompts:

• Write about a time when you felt all hope was lost.
• Write about a brief, seemingly insignificant event that ended up having a big impact on your life.

A narrative essay tells a story and all good stories are centered on a conflict of some sort. Experiences with unexpected obstacles, twists, or turns make for much more compelling essays and reveal more about your character and views on life.

If you’re writing a narrative essay as part of an admissions application, remember that the people reviewing your essay will be looking at it to gain a sense of not just your writing ability, but who you are as a person.

In these cases, it’s wise to choose a topic and experience from your life that demonstrates the qualities that the prompt is looking for, such as resilience, perseverance, the ability to stay calm under pressure, etc.

It’s also important to remember that your choice of topic is just a starting point. Many students find that they arrive at new ideas and insights as they write their first draft, so the final form of your essay may have a different focus than the one you started with.

How to outline and format a narrative essay

Even though you’re not advancing an argument or proving a point of view, a narrative essay still needs to have a coherent structure. Your reader has to be able to follow you as you tell the story and to figure out the larger point that you’re making.

You’ll be evaluated on is your handling of the topic and how you structure your essay. Even though a narrative essay doesn’t use the same structure as other essay types, you should still sketch out a loose outline so you can tell your story in a clear and compelling way.

To outline a narrative essay, you’ll want to determine:

• how your story will start
• what points or specifics that you want to cover
• how your story will end
• what pace and tone you will use

In the vast majority of cases, a narrative essay should be written in the first-person, using “I.” Also, most narrative essays will follow typical formatting guidelines, so you should choose a readable font like Times New Roman in size 11 or 12. Double-space your paragraphs and use 1” margins.

To get your creative wheels turning, consider how your story compares to archetypes and famous historical and literary figures both past and present. Weave these comparisons into your essay to improve the quality of your writing and connect your personal experience to a larger context.

How to write a narrative essay

Writing a narrative essay can sometimes be a challenge for students who typically write argumentative essays or research papers in a formal, objective style. To give you a better sense of how you can write a narrative essay, here is a short example of an essay in response to the prompt, “Write about an experience that challenged your view of yourself.”

Narrative essay example

Even as a child, I always had what people might call a reserved personality. It was sometimes framed as a positive (“Sarah is a good listener”) and at other times it was put in less-than-admiring terms (“Sarah is withdrawn and not very talkative”). It was the latter kind of comments that caused me to see my introverted nature as a drawback and as something I should work to eliminate. That is, until I joined my high school’s student council.

The first paragraph, or introduction, sets up the context, establishing the situation and introducing the meaningful event upon which the essay will focus.

The other four students making up the council were very outspoken and enthusiastic. I enjoyed being around them, and I often agreed with their ideas. However, when it came to overhauling our school’s recycling plan, we butted heads. When I spoke up and offered a different point of view, one of my fellow student council members launched into a speech, advocating for her point of view. As her voice filled the room, I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. I wondered if I should try to match her tone, volume, and assertiveness as a way to be heard. But I just couldn’t do it—it’s not my way, and it never has been. For a fleeting moment, I felt defeated. But then, something in me shifted.

In this paragraph, the writer goes into greater depth about how her existing thinking brought her to this point.

I reminded myself that my view was valid and deserved to be heard. So I waited. I let my fellow council member speak her piece and when she was finished, I deliberately waited a few moments before calmly stating my case. I chose my words well, and I spoke them succinctly. Just because I’m not a big talker doesn’t mean I’m not a big thinker. I thought of the quotation “still waters run deep” and I tried to embody that. The effect on the room was palpable. People listened. And I hadn’t had to shout my point to be heard.

This paragraph demonstrates the turn in the story, the moment when everything changed. The use of the quotation “still waters run deep” imbues the story with a dash of poetry and emotion.

We eventually reached a compromise on the matter and concluded the student council meeting. Our council supervisor came to me afterward and said: “You handled that so well, with such grace and poise. I was very impressed.” Her words in that moment changed me. I realized that a bombastic nature isn't necessarily a powerful one. There is power in quiet, too. This experience taught me to view my reserved personality not as a character flaw, but as a strength.

The final paragraph, or conclusion, closes with a statement about the significance of this event and how it ended up changing the writer in a meaningful way.

Narrative essay writing tips

1. pick a meaningful story that has a conflict and a clear “moral.”.

If you’re able to choose your own topic, pick a story that has meaning and that reveals how you became the person your are today. In other words, write a narrative with a clear “moral” that you can connect with your main points.

2. Use an outline to arrange the structure of your story and organize your main points.

Although a narrative essay is different from argumentative essays, it’s still beneficial to construct an outline so that your story is well-structured and organized. Note how you want to start and end your story, and what points you want to make to tie everything together.

3. Be clear, concise, concrete, and correct in your writing.

You should use descriptive writing in your narrative essay, but don’t overdo it. Use clear, concise, and correct language and grammar throughout. Additionally, make concrete points that reinforce the main idea of your narrative.

4. Ask a friend or family member to proofread your essay.

No matter what kind of writing you’re doing, you should always plan to proofread and revise. To ensure that your narrative essay is coherent and interesting, ask a friend or family member to read over your paper. This is especially important if your essay is responding to a prompt. It helps to have another person check to make sure that you’ve fully responded to the prompt or question.

Frequently Asked Questions about narrative essays

A narrative essay, like any essay, has three main parts: an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Structuring and outlining your essay before you start writing will help you write a clear story that your readers can follow.

The first paragraph of your essay, or introduction, sets up the context, establishing the situation and introducing the meaningful event upon which the essay will focus.

In the vast majority of cases, a narrative essay should be written in the first-person, using “I.”

The 4 main types of essays are the argumentative essay, narrative essay, exploratory essay, and expository essay. You may be asked to write different types of essays at different points in your education.

Most narrative essays will be around five paragraphs, or more, depending on the topic and requirements. Make sure to check in with your instructor about the guidelines for your essay. If you’re writing a narrative essay for a college application, pay close attention to word or page count requirements.

Make your life easier with our productivity and writing resources.

For students and teachers.

The Ultimate Narrative Essay Guide for Beginners

A narrative essay tells a story in chronological order, with an introduction that introduces the characters and sets the scene. Then a series of events leads to a climax or turning point, and finally a resolution or reflection on the experience.

Speaking of which, are you in sixes and sevens about narrative essays? Don’t worry this ultimate expert guide will wipe out all your doubts. So let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Everything You Need to Know About Narrative Essay

What is a narrative essay.

When you go through a narrative essay definition, you would know that a narrative essay purpose is to tell a story. It’s all about sharing an experience or event and is different from other types of essays because it’s more focused on how the event made you feel or what you learned from it, rather than just presenting facts or an argument. Let’s explore more details on this interesting write-up and get to know how to write a narrative essay.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of a narrative essay:

A narrative essay has a beginning, middle, and end. It builds up tension and excitement and then wraps things up in a neat package.

Real people, including the writer, often feature in personal narratives. Details of the characters and their thoughts, feelings, and actions can help readers to relate to the tale.

It’s really important to know when and where something happened so we can get a good idea of the context. Going into detail about what it looks like helps the reader to really feel like they’re part of the story.

Conflict or Challenge 

A story in a narrative essay usually involves some kind of conflict or challenge that moves the plot along. It could be something inside the character, like a personal battle, or something from outside, like an issue they have to face in the world.

Theme or Message

A narrative essay isn’t just about recounting an event – it’s about showing the impact it had on you and what you took away from it. It’s an opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings about the experience, and how it changed your outlook.

Emotional Impact

The author is trying to make the story they’re telling relatable, engaging, and memorable by using language and storytelling to evoke feelings in whoever’s reading it.

Narrative essays let writers have a blast telling stories about their own lives. It’s an opportunity to share insights and impart wisdom, or just have some fun with the reader. Descriptive language, sensory details, dialogue, and a great narrative voice are all essentials for making the story come alive.

The Purpose of a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is more than just a story – it’s a way to share a meaningful, engaging, and relatable experience with the reader. Includes:

Sharing Personal Experience

Narrative essays are a great way for writers to share their personal experiences, feelings, thoughts, and reflections. It’s an opportunity to connect with readers and make them feel something.

Entertainment and Engagement

The essay attempts to keep the reader interested by using descriptive language, storytelling elements, and a powerful voice. It attempts to pull them in and make them feel involved by creating suspense, mystery, or an emotional connection.

Conveying a Message or Insight

Narrative essays are more than just a story – they aim to teach you something. They usually have a moral lesson, a new understanding, or a realization about life that the author gained from the experience.

Building Empathy and Understanding

By telling their stories, people can give others insight into different perspectives, feelings, and situations. Sharing these tales can create compassion in the reader and help broaden their knowledge of different life experiences.

Inspiration and Motivation

Stories about personal struggles, successes, and transformations can be really encouraging to people who are going through similar situations. It can provide them with hope and guidance, and let them know that they’re not alone.

Reflecting on Life’s Significance

These essays usually make you think about the importance of certain moments in life or the impact of certain experiences. They make you look deep within yourself and ponder on the things you learned or how you changed because of those events.

Demonstrating Writing Skills

Coming up with a gripping narrative essay takes serious writing chops, like vivid descriptions, powerful language, timing, and organization. It’s an opportunity for writers to show off their story-telling abilities.

Preserving Personal History

Sometimes narrative essays are used to record experiences and special moments that have an emotional resonance. They can be used to preserve individual memories or for future generations to look back on.

Cultural and Societal Exploration

Personal stories can look at cultural or social aspects, giving us an insight into customs, opinions, or social interactions seen through someone’s own experience.

Format of a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays are quite flexible in terms of format, which allows the writer to tell a story in a creative and compelling way. Here’s a quick breakdown of the narrative essay format, along with some examples:

Introduction

Set the scene and introduce the story.

Engage the reader and establish the tone of the narrative.

Hook: Start with a captivating opening line to grab the reader’s attention. For instance:

Example:  “The scorching sun beat down on us as we trekked through the desert, our water supply dwindling.”

Background Information: Provide necessary context or background without giving away the entire story.

Example:  “It was the summer of 2015 when I embarked on a life-changing journey to…”

Thesis Statement or Narrative Purpose

Present the main idea or the central message of the essay.

Offer a glimpse of what the reader can expect from the narrative.

Thesis Statement: This isn’t as rigid as in other essays but can be a sentence summarizing the essence of the story.

Example:  “Little did I know, that seemingly ordinary hike would teach me invaluable lessons about resilience and friendship.”

Body Paragraphs

Present the sequence of events in chronological order.

Develop characters, setting, conflict, and resolution.

Story Progression : Describe events in the order they occurred, focusing on details that evoke emotions and create vivid imagery.

Example : Detail the trek through the desert, the challenges faced, interactions with fellow hikers, and the pivotal moments.

Character Development : Introduce characters and their roles in the story. Show their emotions, thoughts, and actions.

Example : Describe how each character reacted to the dwindling water supply and supported each other through adversity.

Dialogue and Interactions : Use dialogue to bring the story to life and reveal character personalities.

Example : “Sarah handed me her last bottle of water, saying, ‘We’re in this together.'”

Reach the peak of the story, the moment of highest tension or significance.

Turning Point: Highlight the most crucial moment or realization in the narrative.

Example:  “As the sun dipped below the horizon and hope seemed lost, a distant sound caught our attention—the rescue team’s helicopters.”

Provide closure to the story.

Reflect on the significance of the experience and its impact.

Reflection : Summarize the key lessons learned or insights gained from the experience.

Example : “That hike taught me the true meaning of resilience and the invaluable support of friendship in challenging times.”

Closing Thought : End with a memorable line that reinforces the narrative’s message or leaves a lasting impression.

Example : “As we boarded the helicopters, I knew this adventure would forever be etched in my heart.”

Example Summary:

Imagine a narrative about surviving a challenging hike through the desert, emphasizing the bonds formed and lessons learned. The narrative essay structure might look like starting with an engaging scene, narrating the hardships faced, showcasing the characters’ resilience, and culminating in a powerful realization about friendship and endurance.

Different Types of Narrative Essays

There are a bunch of different types of narrative essays – each one focuses on different elements of storytelling and has its own purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the narrative essay types and what they mean.

Personal Narrative

Description : Tells a personal story or experience from the writer’s life.

Purpose: Reflects on personal growth, lessons learned, or significant moments.

Example of Narrative Essay Types:

Topic : “The Day I Conquered My Fear of Public Speaking”

Focus: Details the experience, emotions, and eventual triumph over a fear of public speaking during a pivotal event.

Descriptive Narrative

Description : Emphasizes vivid details and sensory imagery.

Purpose : Creates a sensory experience, painting a vivid picture for the reader.

Topic : “A Walk Through the Enchanted Forest”

Focus : Paints a detailed picture of the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings experienced during a walk through a mystical forest.

Autobiographical Narrative

Description: Chronicles significant events or moments from the writer’s life.

Purpose: Provides insights into the writer’s life, experiences, and growth.

Topic: “Lessons from My Childhood: How My Grandmother Shaped Who I Am”

Focus: Explores pivotal moments and lessons learned from interactions with a significant family member.

Experiential Narrative

Description: Relays experiences beyond the writer’s personal life.

Purpose: Shares experiences, travels, or events from a broader perspective.

Topic: “Volunteering in a Remote Village: A Journey of Empathy”

Focus: Chronicles the writer’s volunteering experience, highlighting interactions with a community and personal growth.

Literary Narrative

Description: Incorporates literary elements like symbolism, allegory, or thematic explorations.

Purpose: Uses storytelling for deeper explorations of themes or concepts.

Topic: “The Symbolism of the Red Door: A Journey Through Change”

Focus: Uses a red door as a symbol, exploring its significance in the narrator’s life and the theme of transition.

Historical Narrative

Description: Recounts historical events or periods through a personal lens.

Purpose: Presents history through personal experiences or perspectives.

Topic: “A Grandfather’s Tales: Living Through the Great Depression”

Focus: Shares personal stories from a family member who lived through a historical era, offering insights into that period.

Digital or Multimedia Narrative

Description: Incorporates multimedia elements like images, videos, or audio to tell a story.

Purpose: Explores storytelling through various digital platforms or formats.

Topic: “A Travel Diary: Exploring Europe Through Vlogs”

Focus: Combines video clips, photos, and personal narration to document a travel experience.

How to Choose a Topic for Your Narrative Essay?

Selecting a compelling topic for your narrative essay is crucial as it sets the stage for your storytelling. Choosing a boring topic is one of the narrative essay mistakes to avoid . Here’s a detailed guide on how to choose the right topic:

Reflect on Personal Experiences

• Significant Moments:

Moments that had a profound impact on your life or shaped your perspective.

Example: A moment of triumph, overcoming a fear, a life-changing decision, or an unforgettable experience.

• Emotional Resonance:

Events that evoke strong emotions or feelings.

Example: Joy, fear, sadness, excitement, or moments of realization.

• Lessons Learned:

Experiences that taught you valuable lessons or brought about personal growth.

Example: Challenges that led to personal development, shifts in mindset, or newfound insights.

Explore Unique Perspectives

• Uncommon Experiences:

Unique or unconventional experiences that might captivate the reader’s interest.

Example: Unusual travels, interactions with different cultures, or uncommon hobbies.

• Different Points of View:

Stories from others’ perspectives that impacted you deeply.

Example: A family member’s story, a friend’s experience, or a historical event from a personal lens.

Focus on Specific Themes or Concepts

• Themes or Concepts of Interest:

Themes or ideas you want to explore through storytelling.

Example: Friendship, resilience, identity, cultural diversity, or personal transformation.

• Symbolism or Metaphor:

Using symbols or metaphors as the core of your narrative.

Example: Exploring the symbolism of an object or a place in relation to a broader theme.

Consider Your Audience and Purpose

• Relevance to Your Audience:

Topics that resonate with your audience’s interests or experiences.

Example: Choose a relatable theme or experience that your readers might connect with emotionally.

• Impact or Message:

What message or insight do you want to convey through your story?

Example: Choose a topic that aligns with the message or lesson you aim to impart to your readers.

Brainstorm and Evaluate Ideas

• Free Writing or Mind Mapping:

Process: Write down all potential ideas without filtering. Mind maps or free-writing exercises can help generate diverse ideas.

• Evaluate Feasibility:

The depth of the story, the availability of vivid details, and your personal connection to the topic.

Imagine you’re considering topics for a narrative essay. You reflect on your experiences and decide to explore the topic of “Overcoming Stage Fright: How a School Play Changed My Perspective.” This topic resonates because it involves a significant challenge you faced and the personal growth it brought about.

Narrative Essay Topics

50 easy narrative essay topics.

• Learning to Ride a Bike
• My First Day of School
• A Surprise Birthday Party
• The Day I Got Lost
• Visiting a Haunted House
• An Encounter with a Wild Animal
• My Favorite Childhood Toy
• The Best Vacation I Ever Had
• An Unforgettable Family Gathering
• Conquering a Fear of Heights
• A Special Gift I Received
• Moving to a New City
• The Most Memorable Meal
• Getting Caught in a Rainstorm
• An Act of Kindness I Witnessed
• The First Time I Cooked a Meal
• My Experience with a New Hobby
• The Day I Met My Best Friend
• A Hike in the Mountains
• Learning a New Language
• An Embarrassing Moment
• Dealing with a Bully
• My First Job Interview
• A Sporting Event I Attended
• The Scariest Dream I Had
• Helping a Stranger
• The Joy of Achieving a Goal
• A Road Trip Adventure
• Overcoming a Personal Challenge
• The Significance of a Family Tradition
• An Unusual Pet I Owned
• A Misunderstanding with a Friend
• Exploring an Abandoned Building
• My Favorite Book and Why
• The Impact of a Role Model
• A Cultural Celebration I Participated In
• A Valuable Lesson from a Teacher
• A Trip to the Zoo
• An Unplanned Adventure
• Volunteering Experience
• A Moment of Forgiveness
• A Decision I Regretted
• A Special Talent I Have
• The Importance of Family Traditions
• The Thrill of Performing on Stage
• A Moment of Sudden Inspiration
• The Meaning of Home
• Learning to Play a Musical Instrument
• A Childhood Memory at the Park
• Witnessing a Beautiful Sunset

Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

• Discovering a New Passion
• Overcoming Academic Challenges
• Navigating Cultural Differences
• Embracing Independence: Moving Away from Home
• Exploring Career Aspirations
• Coping with Stress in College
• The Impact of a Mentor in My Life
• Balancing Work and Studies
• Facing a Fear of Public Speaking
• Exploring a Semester Abroad
• The Evolution of My Study Habits
• Volunteering Experience That Changed My Perspective
• The Role of Technology in Education
• Finding Balance: Social Life vs. Academics
• Learning a New Skill Outside the Classroom
• Reflecting on Freshman Year Challenges
• The Joys and Struggles of Group Projects
• My Experience with Internship or Work Placement
• Challenges of Time Management in College
• Redefining Success Beyond Grades
• The Influence of Literature on My Thinking
• The Impact of Social Media on College Life
• Overcoming Procrastination
• Lessons from a Leadership Role
• Exploring Diversity on Campus
• Exploring Passion for Environmental Conservation
• An Eye-Opening Course That Changed My Perspective
• Living with Roommates: Challenges and Lessons
• The Significance of Extracurricular Activities
• The Influence of a Professor on My Academic Journey
• Discussing Mental Health in College
• The Evolution of My Career Goals
• Confronting Personal Biases Through Education
• The Experience of Attending a Conference or Symposium
• Challenges Faced by Non-Native English Speakers in College
• The Impact of Traveling During Breaks
• Exploring Identity: Cultural or Personal
• The Impact of Music or Art on My Life
• Addressing Diversity in the Classroom
• Exploring Entrepreneurial Ambitions
• My Experience with Research Projects
• Overcoming Impostor Syndrome in College
• The Importance of Networking in College
• Finding Resilience During Tough Times
• The Impact of Global Issues on Local Perspectives
• The Influence of Family Expectations on Education
• Lessons from a Part-Time Job
• Exploring the College Sports Culture
• The Role of Technology in Modern Education
• The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Education

Narrative Essay Comparison

Narrative essay vs. descriptive essay.

Here’s our first narrative essay comparison! While both narrative and descriptive essays focus on vividly portraying a subject or an event, they differ in their primary objectives and approaches. Now, let’s delve into the nuances of comparison on narrative essays.

Narrative Essay:

Storytelling: Focuses on narrating a personal experience or event.

Chronological Order: Follows a structured timeline of events to tell a story.

Message or Lesson: Often includes a central message, moral, or lesson learned from the experience.

Engagement: Aims to captivate the reader through a compelling storyline and character development.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s point of view, using “I” and expressing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Emphasizes a plot with a beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Character Development: Focuses on describing characters, their interactions, emotions, and growth.

Conflict or Challenge: Usually involves a central conflict or challenge that drives the narrative forward.

Dialogue: Incorporates conversations to bring characters and their interactions to life.

Reflection: Concludes with reflection or insight gained from the experience.

Descriptive Essay:

Vivid Description: Aims to vividly depict a person, place, object, or event.

Imagery and Details: Focuses on sensory details to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.

Emotion through Description: Uses descriptive language to evoke emotions and engage the reader’s senses.

Painting a Picture: Creates a sensory-rich description allowing the reader to visualize the subject.

Imagery and Sensory Details: Focuses on providing rich sensory descriptions, using vivid language and adjectives.

Point of Focus: Concentrates on describing a specific subject or scene in detail.

Spatial Organization: Often employs spatial organization to describe from one area or aspect to another.

Objective Observations: Typically avoids the use of personal opinions or emotions; instead, the focus remains on providing a detailed and objective description.

Comparison:

Focus: Narrative essays emphasize storytelling, while descriptive essays focus on vividly describing a subject or scene.

Perspective: Narrative essays are often written from a first-person perspective, while descriptive essays may use a more objective viewpoint.

Purpose: Narrative essays aim to convey a message or lesson through a story, while descriptive essays aim to paint a detailed picture for the reader without necessarily conveying a specific message.

Narrative Essay vs. Argumentative Essay

The narrative essay and the argumentative essay serve distinct purposes and employ different approaches:

Engagement and Emotion: Aims to captivate the reader through a compelling story.

Reflective: Often includes reflection on the significance of the experience or lessons learned.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s point of view, sharing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Emphasizes a storyline with a beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Message or Lesson: Conveys a central message, moral, or insight derived from the experience.

Argumentative Essay:

Persuasion and Argumentation: Aims to persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s viewpoint on a specific topic.

Logical Reasoning: Presents evidence, facts, and reasoning to support a particular argument or stance.

Debate and Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and counter them with evidence and reasoning.

Thesis Statement: Includes a clear thesis statement that outlines the writer’s position on the topic.

Thesis and Evidence: Starts with a strong thesis statement and supports it with factual evidence, statistics, expert opinions, or logical reasoning.

Counterarguments: Addresses opposing viewpoints and provides rebuttals with evidence.

Logical Structure: Follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, and a conclusion reaffirming the thesis.

Formal Language: Uses formal language and avoids personal anecdotes or emotional appeals.

Objective: Argumentative essays focus on presenting a logical argument supported by evidence, while narrative essays prioritize storytelling and personal reflection.

Purpose: Argumentative essays aim to persuade and convince the reader of a particular viewpoint, while narrative essays aim to engage, entertain, and share personal experiences.

Structure: Narrative essays follow a storytelling structure with character development and plot, while argumentative essays follow a more formal, structured approach with logical arguments and evidence.

In essence, while both essays involve writing and presenting information, the narrative essay focuses on sharing a personal experience, whereas the argumentative essay aims to persuade the audience by presenting a well-supported argument.

Narrative Essay vs. Personal Essay

While there can be an overlap between narrative and personal essays, they have distinctive characteristics:

Storytelling: Emphasizes recounting a specific experience or event in a structured narrative form.

Engagement through Story: Aims to engage the reader through a compelling story with characters, plot, and a central theme or message.

Reflective: Often includes reflection on the significance of the experience and the lessons learned.

First-Person Perspective: Typically narrated from the writer’s viewpoint, expressing personal emotions and thoughts.

Plot Development: Focuses on developing a storyline with a clear beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.

Character Development: Includes descriptions of characters, their interactions, emotions, and growth.

Central Message: Conveys a central message, moral, or insight derived from the experience.

Personal Essay:

Exploration of Ideas or Themes: Explores personal ideas, opinions, or reflections on a particular topic or subject.

Expression of Thoughts and Opinions: Expresses the writer’s thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on a specific subject matter.

Reflection and Introspection: Often involves self-reflection and introspection on personal experiences, beliefs, or values.

Varied Structure and Content: Can encompass various forms, including memoirs, personal anecdotes, or reflections on life experiences.

Flexibility in Structure: Allows for diverse structures and forms based on the writer’s intent, which could be narrative-like or more reflective.

Theme-Centric Writing: Focuses on exploring a central theme or idea, with personal anecdotes or experiences supporting and illustrating the theme.

Expressive Language: Utilizes descriptive and expressive language to convey personal perspectives, emotions, and opinions.

Focus: Narrative essays primarily focus on storytelling through a structured narrative, while personal essays encompass a broader range of personal expression, which can include storytelling but isn’t limited to it.

Structure: Narrative essays have a more structured plot development with characters and a clear sequence of events, while personal essays might adopt various structures, focusing more on personal reflection, ideas, or themes.

Intent: While both involve personal experiences, narrative essays emphasize telling a story with a message or lesson learned, while personal essays aim to explore personal thoughts, feelings, or opinions on a broader range of topics or themes.

A narrative essay is more than just telling a story. It’s also meant to engage the reader, get them thinking, and leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s to amuse, motivate, teach, or reflect, these essays are a great way to communicate with your audience. This interesting narrative essay guide was all about letting you understand the narrative essay, its importance, and how can you write one.

Order Original Papers & Essays

Your First Custom Paper Sample is on Us!

Timely Deliveries

No Plagiarism & AI

100% Refund

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

Connections with Writers and support

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

Average Quality Score

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Writing

How to Write a Personal Narrative like a Pro (With Examples)

Last Updated: December 12, 2023 Fact Checked

Template and Sample Narrative

• Brainstorming

This article was co-authored by Grant Faulkner, MA . Grant Faulkner is the Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and the co-founder of 100 Word Story, a literary magazine. Grant has published two books on writing and has been published in The New York Times and Writer’s Digest. He co-hosts Write-minded, a weekly podcast on writing and publishing, and has a M.A. in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University.  There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 867,849 times.

Personal narratives focus on a particular real life event that was pivotal or important for the writer. You may have to write a personal narrative as part of a college application or as an assignment for a class. To write a strong personal narrative, start by coming up with an engaging idea. Then, write the narrative with an opening hook and a detailed, organized structure. Always review and revise the personal narrative before handing it in so it is at its best.

Things You Should Know

• Center your narrative around an important moment in your life. For example, you might write about a time you had to make a hard decision or deal with a conflict.
• Move chronologically through the events you’re discussing. This will make your narrative easy to follow and draw your reader in.
• Finish with a moral takeaway or a life lesson. What did you learn from these events, and why is it important? How did they shape you as a person?

Brainstorming Ideas for the Narrative

• For example, you may write about your struggles with body image in high school and how you overcame them in adulthood. Or you may write about your disastrous 15th birthday party and how it affected your relationship with your mother.

• For example, you write a personal narrative about your complicated relationship with your birth mother. Or you may write about a conflict you have with a sport you play or a club you are a part of.

• For example, you may explore a theme like poverty by writing about your family’s struggle with money and finances. You may write about having to defer college applications to work at your parent’s business to make ends meet for your family.

• The Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard
• Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
• Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
• The Lives section of The New York Times

Writing the Personal Narrative

• For example, the first line in the personal narrative by Tony Gervino is attention grabbing: “I was 6 when my brother John leaned across the kitchen table and casually whispered that he had killed Santa Claus.” [5] X Research source

• For example, in Tony Gervino’s essay, he sets the scene by providing setting, character, and narrative voice: “It was July 1973, we were living in Scarsdale, N.Y., and he was four years older than I was, although that seemed like decades.”

• For example, you may start with an event in childhood with your older sister and then move forward in time to the present day, focusing on you and your older sister as adults.

• For example, you may describe the feeling of your mother’s famous lemon cake as “rich and zesty, with a special ingredient that to this day, I cannot identify.”

• For example, you may end a personal narrative about your complicated relationship with your troubled sister by ending on a recent memory where you both enjoyed each other’s company. You may leave the reader with a lesson you have learned about loving someone, even with all their messiness and baggage.

Polishing the Personal Narrative

• You can also try reading the narrative out loud to someone else so they can hear how it sounds. This can then make it easier for them to give you feedback.

• Be willing to accept feedback from others. Be open to constructive criticism as it will likely strengthen the narrative.

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• How to Write a Narrative Essay
• How to Write a Journal Entry
• How to Write an Epistolary Narrative
• How to Write an Autobiography
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/personal-narrative-examples
• ↑ https://www.byrdseed.com/writing-better-personal-narratives/
• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/tips-for-writing-a-personal-narrative-essay.html
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/magazine/lives-a-rats-tale.html
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/10-1-narration/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/reading-aloud/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/revising-drafts/

About This Article

To write a personal narrative, start by choosing a memorable moment, event, or conflict in your life that you want to write about. Then, use your personal narrative to describe your story, going chronologically through the events. Try to use a lot of sensory detail, like how things smelled, sounded, felt, and looked, so your readers can picture everything you're describing. At the end of your narrative, include a lesson you learned or something you took away from the experience. To learn how to brainstorm ideas for your personal narrative, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Oct 7, 2016

Did this article help you?

Sheena Whytelaw

Nov 8, 2022

Sarah Harris

Jun 17, 2016

Tammy Wheeler

Oct 23, 2016

Christian Dilauro

Sep 14, 2020

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step

Narrative essays combine personal storytelling with academic reflection. Unlike other essay types, they are not bound by strict requirements or the need for a bibliography. To write a narrative essay successfully, you’ll need to follow these steps: 

Step 1: Pick a personal experience to share.

Step 2: Organize your story's main points.

Step 3: Start narrating your story with vivid details.

Step 4: Improve the flow and clarity.

Step 5: Check for grammar and spelling errors.

A narrative is a story told verbally or in writing. The story's purpose is shown through its events and details. In the following sections, our custom term paper writing will explore various aspects of this type of writing, from choosing a topic to structuring your essay effectively.

What Is a Narrative Essay

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

Where to Use Narrative Essays

A narrative essay serves the purpose of sharing personal experiences and insights. It helps the writer connect with readers on an emotional level and illustrate a point through storytelling. Here are a few occasions where writing a narrative essay is commonly used:

• College Applications : To showcase personal growth and experiences, giving admission officers a glimpse into the applicant's character and background.
• Class Assignments : To develop writing skills and reflect on personal events, helping students learn how to express their thoughts and emotions effectively.
• Personal Blogs : To share life stories and engage with readers, building a personal connection and fostering a sense of community.
• Scholarship Essays : To highlight personal achievements and challenges, demonstrating resilience and dedication to potential sponsors.

Professional Development : To reflect on career experiences and lessons learned, providing insights that can be valuable for personal growth and future endeavors.

5 Steps to Writing a Narrative Essay

Writing a narrative essay can be a rewarding experience as it allows you to share your personal story and insights. Crafting engaging and well-structured ideas for a narrative essay is essential for capturing your reader's attention. To help you learn how to start a narrative essay effectively, follow these five simple steps.

Step 1: Brainstorm Narrative Essay Topics

The first step is brainstorming narrative writing topics. Begin by thinking about personal experiences that have made a significant impact on you. Consider moments of growth, challenge, joy, or change. These experiences can provide a rich foundation for your narrative.

How to Research Narrative Essay Topics:

• Reflect on Personal Experiences : Think about significant moments in your life. What stories do you often share with friends and family? These can be great starting points.
• Read Other Narrative Essays : Look at examples of narrative essays online or in books. This can give you ideas for structure and themes.
• Journaling : Write about your daily experiences and feelings. 
• Ask for Feedback : Talk to friends, family, or teachers about your ideas. They might provide a fresh perspective or remind you of stories you’ve forgotten.
• Consider Your Audience : Think about what stories would resonate with your readers. Choose topics that are engaging and relatable.

10 Narrative Essay Topics:

• Describe a situation where your plans went awry but ended positively.
• Focus on a dish you've cooked or baked. Share the recipe's story, emotional impact, and significance.
• Reflect on a teacher who profoundly influenced your learning experience.
• Describe an encounter with nature's beauty or strength and its impact on your worldview.
• Recall a time you faced and conquered a significant fear, showing personal growth.
• Reflect on an interaction with someone from a different cultural background, exploring lessons learned and challenges faced.
• Explore the memories of a cherished item. How did you acquire it, and what significant events are tied to it?
• Write about a passionate endeavor where failure led to personal growth and resilience.
• Share a song or musical experience that deeply resonated with you and its significance in your life.
• Reflect on losing something valuable and what it taught you about perseverance and resilience.

For more ideas, check out the Narrative Essay Topic list.

Step 2: Make a Narrative Essay Outline

Once you've chosen your topic, start by outlining your narrative essay. For instance, if you're writing about a memorable trip, begin with a scene-setting paragraph. Then, describe key experiences and interactions in subsequent paragraphs. Conclude by reflecting on how the trip affected you. In your conclusion, summarize the main events and their significance to effectively wrap up your story. For a more systematic approach, make sure to check out how to write an essay conclusion .

Step 3: Write Your Narrative Essay

When you're ready to start writing your narrative essay, refer to your outline to develop each section with clear and engaging language. Unlike academic essays, narrative essays don’t need to follow strict formalities or summarize everything in the introduction.

Tip : Write from your own perspective . Most narratives use the first-person point of view, so feel free to use pronouns like "I" and "me" to describe your experiences.

Tip : Use creative storytelling techniques . Drawing from fiction or creative nonfiction, employ methods like dialogue, flashbacks, and symbolism to captivate readers and convey the themes of your essay effectively.

Tip : Focus on a central theme or message . Identify a central theme or message that your narrative revolves around. This gives your essay coherence and depth, guiding your storytelling towards a meaningful conclusion.

Step 4: Revise Your Narrative Essay

Once you already understand how to write a narrative essay and finish your first draft, revise and refine your essay. Start by taking a break to gain fresh perspective before returning with a clear mind – this is a key strategy for enhancing your writing.

While reviewing, carefully examine it for logical coherence and smooth flow. Address any inconsistencies or gaps in the narrative, refining your writing to improve clarity. Pay attention to details such as tense, point of view, and narrative voice throughout.

Step 5: Proofread and Publish Your Narrative Essay

After writing a narrative essay, take time to thoroughly proofread for any remaining errors or typos. Ensure proper formatting and citation style, if required.

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

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

Want to Be Like an Expert Writer? 

Order now and let our narrative essay writer turn your experiences into a captivating and unforgettable tale

Narrative Essay Examples

For more inspiration, check out a narrative essay example below prepared by our essay writer . Feel free to use it as a guide for your own story, ensuring that your unique voice and experiences come through in your work.

Final Thoughts

Now that you understand the basics of writing a narrative essay, you're probably excited to write your own! If you get stuck, our research paper writing service is here to help you. Whether you need a narrative essay or any other type of school paper, our services can provide personalized advice to fit your needs. Focusing on quality, affordability, and on-time delivery, we’ll make sure your story is told effectively!

Unlock Your Potential with Our Essays!

Order now and take the first step towards achieving your academic goals

How Do I Start a Narrative Essay?

What makes a good narrative essay, how to end a narrative essay.

Daniel Parker

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

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

• Updated writing steps, samples, outline and FAQ
• Narrative essays. (n.d.). Miami University. https://miamioh.edu/howe-center/hwc/writing-resources/handouts/types-of-writing/narrative-essays.html  
• Mohammed, S. I. (2021). Suggested strategies for writing narrative essay . International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation , 4 (12), 30-39.

The short story is a fiction writer’s laboratory: here is where you can experiment with characters, plots, and ideas without the heavy lifting of writing a novel. Learning how to write a short story is essential to mastering the art of storytelling . With far fewer words to worry about, storytellers can make many more mistakes—and strokes of genius!—through experimentation and the fun of fiction writing.

Nonetheless, the art of writing short stories is not easy to master. How do you tell a complete story in so few words? What does a story need to have in order to be successful? Whether you’re struggling with how to write a short story outline, or how to fully develop a character in so few words, this guide is your starting point.

Famous authors like Virginia Woolf, Haruki Murakami, and Agatha Christie have used the short story form to play with ideas before turning those stories into novels. Whether you want to master the elements of fiction, experiment with novel ideas, or simply have fun with storytelling, here’s everything you need on how to write a short story step by step.

How to Write a Short Story: Contents

The Core Elements of a Short Story

How to write a short story outline, how to write a short story step by step, how to write a short story: length and setting, how to write a short story: point of view, how to write a short story: protagonist, antagonist, motivation, how to write a short story: characters, how to write a short story: prose, how to write a short story: story structure, how to write a short story: capturing reader interest, where to read and submit short stories.

There’s no secret formula to writing a short story. However, a good short story will have most or all of the following elements:

• A protagonist with a certain desire or need. It is essential for the protagonist to want something they don’t have, otherwise they will not drive the story forward.
• A clear dilemma. We don’t need much backstory to see how the dilemma started; we’re primarily concerned with how the protagonist resolves it.
• A decision. What does the protagonist do to resolve their dilemma?
• A climax. In Freytag’s Pyramid , the climax of a story is when the tension reaches its peak, and the reader discovers the outcome of the protagonist’s decision(s).
• An outcome. How does the climax change the protagonist? Are they a different person? Do they have a different philosophy or outlook on life?

Of course, short stories also utilize the elements of fiction , such as a setting , plot , and point of view . It helps to study these elements and to understand their intricacies. But, when it comes to laying down the skeleton of a short story, the above elements are what you need to get started.

Note: a short story rarely, if ever, has subplots. The focus should be entirely on a single, central storyline. Subplots will either pull focus away from the main story, or else push the story into the territory of novellas and novels.

The shorter the story is, the fewer of these elements are essentials. If you’re interested in writing short-short stories, check out our guide on how to write flash fiction .

Some writers are “pantsers”—they “write by the seat of their pants,” making things up on the go with little more than an idea for a story. Other writers are “plotters,” meaning they decide the story’s structure in advance of writing it.

You don’t need a short story outline to write a good short story. But, if you’d like to give yourself some scaffolding before putting words on the page, this article answers the question of how to write a short story outline:

https://writers.com/how-to-write-a-story-outline

There are many ways to approach the short story craft, but this method is tried-and-tested for writers of all levels. Here’s how to write a short story step-by-step.

1. Start With an Idea

Often, generating an idea is the hardest part. You want to write, but what will you write about?

What’s more, it’s easy to start coming up with ideas and then dismissing them. You want to tell an authentic, original story, but everything you come up with has already been written, it seems.

Here are a few tips:

• Originality presents itself in your storytelling, not in your ideas. For example, the premise of both Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Ostrovsky’s The Snow Maiden are very similar: two men and two women, in intertwining love triangles, sort out their feelings for each other amidst mischievous forest spirits, love potions, and friendship drama. The way each story is written makes them very distinct from one another, to the point where, unless it’s pointed out to you, you might not even notice the similarities.
• An idea is not a final draft. You will find that exploring the possibilities of your story will generate something far different than the idea you started out with. This is a good thing—it means you made the story your own!
• Experiment with genres and tropes. Even if you want to write literary fiction , pay attention to the narrative structures that drive genre stories, and practice your storytelling using those structures. Again, you will naturally make the story your own simply by playing with ideas.

If you’re struggling simply to find ideas, try out this prompt generator , or pull prompts from this Twitter .

2. Outline, OR Conceive Your Characters

If you plan to outline, do so once you’ve generated an idea. You can learn about how to write a short story outline earlier in this article.

If you don’t plan to outline, you should at least start with a character or characters. Certainly, you need a protagonist, but you should also think about any characters that aid or inhibit your protagonist’s journey.

When thinking about character development, ask the following questions:

• What is my character’s background? Where do they come from, how did they get here, where do they want to be?
• What does your character desire the most? This can be both material or conceptual, like “fitting in” or “being loved.”
• What is your character’s fatal flaw? In other words, what limitation prevents the protagonist from achieving their desire? Often, this flaw is a blind spot that directly counters their desire. For example, self hatred stands in the way of a protagonist searching for love.
• How does your character think and speak? Think of examples, both fictional and in the real world, who might resemble your character.

In short stories, there are rarely more characters than a protagonist, an antagonist (if relevant), and a small group of supporting characters. The more characters you include, the longer your story will be. Focus on making only one or two characters complex: it is absolutely okay to have the rest of the cast be flat characters that move the story along.

Learn more about character development here:

https://writers.com/character-development-definition

3. Write Scenes Around Conflict

Once you have an outline or some characters, start building scenes around conflict. Every part of your story, including the opening sentence, should in some way relate to the protagonist’s conflict.

Conflict is the lifeblood of storytelling: without it, the reader doesn’t have a clear reason to keep reading. Loveable characters are not enough, as the story has to give the reader something to root for.

Take, for example, Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story The Cask of Amontillado . We start at the conflict: the narrator has been slighted by Fortunato, and plans to exact revenge. Every scene in the story builds tension and follows the protagonist as he exacts this revenge.

In your story, start writing scenes around conflict, and make sure each paragraph and piece of dialogue relates, in some way, to your protagonist’s unmet desires.

Read more about writing effective conflict here:

What is Conflict in a Story? Definition and Examples

4. Write Your First Draft

The scenes you build around conflict will eventually be stitched into a complete story. Make sure as the story progresses that each scene heightens the story’s tension, and that this tension remains unbroken until the climax resolves whether or not your protagonist meets their desires.

Don’t stress too hard on writing a perfect story. Rather, take Anne Lamott’s advice, and “write a shitty first draft.” The goal is not to pen a complete story at first draft; rather, it’s to set ideas down on paper. You are simply, as Shannon Hale suggests, “shoveling sand into a box so that later [you] can build castles.”

5. Step Away, Breathe, Revise

Whenever Stephen King finishes a novel, he puts it in a drawer and doesn’t think about it for 6 weeks. With short stories, you probably don’t need to take as long of a break. But, the idea itself is true: when you’ve finished your first draft, set it aside for a while. Let yourself come back to the story with fresh eyes, so that you can confidently revise, revise, revise .

In revision, you want to make sure each word has an essential place in the story, that each scene ramps up tension, and that each character is clearly defined. The culmination of these elements allows a story to explore complex themes and ideas, giving the reader something to think about after the story has ended.

6. Compare Against Our Short Story Checklist

Does your story have everything it needs to succeed? Compare it against this short story checklist, as written by our instructor Rosemary Tantra Bensko.

Below is a collection of practical short story writing tips by Writers.com instructor Rosemary Tantra Bensko . Each paragraph is its own checklist item: a core element of short story writing advice to follow unless you have clear reasons to the contrary. We hope it’s a helpful resource in your own writing.

Update 9/1/2020: We’ve now made a summary of Rosemary’s short story checklist available as a PDF download . Enjoy!

Click to download

Your short story is 1000 to 7500 words in length.

The story takes place in one time period, not spread out or with gaps other than to drive someplace, sleep, etc. If there are those gaps, there is a space between the paragraphs, the new paragraph beginning flush left, to indicate a new scene.

Each scene takes place in one location, or in continual transit, such as driving a truck or flying in a plane.

Unless it’s a very lengthy Romance story, in which there may be two Point of View (POV) characters, there is one POV character. If we are told what any character secretly thinks, it will only be the POV character. The degree to which we are privy to the unexpressed thoughts, memories and hopes of the POV character remains consistent throughout the story.

You avoid head-hopping by only having one POV character per scene, even in a Romance. You avoid straying into even brief moments of telling us what other characters think other than the POV character. You use words like “apparently,” “obviously,” or “supposedly” to suggest how non-POV-characters think rather than stating it.

Your short story has one clear protagonist who is usually the character changing most.

Your story has a clear antagonist, who generally makes the protagonist change by thwarting his goals.

(Possible exception to the two short story writing tips above: In some types of Mystery and Action stories, particularly in a series, etc., the protagonist doesn’t necessarily grow personally, but instead his change relates to understanding the antagonist enough to arrest or kill him.)

The protagonist changes with an Arc arising out of how he is stuck in his Flaw at the beginning of the story, which makes the reader bond with him as a human, and feel the pain of his problems he causes himself. (Or if it’s the non-personal growth type plot: he’s presented at the beginning of the story with a high-stakes problem that requires him to prevent or punish a crime.)

The protagonist usually is shown to Want something, because that’s what people normally do, defining their personalities and behavior patterns, pushing them onward from day to day. This may be obvious from the beginning of the story, though it may not become heightened until the Inciting Incident , which happens near the beginning of Act 1. The Want is usually something the reader sort of wants the character to succeed in, while at the same time, knows the Want is not in his authentic best interests. This mixed feeling in the reader creates tension.

The protagonist is usually shown to Need something valid and beneficial, but at first, he doesn’t recognize it, admit it, honor it, integrate it with his Want, or let the Want go so he can achieve the Need instead. Ideally, the Want and Need can be combined in a satisfying way toward the end for the sake of continuity of forward momentum of victoriously achieving the goals set out from the beginning. It’s the encounters with the antagonist that forcibly teach the protagonist to prioritize his Needs correctly and overcome his Flaw so he can defeat the obstacles put in his path.

The protagonist in a personal growth plot needs to change his Flaw/Want but like most people, doesn’t automatically do that when faced with the problem. He tries the easy way, which doesn’t work. Only when the Crisis takes him to a low point does he boldly change enough to become victorious over himself and the external situation. What he learns becomes the Theme.

Each scene shows its main character’s goal at its beginning, which aligns in a significant way with the protagonist’s overall goal for the story. The scene has a “charge,” showing either progress toward the goal or regression away from the goal by the ending. Most scenes end with a negative charge, because a story is about not obtaining one’s goals easily, until the end, in which the scene/s end with a positive charge.

The protagonist’s goal of the story becomes triggered until the Inciting Incident near the beginning, when something happens to shake up his life. This is the only major thing in the story that is allowed to be a random event that occurs to him.

Your characters speak differently from one another, and their dialogue suggests subtext, what they are really thinking but not saying: subtle passive-aggressive jibes, their underlying emotions, etc.

Your characters are not illustrative of ideas and beliefs you are pushing for, but come across as real people.

Your language is succinct, fresh and exciting, specific, colorful, avoiding clichés and platitudes. Sentence structures vary. In Genre stories, the language is simple, the symbolism is direct, and words are well-known, and sentences are relatively short. In Literary stories , you are freer to use more sophisticated ideas, words, sentence structures, styles , and underlying metaphors and implied motifs.

Your plot elements occur in the proper places according to classical Three Act Structure (or Freytag’s Pyramid ) so the reader feels he has vicariously gone through a harrowing trial with the protagonist and won, raising his sense of hope and possibility. Literary short stories may be more subtle, with lower stakes, experimenting beyond classical structures like the Hero’s Journey. They can be more like vignettes sometimes, or even slice-of-life, though these types are hard to place in publications.

In Genre stories, all the questions are answered, threads are tied up, problems are solved, though the results of carnage may be spread over the landscape. In Literary short stories, you are free to explore uncertainty, ambiguity, and inchoate, realistic endings that suggest multiple interpretations, and unresolved issues.

Some Literary stories may be nonrealistic, such as with Surrealism, Absurdism, New Wave Fabulism, Weird and Magical Realism . If this is what you write, they still need their own internal logic and they should not be bewildering as to the what the reader is meant to experience, whether it’s a nuanced, unnameable mood or a trip into the subconscious.

Literary stories may also go beyond any label other than Experimental. For example, a story could be a list of To Do items on a paper held by a magnet to a refrigerator for the housemate to read. The person writing the list may grow more passive-aggressive and manipulative as the list grows, and we learn about the relationship between the housemates through the implied threats and cajoling.

Your short story is suspenseful, meaning readers hope the protagonist will achieve his best goal, his Need, by the Climax battle against the antagonist.

Your story entertains. This is especially necessary for Genre short stories.

The story captivates readers at the very beginning with a Hook, which can be a puzzling mystery to solve, an amazing character’s or narrator’s Voice, an astounding location, humor, a startling image, or a world the reader wants to become immersed in.

Expository prose (telling, like an essay) takes up very, very little space in your short story, and it does not appear near the beginning. The story is in Narrative format instead, in which one action follows the next. You’ve removed every unnecessary instance of Expository prose and replaced it with showing Narrative. Distancing words like “used to,” “he would often,” “over the years, he,” “each morning, he” indicate that you are reporting on a lengthy time period, summing it up, rather than sticking to Narrative format, in which immediacy makes the story engaging.

You’ve earned the right to include Expository Backstory by making the reader yearn for knowing what happened in the past to solve a mystery. This can’t possibly happen at the beginning, obviously. Expository Backstory does not take place in the first pages of your story.

Your reader cares what happens and there are high stakes (especially important in Genre stories). Your reader worries until the end, when the protagonist survives, succeeds in his quest to help the community, gets the girl, solves or prevents the crime, achieves new scientific developments, takes over rule of his realm, etc.

Every sentence is compelling enough to urge the reader to read the next one—because he really, really wants to—instead of doing something else he could be doing. Your story is not going to be assigned to people to analyze in school like the ones you studied, so you have found a way from the beginning to intrigue strangers to want to spend their time with your words.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration or want to publish your own stories, you’ll find great literary journals for writers of all backgrounds at this article:

https://writers.com/short-story-submissions

Learn How to Write a Short Story at Writers.com

The short story takes an hour to learn and a lifetime to master. Learn how to write a short story with Writers.com. Our upcoming fiction courses will give you the ropes to tell authentic, original short stories that captivate and entrance your readers.

Rosemary – Is there any chance you could add a little something to your checklist? I’d love to know the best places to submit our short stories for publication. Thanks so much.

Hi, Kim Hanson,

Some good places to find publications specific to your story are NewPages, Poets and Writers, Duotrope, and The Submission Grinder.

“ In Genre stories, all the questions are answered, threads are tied up, problems are solved, though the results of carnage may be spread over the landscape.”

Not just no but NO.

See for example the work of MacArthur Fellow Kelly Link.

[…] How to Write a Short Story: The Short Story Checklist […]

Thank you for these directions and tips. It’s very encouraging to someone like me, just NOW taking up writing.

[…] Writers.com. A great intro to writing. https://writers.com/how-to-write-a-short-story […]

Hello: I started to write seriously in the late 70’s. I loved to write in High School in the early 60’s but life got in the way. Around the 00’s many of the obstacles disappeared. Since then I have been writing more, and some of my work was vanilla transgender stories. Here in 2024 transgender stories have become tiresome because I really don’t have much in common with that mind set.

The glare of an editor that could potentially pay me is quite daunting, so I would like to start out unpaid to see where that goes. I am not sure if a writer’s agent would be a good fit for me. My work life was in the Trades, not as some sort of Academic. That alone causes timidity, but I did read about a fiction writer who had been a house painter.

This is my first effort to publish since the late 70’s. My pseudonym would perhaps include Ahabidah.

Gwen Boucher.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

Literary analysis means closely studying a text, interpreting its meanings, and exploring why the author made certain choices. It can be applied to novels, short stories, plays, poems, or any other form of literary writing.

A literary analysis essay is not a rhetorical analysis , nor is it just a summary of the plot or a book review. Instead, it is a type of argumentative essay where you need to analyze elements such as the language, perspective, and structure of the text, and explain how the author uses literary devices to create effects and convey ideas.

Before beginning a literary analysis essay, it’s essential to carefully read the text and c ome up with a thesis statement to keep your essay focused. As you write, follow the standard structure of an academic essay :

• An introduction that tells the reader what your essay will focus on.
• A main body, divided into paragraphs , that builds an argument using evidence from the text.
• A conclusion that clearly states the main point that you have shown with your analysis.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Step 1: reading the text and identifying literary devices, step 2: coming up with a thesis, step 3: writing a title and introduction, step 4: writing the body of the essay, step 5: writing a conclusion, other interesting articles.

The first step is to carefully read the text(s) and take initial notes. As you read, pay attention to the things that are most intriguing, surprising, or even confusing in the writing—these are things you can dig into in your analysis.

Your goal in literary analysis is not simply to explain the events described in the text, but to analyze the writing itself and discuss how the text works on a deeper level. Primarily, you’re looking out for literary devices —textual elements that writers use to convey meaning and create effects. If you’re comparing and contrasting multiple texts, you can also look for connections between different texts.

To get started with your analysis, there are several key areas that you can focus on. As you analyze each aspect of the text, try to think about how they all relate to each other. You can use highlights or notes to keep track of important passages and quotes.

Language choices

Consider what style of language the author uses. Are the sentences short and simple or more complex and poetic?

What word choices stand out as interesting or unusual? Are words used figuratively to mean something other than their literal definition? Figurative language includes things like metaphor (e.g. “her eyes were oceans”) and simile (e.g. “her eyes were like oceans”).

Also keep an eye out for imagery in the text—recurring images that create a certain atmosphere or symbolize something important. Remember that language is used in literary texts to say more than it means on the surface.

Narrative voice

Ask yourself:

• Who is telling the story?
• How are they telling it?

Is it a first-person narrator (“I”) who is personally involved in the story, or a third-person narrator who tells us about the characters from a distance?

Consider the narrator’s perspective . Is the narrator omniscient (where they know everything about all the characters and events), or do they only have partial knowledge? Are they an unreliable narrator who we are not supposed to take at face value? Authors often hint that their narrator might be giving us a distorted or dishonest version of events.

The tone of the text is also worth considering. Is the story intended to be comic, tragic, or something else? Are usually serious topics treated as funny, or vice versa ? Is the story realistic or fantastical (or somewhere in between)?

Consider how the text is structured, and how the structure relates to the story being told.

• Novels are often divided into chapters and parts.
• Poems are divided into lines, stanzas, and sometime cantos.
• Plays are divided into scenes and acts.

Think about why the author chose to divide the different parts of the text in the way they did.

There are also less formal structural elements to take into account. Does the story unfold in chronological order, or does it jump back and forth in time? Does it begin in medias res —in the middle of the action? Does the plot advance towards a clearly defined climax?

With poetry, consider how the rhyme and meter shape your understanding of the text and your impression of the tone. Try reading the poem aloud to get a sense of this.

In a play, you might consider how relationships between characters are built up through different scenes, and how the setting relates to the action. Watch out for  dramatic irony , where the audience knows some detail that the characters don’t, creating a double meaning in their words, thoughts, or actions.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Your thesis in a literary analysis essay is the point you want to make about the text. It’s the core argument that gives your essay direction and prevents it from just being a collection of random observations about a text.

If you’re given a prompt for your essay, your thesis must answer or relate to the prompt. For example:

Essay question example

Is Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” a religious parable?

Your thesis statement should be an answer to this question—not a simple yes or no, but a statement of why this is or isn’t the case:

Thesis statement example

Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” is not a religious parable, but a story about bureaucratic alienation.

Sometimes you’ll be given freedom to choose your own topic; in this case, you’ll have to come up with an original thesis. Consider what stood out to you in the text; ask yourself questions about the elements that interested you, and consider how you might answer them.

Your thesis should be something arguable—that is, something that you think is true about the text, but which is not a simple matter of fact. It must be complex enough to develop through evidence and arguments across the course of your essay.

Say you’re analyzing the novel Frankenstein . You could start by asking yourself:

Your initial answer might be a surface-level description:

The character Frankenstein is portrayed negatively in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

However, this statement is too simple to be an interesting thesis. After reading the text and analyzing its narrative voice and structure, you can develop the answer into a more nuanced and arguable thesis statement:

Mary Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

Remember that you can revise your thesis statement throughout the writing process , so it doesn’t need to be perfectly formulated at this stage. The aim is to keep you focused as you analyze the text.

Finding textual evidence

To support your thesis statement, your essay will build an argument using textual evidence —specific parts of the text that demonstrate your point. This evidence is quoted and analyzed throughout your essay to explain your argument to the reader.

It can be useful to comb through the text in search of relevant quotations before you start writing. You might not end up using everything you find, and you may have to return to the text for more evidence as you write, but collecting textual evidence from the beginning will help you to structure your arguments and assess whether they’re convincing.

To start your literary analysis paper, you’ll need two things: a good title, and an introduction.

Your title should clearly indicate what your analysis will focus on. It usually contains the name of the author and text(s) you’re analyzing. Keep it as concise and engaging as possible.

A common approach to the title is to use a relevant quote from the text, followed by a colon and then the rest of your title.

If you struggle to come up with a good title at first, don’t worry—this will be easier once you’ve begun writing the essay and have a better sense of your arguments.

“Fearful symmetry” : The violence of creation in William Blake’s “The Tyger”

The introduction

The essay introduction provides a quick overview of where your argument is going. It should include your thesis statement and a summary of the essay’s structure.

A typical structure for an introduction is to begin with a general statement about the text and author, using this to lead into your thesis statement. You might refer to a commonly held idea about the text and show how your thesis will contradict it, or zoom in on a particular device you intend to focus on.

Then you can end with a brief indication of what’s coming up in the main body of the essay. This is called signposting. It will be more elaborate in longer essays, but in a short five-paragraph essay structure, it shouldn’t be more than one sentence.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

Some students prefer to write the introduction later in the process, and it’s not a bad idea. After all, you’ll have a clearer idea of the overall shape of your arguments once you’ve begun writing them!

If you do write the introduction first, you should still return to it later to make sure it lines up with what you ended up writing, and edit as necessary.

The body of your essay is everything between the introduction and conclusion. It contains your arguments and the textual evidence that supports them.

Paragraph structure

A typical structure for a high school literary analysis essay consists of five paragraphs : the three paragraphs of the body, plus the introduction and conclusion.

Each paragraph in the main body should focus on one topic. In the five-paragraph model, try to divide your argument into three main areas of analysis, all linked to your thesis. Don’t try to include everything you can think of to say about the text—only analysis that drives your argument.

In longer essays, the same principle applies on a broader scale. For example, you might have two or three sections in your main body, each with multiple paragraphs. Within these sections, you still want to begin new paragraphs at logical moments—a turn in the argument or the introduction of a new idea.

Robert’s first encounter with Gil-Martin suggests something of his sinister power. Robert feels “a sort of invisible power that drew me towards him.” He identifies the moment of their meeting as “the beginning of a series of adventures which has puzzled myself, and will puzzle the world when I am no more in it” (p. 89). Gil-Martin’s “invisible power” seems to be at work even at this distance from the moment described; before continuing the story, Robert feels compelled to anticipate at length what readers will make of his narrative after his approaching death. With this interjection, Hogg emphasizes the fatal influence Gil-Martin exercises from his first appearance.

Topic sentences

To keep your points focused, it’s important to use a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence allows a reader to see at a glance what the paragraph is about. It can introduce a new line of argument and connect or contrast it with the previous paragraph. Transition words like “however” or “moreover” are useful for creating smooth transitions:

… The story’s focus, therefore, is not upon the divine revelation that may be waiting beyond the door, but upon the mundane process of aging undergone by the man as he waits.

Nevertheless, the “radiance” that appears to stream from the door is typically treated as religious symbolism.

This topic sentence signals that the paragraph will address the question of religious symbolism, while the linking word “nevertheless” points out a contrast with the previous paragraph’s conclusion.

Using textual evidence

A key part of literary analysis is backing up your arguments with relevant evidence from the text. This involves introducing quotes from the text and explaining their significance to your point.

It’s important to contextualize quotes and explain why you’re using them; they should be properly introduced and analyzed, not treated as self-explanatory:

It isn’t always necessary to use a quote. Quoting is useful when you’re discussing the author’s language, but sometimes you’ll have to refer to plot points or structural elements that can’t be captured in a short quote.

In these cases, it’s more appropriate to paraphrase or summarize parts of the text—that is, to describe the relevant part in your own words:

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

The conclusion of your analysis shouldn’t introduce any new quotations or arguments. Instead, it’s about wrapping up the essay. Here, you summarize your key points and try to emphasize their significance to the reader.

A good way to approach this is to briefly summarize your key arguments, and then stress the conclusion they’ve led you to, highlighting the new perspective your thesis provides on the text as a whole:

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, August 14). How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide. Scribbr. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/literary-analysis/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, how to write a narrative essay | example & tips, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

• How-To Guides

How To Write A Myth in 16 Steps With Examples

Have you ever wondered how ancient myths and legends were created? Fancied having a go at writing your own tall tale? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll be walking through a simple 16-step process to teach you exactly how to write a myth from start to finish. From deciding on your mythological characters and settings to plotting your story arc and bringing it all to life with feedback and editing – we’ve got you covered. So if you’re ready to unleash your inner Homer or Aesop and try crafting your own mythical masterpiece, read on for a fun, easy-to-follow guide on how to write a myth that would make the ancient storytellers proud!

Types of Myths

Myths vs. legends, examples of famous myths, step 1: think of a theme, step 2: decide on the moral, step 3: incorporate symbolic elements, step 4: idea summary, step 5: character development, step 6: setting development, step 7: define the conflict, step 8: outline the beginning, step 9: plan the resolution, step 10: develop a plot outline, step 11: write the first draft, step 12: choose a title, step 13: edit and revise, step 14: seek feedback, step 15: final edit, step 16: publish and share, how do i write my own myth, what are the 5 elements of a myth, what is an example of a myth, how do myths start.

• What is an example of a kids' myth?

What is a Myth?

Myths are influential fictional stories that have been passed down for generations across different cultures. They have had enduring appeal as they often explore timeless themes about human existence – from birth and love to conflict and death. Myths also offer explanations about our world – why the sun rises, how different languages originated, and what happens after death.

While myths are fictional rather than factual accounts, for ancient civilizations they represented a reality grounded in their unique cultural contexts and belief systems. Myths helped shape worldviews, values and customs within these societies. Modern society may classify myths as fantasy , fairytales or legends but their imaginative power and symbolic meaning still resonates.

The fantastical elements in myths like all-powerful gods, mystical quests or monstrous beings capture our imagination. Talking animals and shape-shifting tricksters teach us moral lessons. Heroes overcoming epic trials represent the universal theme of the underdog defeating mighty opponents against the odds. Myths reveal both human flaws and virtues – jealousy and deception but also courage, ambition and redemption.

So myths continue to have significance and value. Their timeless quality means they can be reinterpreted to explore modern challenges – from ethical issues posed by technology to current social dynamics about gender and race. Myths also inspire contemporary pop culture through comic book heroes on quests to computer games built around mythic themes and imagery. Their metaphorical style adds depth to any form of storytelling across genres and mediums.

Myths come in many forms, serving distinct purposes across cultures and eras. Though myths may intertwine multiple elements, some main categories include:

• Creation Myths : Explain the origins of the universe, Earth, and humanity. They often involve gods, goddesses, or supernatural beings.
• Heroic Myths: Focus on the adventures and exploits of heroic figures. These myths often follow a hero’s journey , involving challenges, trials, and a transformation.
• Trickster Myths: Feature characters who are clever, mischievous, and often disrupt the natural order of things. The trickster figure challenges societal norms and brings about change.
• Etiological Myths: Explain the origins of customs, traditions, or natural features. These myths provide cultural explanations for certain practices or phenomena.
• Cosmogonic Myths: Similar to creation myths, cosmogonic myths address the origin and order of the cosmos, including the relationships between various celestial bodies.
• Didactic Myths: Also known as folktales or fables. Convey moral lessons or teachings. These myths often involve characters facing moral dilemmas and making choices that lead to consequences.
• Afterlife Myths: Explore beliefs about what happens after death. They may describe different realms, deities, or rituals associated with the afterlife.
• Eschatological myths: Focus on endings/destruction. Like flood or rapture myths depicting world catastrophes.
• Apocalyptic Myths: Envision the end of the world or a significant transformation of the existing order. They often involve prophecies, divine judgments, or catastrophic events.
• Liminal Myths: Focus on transitions or thresholds, such as rites of passage, initiation ceremonies, or rituals marking significant life changes.
• Ancestral Myths: Explain the origins of a particular people, tribe, or community. These myths often involve the creation of the first humans or the founding of a civilization.
• Deification Myths: Describe how certain individuals or beings become gods or achieve divine status. This may involve heroic deeds, ascension, or divine intervention.

This list covers some of the major types of myths recorded from civilizations worldwide based on their central themes and messages. The great diversity illustrates myth’s enduring capacity to both explain and explore the human condition in creative ways that still influence how we tell stories today across artistic mediums.

Myths and Legends share similarities in being tales passed down over generations that take on symbolic meaning. However, they have some distinct differences:

• Origins : Myths trace back to ancient oral storytelling traditions grounded in religion /spirituality. Legends originate from perceived historical events and may incorporate real people or places.
• Timeframes : Myths are set in ancient, timeless settings like the beginnings of Earth or humanity. Legends occur in knowable eras of antiquity but details remain unreliable or obscure.
• Characters : Myths utilize archetypal non-human characters like all-powerful gods, magical beasts or the forces of nature in human form. Legends may feature heroic human characters accomplishing exaggerated feats.
• Believability : Ancient societies often took myths as literal explanations of divine truths. Legends blur fact and fiction but don’t demand faith in the same way religious myths did.
• Functions : Myths cemented ideological belief systems and helped impart cultural values. Legends tend to inspire national/community pride in past heroes and events.

In essence, the distinction depends on whether supernatural, sacred narratives of myths give way to more grounded tales of extraordinary mortal exploits in legends.

There’s certainly overlap – legends borrow mythic tropes while myths may incorporate historical elements. But generally, myths emerge from faith and legends from memories of remarkable deeds. Evaluating the context and purpose behind fantastical tales illuminates how they spread and the significance they held.

Mythology has spawned countless captivating tales across ancient cultures that remain influential. Here are a few iconic myths and their significance:

• Icarus and Daedalus: In a Greek myth, there’s a skilled builder named Daedalus. He and his son, Icarus, were stuck on an island called Crete. To escape, Daedalus created wings using feathers and wax. He warned Icarus not to fly too high or too low. Excited, Icarus flew too close to the sun. The sun melted the wax on his wings, and he fell into the ocean and drowned. This story teaches us about the dangers of being overly ambitious without thinking. It also represents how humans strive for greatness and creativity.
• Thor vs the Midgard Serpent : In a Norse myth, there’s a big battle between Thor, the thunder god, and the enormous serpent called Jörmungandr. This happens before Ragnarök, a big event where the gods and the world are supposed to be destroyed. Thor goes fishing for the serpent using an ox-head as bait. He hooks the massive serpent, but even with his powerful belt and gloves, he can’t beat it before the line breaks, and he gets thrown backwards. This myth shows the constant struggle between opposing forces in the world, and how they balance each other through their fights for control.
• Pandora’s Box: In an ancient Greek story, there’s a woman named Pandora. The gods made her very beautiful and charming. She came with a sealed jar, and she was told not to open it. But Pandora couldn’t resist her curiosity and opened the jar. This let out all kinds of troubles like sorrow, sickness, and plague, which then affected people forever. The only thing left inside the jar was hope. This story tells us that even when faced with difficulties, people can still keep going with hope.
• The Buddha: In a story from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, there’s a prince named Siddhartha Gautama who later becomes the Buddha, which means the Awakened One. He leaves behind his comfortable life as a prince, including his wife and son, after seeing how much suffering exists in the world. He goes on a spiritual journey for many years, trying extreme ways to find enlightenment. After a simple meal, he sits under a tree and enters deep meditation. During this time, a demon named Mara tries to distract him with desires and fears, but the Buddha remains focused. He reaches a state called nirvana, gaining profound insights. The teachings of Buddhism come from these insights, suggesting that letting go of material desires and fixed ideas can free people from worldly sorrows. This myth shows that humans can transcend difficulties and reach a state of enlightenment.
• Hercules (Heracles): From Greek mythology Hercules, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Alcmena, faced a series of challenges known as the Twelve Labors as a punishment for a crime committed in a fit of madness. One of these labours was to clean the Augean stables, which housed an immense number of cattle and had not been cleaned for years. It seemed like an impossible task. Hercules, known for his strength, devised a clever plan. He redirected the rivers Alpheus and Peneus to flow through the stables, cleaning them in a single day. Despite his initial disbelief, King Augeas, who owned the stables, refused to honour his agreement to reward Hercules. This myth illustrates Hercules’ wit and problem-solving skills, showcasing that strength alone is not always the solution. It also highlights the theme of justice as Hercules faced an unfair situation and ultimately demonstrated his capabilities through intelligence and resourcefulness.

These represent just snippets of legendary tales full of symbolic details that have endured for millennia. They remind us of myth’s storytelling power – using fantasy and imagination to probe poignant universals that still compel audiences today.

How To Write A Myth in 16 Steps

Myths have charmed readers for millennia thanks to their imaginative worlds and timeless themes. If you want to join the ranks of storytellers like Homer, the Brothers Grimm, and J.R.R Tolkien, follow these 16 simple steps to learn how to write a myth:

Choosing a theme is the foundational step in crafting a myth. It involves selecting a fundamental concept, value, or message that will serve as the core focus of your narrative. Themes can range from love and courage to justice or any other overarching idea. This choice not only provides direction to your tale but also shapes the underlying philosophy that will resonate with your audience. Consider what profound concept you want to explore and what moral or lesson might emerge from it.

You might want to take a look at our collection of myth ideas for some inspiration on possible themes for your own myth.

Here is a list of common themes found in myths:

• Courage: Exploring the inner strength needed to face adversity and overcome fears.
• Love and Sacrifice: I nvestigating the transformative power of love and the sacrifices one might make for it.
• Justice and Redemption: Delving into the pursuit of justice and the possibility of redemption, even in the face of past mistakes.
• Wisdom and Knowledge: Uncovering the value of wisdom, knowledge, and the pursuit of understanding.
• Fate and Free Will: Examining the interplay between destiny and the choices individuals make, challenging the concept of fate.
• Friendship and Loyalty: Exploring the bonds of friendship and loyalty, and the challenges faced in maintaining them.
• Nature and Balance: Reflecting on the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of maintaining balance in the world.
• Perseverance and Resilience: Illustrating the power of persistence and resilience in the face of trials and tribulations.
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Focusing on the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation, exploring the healing power of letting go.
• Self-Discovery and Identity: Following characters on a journey of self-discovery, exploring questions of identity and purpose.
• Hope and Despair: Investigating the contrast between hope and despair, and the transformative impact of hope in challenging situations.
• Duty and Honour: Examining the concepts of duty and honour, and the conflicts that may arise when these principles are tested.

These themes provide a starting point for beginners, offering broad and profound concepts that can be explored in various ways within the structure of a myth. As a beginner, choose a theme that resonates with you and sparks your imagination. Remember, the theme is the soul of your myth, anchoring it with a deeper purpose beyond the surface narrative.

If your theme is “Courage,” your myth might revolve around characters facing daunting challenges and finding inner strength to overcome them. The theme of courage can be expressed through the characters’ actions, decisions, and personal growth throughout the mythic journey.

Once you’ve identified the theme of your myth, the next crucial step is to determine the moral or lesson you want your audience to take away from the narrative. The moral is the guiding principle or truth about living a good life that aligns with your chosen theme. This element gives depth and purpose to your myth, as it imparts meaning beyond the surface storyline.

Here are some key elements to consider in this step:

• Alignment with Theme: Ensure that the chosen moral resonates with and complements the theme you’ve selected. It should be a natural extension of the theme, reinforcing the central concept.
• Universal Applicability: Aim for a moral that possesses universal appeal, allowing readers to relate to and find personal relevance in the lessons imparted by your myth.
• Character Transformation: Consider how the moral will contribute to the transformation of your protagonist. The mythic journey often involves personal growth, and the moral serves as a compass guiding this transformation.

Deciding on the moral is crucial because it gives your myth a purpose beyond entertainment. It elevates the narrative to a realm of meaningful storytelling, allowing readers to connect with the characters and events on a deeper level. The moral provides a guiding light, shaping the overall message you wish to convey and leaving a lasting impact on those who engage with your myth.

Example:  

If your theme is “Courage,” your moral might be centred around the idea that true courage is found not in the absence of fear but in the face of it. This moral aligns with the theme and encourages readers to reflect on the nature of courage in their own lives.

Once you’ve established the theme and decided on the moral, the next step involves weaving symbolic elements into your myth. These elements can take various forms, including items, characters, colours, numbers, and more. Symbolism adds depth and layers of meaning to your story, enhancing its richness and reinforcing the themes and messages you wish to convey.

• Relevance to Theme and Moral: Ensure that the symbolic elements chosen are relevant to the theme and moral of your myth. They should enhance the narrative rather than feel forced or arbitrary.
• Metaphorical Representation: Symbolic elements often carry metaphorical meaning. Consider how they can represent deeper concepts, emotions, or aspects of the human experience.
• Consistency and Coherence: Maintain consistency in the use of symbolism throughout your myth. Symbolic elements should contribute to the overall narrative rather than feeling disjointed.
• Reader Engagement: Allow room for reader engagement with the symbolism. Some elements may be more clear, while others might be subtle, encouraging readers to interpret and discover meanings on their own.

Incorporating symbolic elements adds layers of meaning to your myth, making it a more immersive and thought-provoking experience for readers. Symbols have the power to evoke emotions, create connections between elements in the story, and reinforce the overarching themes. Well-executed symbolism enhances the myth’s impact, allowing readers to explore deeper levels of interpretation and engage with the narrative on a more profound level.

Example: 

For the theme of courage, you might incorporate a symbolic element like a Phoenix feather. The Phoenix, known for its mythical rebirth from its ashes, becomes a symbol of resilience and the ability to rise anew despite challenges. The feather, handed down through generations, represents the legacy of courage within a family or community. As characters face daunting trials, the presence of the Phoenix feather serves as a reminder that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the determination to confront and overcome it, emerging stronger on the other side. In this way, the Phoenix feather becomes a metaphorical representation of the theme, adding layers of meaning to the narrative and reinforcing the message about the nature of courage.

After establishing the theme, deciding on the moral, and incorporating symbolic elements, it’s time to create a concise idea summary for your myth. This summary serves as a condensed version of your myth, outlining the basic premise, main characters, central conflict, supernatural aspects, and the moral message in a paragraph or two.

• Protagonist and Basic Arc: Introduce the main character (or characters) and briefly outline their journey or character arc. What challenges do they face, and how do they evolve throughout the myth?
• Main Conflict: Identify the central conflict that drives the narrative forward. Is it a moral dilemma, a battle against dark forces, or a quest for self-discovery?
• Supernatural Aspects: If your myth involves supernatural or fantastical elements (common in many myths), provide a glimpse of these aspects. This could include gods, magical creatures, or enchanted objects.
• Moral Message: Summarize the moral or lesson that readers should take away from your myth. How does the protagonist’s journey and the resolution contribute to this message?

The idea summary serves as a roadmap for your myth, providing a clear and concise overview of its key elements. It acts as a guide for the subsequent steps, ensuring that your narrative remains focused on its core themes and messages. Additionally, having a well-defined idea summary can be a valuable tool for pitching or sharing your myth with others.

Aria, a young girl from the mystical land of Eldoria, finds an ancient prophecy about a looming darkness that will consume the world. She is chosen by the gods to stop it, armed with a Phoenix feather inherited from her ancestors. Along her perilous quest, she encounters mythical creatures and faces moral dilemmas that test her courage. She learns that courage is not the lack of fear, but the will to act despite it. In the final showdown, she faces the source of the darkness, a monstrous entity that feeds on fear. She musters all her courage and stabs the Phoenix feather into its core willing to sacrifice herself, triggering a massive blast of light and heat. The darkness is burned away, and the land is restored to its natural beauty.  She realizes that the Phoenix feather symbolizes courage, a powerful force that can overcome any evil.

Character development is a crucial aspect of crafting a compelling myth. In this step, you’ll outline your characters, delving into their backgrounds, motivations, flaws, and the growth they undergo throughout the mythic journey.

Here are the key components of developing characters:

• Protagonist : Introduce your main character—the protagonist—who will navigate the challenges of the myth. What makes them unique? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
• Backstories : Provide backgrounds for your characters. What events or experiences have shaped them into who they are at the beginning of the myth?
• Motivations : Explore the motivations driving your characters. What do they desire, fear, or hope to achieve? Motivations often propel characters forward in the face of adversity.
• Flaws : Characters with flaws are relatable and dynamic. What imperfections or internal struggles do your characters grapple with? How do these flaws contribute to their arcs?
• Character Arc : Consider how the challenges and trials of the myth will lead to the growth and transformation of your characters. What lessons will they learn, and how will they evolve?
• Supporting Characters: You should also consider introducing supporting characters who complement and challenge the protagonist. These characters can provide additional layers to the narrative and contribute to the growth of the protagonist.

Well-developed characters contribute to the emotional appeal of your myth. Readers connect with characters who feel real and undergo meaningful transformations. Character development adds depth, authenticity, and relatability to your narrative, making the myth more engaging and impactful.

• Aria is a young and determined girl from Eldoria. 
• Background: Her background reveals a lineage of courageous ancestors, instilling in her a sense of responsibility. 
• Weakness: Aria struggles with self-doubt and the fear of not living up to her family’s legacy. 
• Motivation : Her motivation stems from a deep desire to prove her courage and protect Eldoria from the impending darkness.
• Character Arc: As Aria faces mythical creatures and moral dilemmas, her flaws become apparent. She must confront her self-doubt and overcome her fear, learning that courage is not about being fearless but about acting despite fear. Through the challenges, Aria experiences significant character growth. By the end of the myth, she emerges as a resilient and self-assured individual, having discovered the true meaning of courage.
• Cyrus, a wise elder and mentor, becomes a pivotal supporting character in Aria’s journey. 
• Background: With a mysterious past tied to ancient prophecies, Cyrus possesses knowledge crucial to Eldoria’s survival. 
• Motivation: His motivations are rooted in a deep sense of duty to guide and protect the realm. 
• Weakness: Despite his wisdom, Cyrus grapples with a past mistake that haunts him, serving as a reminder that even the wise have imperfections.
• Character Arc: Throughout the myth, Cyrus serves as both guide and challenge to Aria. He imparts valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of all things. As Aria faces the trials ahead, Cyrus’s guidance becomes instrumental in her growth. In turn, Aria’s courage inspires Cyrus to confront his own lingering fears.

Setting development is the process of creating and detailing the world in which your myth unfolds. The setting encompasses not only the physical locations but also the cultural, historical, and magical elements that contribute to the overall atmosphere of the narrative.

Here are the key elements for this step:

• Primary Setting: Define the primary location or realm where the events of your myth take place. Is it a fantastical land, an ancient city, or a mythical kingdom? Consider the geography, climate, weather patterns , and overall ambience.
• Crucial Locations: Identify specific locations within the primary setting that play a key role in the narrative. These could be sacred sites, enchanted forests, mythical caves, or significant landmarks.
• Cultural Elements: Explore the cultural aspects of your setting. What beliefs, traditions, and customs shape the characters’ lives? Cultural elements add depth and authenticity to the world you’re creating.
• Historical Backstory: Develop a historical backstory for your setting. What events have shaped the world, and how do they influence the characters and conflicts in the present? A rich history can enhance the myth’s sense of depth.
• Magical Aspects: If your myth involves magic or supernatural elements, detail how these aspects manifest in the setting. Are there magical creatures, artefacts, or ley lines that influence the characters’ journeys?

Setting development establishes the backdrop against which your characters’ journeys unfold. A well-crafted setting immerses readers in the world of your myth, making it more striking and captivating. Additionally, the setting can influence the characters’ beliefs and actions, contributing to the overall atmosphere and thematic appeal of the narrative.

Eldoria, the mystical land in which our myth unfolds, is a realm steeped in magic and ancient prophecies. The primary setting consists of diverse landscapes, from sprawling enchanted forests to majestic mountain ranges. Eldoria is governed by the principles of balance, with natural forces and magical energies interwoven into the fabric of everyday life. Crucial locations include the Sacred Grove, where prophecies are whispered by ancient trees, and the Luminous Falls, a source of magical energy that sustains the land. The cultural elements of Eldoria centre around a deep reverence for nature and a belief in the interconnectedness of all living things. Eldorians celebrate seasonal festivals that honour the cycles of nature. The historical backstory reveals a time when Eldoria faced a similar threat of darkness, and a legendary hero emerged to restore balance. This hero’s legacy echoes through the ages, influencing the characters’ beliefs and motivations. Magical aspects include mythical creatures like the ethereal Moonlight Stags and the elusive Starlight Foxes, both guardians of ancient secrets.

In Step 7, you will define the central conflict that drives the narrative of your myth. The conflict is the driving force that moves the characters forward, creating tension, drama, and opportunities for growth. This step involves determining what challenges, obstacles, or moral dilemmas your characters will face as they embark on their mythic journey.

Here are the key elements of defining the conflict:

• Nature of the Conflict: Clearly state the central conflict that forms the core of your myth. Is it a physical threat, a moral dilemma, an internal struggle, or a combination of these elements? Define what the characters are up against.
• Stakes: Outline the stakes involved in the conflict. What is at risk if the characters fail to overcome the challenges they face? Stakes add urgency and significance to the narrative.
• Antagonistic Forces: Identify the antagonistic forces that oppose the protagonist. These could be external entities, internal struggles, or even the consequences of their own choices. Antagonistic forces create opposition and obstacles.
• Moral Complexity: If your conflict involves moral dilemmas, explore the ethical complexities surrounding the choices your characters must make. This adds depth and nuance to the narrative.

The conflict is the driving force behind your myth, shaping the characters’ journeys and providing a narrative arc. A well-defined conflict creates suspense, engages readers emotionally, and sets the stage for the characters’ growth and transformation. It establishes the challenges that must be overcome, making the myth compelling and resonant.

• Self-Doubt: Aria doubts her magical abilities, fearing that she lacks the strength to combat the darkness. This self-doubt hinders her from fully embracing her role as the chosen one.
• Moral Dilemmas: Aria encounters a village torn between two factions, each seeking her assistance. The moral dilemma forces her to choose between conflicting values, challenging her understanding of justice.
• Fear of Failure: Aria envisions the consequences of failing in her mission, haunted by the idea of Eldoria succumbing to eternal darkness. This fear propels her forward but also tests her resilience.
• Corrupted Mythical Creatures: Aria faces a once-gentle unicorn corrupted by the darkness. Overcoming the creature requires both physical combat and a demonstration of empathy to restore its purity.
• Monstrous Entity: The monstrous entity, fueled by fear, creates illusions that prey on Aria’s deepest fears. Overcoming this external threat demands Aria to confront her personal demons while battling the monster.
• Isolation: Aria finds herself alone in the eerie Whispering Woods, where shadows play tricks on the mind. The isolation intensifies her internal struggles and challenges her ability to trust her instincts.
• Environmental Hazards: Eldoria’s magical landscape shifts unpredictably, creating illusions and mirages. Aria must discern reality from illusion, adding an external layer of challenge to her journey.

In Step 8, you will outline the beginning scenes of your myth. This involves crafting the opening moments that introduce readers to the world, characters, and central conflict. The beginning sets the tone for the entire narrative, hooking readers and drawing them into the mythic journey.

Here are the key elements to consider:

• Introduction of the Protagonist: Establish the main character, providing essential details about their identity, background, and current situation. Create a connection between the protagonist and the readers.
• Introduction of the World: Describe the setting and the mystical elements of the world in which the myth takes place. Transport readers to a realm filled with magic, wonder, and potential challenges.
• Foreshadowing: Drop subtle hints or clues about the impending conflict or challenges the protagonist will face. Foreshadowing adds intrigue and anticipation, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the narrative.
• Establishing the Normal World: Present the protagonist’s everyday life before the call to adventure. This normal world provides a baseline against which readers can measure the transformative journey that lies ahead.
• Introduction of Key Elements: Introduce any key elements, symbols, or objects that will play a significant role in the myth. These elements may include magical artifacts, prophecies, or mythical creatures.

The beginning of the myth serves as the narrative’s foundation, establishing the characters, world, and conflict. A well-crafted beginning captivates readers, prompting them to invest emotionally in the protagonist’s journey. It also sets the stage for the transformation that will unfold as the myth progresses.

The myth begins with Aria, a young girl from Eldoria, going about her daily life in the quaint village of Lumara. The sun-dappled streets and the laughter of children provide a sense of the normal world. Aria is introduced as a relatable character, known for her kindness and curiosity. As Aria practices her magical abilities in a secluded grove, readers witness the first hint of foreshadowing—an ancient prophecy etched into the bark of an ancient tree. The words speak of a looming darkness and a chosen one who will stand against it. Aria, unaware of her destiny, continues her routine. The normal world is disrupted when mysterious shadows start encroaching on Eldoria. Aria witnesses the corruption of once-gentle creatures and feels an unexplained calling. The call to adventure begins as Aria discovers the Phoenix feather, a family heirloom that glows with newfound intensity. This sets the stage for her journey to confront the darkness and fulfil the prophecy.

In Step 9, you will plan the resolution of your myth. This step involves scripting the conclusion of the narrative, determining how the central conflict will be resolved, and outlining the fate of the characters. The resolution should bring closure to the story while imparting the moral lesson or universal truth you want readers to take away.

Here are the key elements of this step:

• Climax: Identify the highest point of tension in the story, often referred to as the climax. This is the moment of greatest conflict or confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonist.
• Resolution of the Central Conflict: Determine how the central conflict will be resolved. Will the protagonist succeed in overcoming the challenges, or will there be a tragic outcome? The resolution should align with the overarching theme of the myth.
• Character Arc Completion: Ensure that the resolution reflects the growth and transformation of the protagonist. Characters should undergo significant changes, learning important lessons or discovering newfound strengths.
• Impact on the World: Consider how the resolution will impact the world of the myth. Will there be a restoration of balance, a transformation of the realm, or a lasting change in the characters’ lives?
• Moral Message: Clarify the moral or universal truth that the resolution will convey. This is the lesson or insight that readers should take away from the mythic journey.

The resolution is the culmination of the mythic journey, providing a sense of closure and fulfilment. It is the moment where the themes, conflicts, and characters come together to deliver a powerful message. A well-planned resolution leaves a lasting impression on readers and reinforces the moral or universal truth embedded in the myth.

As Aria confronts the monstrous entity fueled by fear in the climactic showdown, the Phoenix feather becomes the key to the resolution. The entity, representing the embodiment of darkness, is relentless in its attempt to consume Aria’s courage. The climax unfolds as Aria, drawing strength from within, stabs the Phoenix feather into the entity’s core killing herself in the process. This courageous act triggers a blinding blast of light and intense heat, burning away the darkness that had threatened to engulf Eldoria. The world is restored to its natural beauty, and the once-corrupted mythical creatures regain their purity. Aria, however, is presumed dead in the aftermath. In a poignant twist, Aria’s soul emerges from the light, having absorbed the darkness into the Phoenix feather. Aria is transformed, now radiating with a brilliant glow like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Aria’s character arc is complete, as she learns that true courage involves self-sacrifice and that even the darkest aspects can be transformed into light. The resolution leaves a lasting impact on Eldoria, symbolizing the triumph of courage over fear. The realm is forever changed, and Aria’s sacrifice becomes a legendary tale told across generations.

In Step 10, you will develop a comprehensive plot outline for your myth. This involves mapping out the narrative structure, key events, and character developments from the beginning to the resolution. The plot outline serves as a roadmap, guiding your writing process and ensuring a coherent and engaging story.

Here are the key elements of outlining the plot:

• Hooking Opening: Craft an engaging opening that captures the readers’ attention and introduces the world of your myth. This could involve an intriguing event, a mysterious prophecy, or the introduction of a compelling character.
• Rising Action: Outline the series of events that build tension and propel the story forward. This includes challenges, conflicts, and discoveries that the protagonist faces on their journey.
• Climax: Identify the highest point of tension in the story, where the central conflict reaches its peak. The climax is a pivotal moment that often involves a confrontation between the protagonist and antagonist.
• Falling Action: Detail the events that follow the climax, showing the aftermath of the central conflict. This phase may include resolutions to secondary conflicts and the beginning of the resolution.
• Resolution: Script the conclusion of the narrative, bringing closure to the central conflict and showcasing the transformation of the characters and the world. The resolution should align with the overarching theme and moral message.

Developing a plot outline provides a structured framework for your myth, ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative. It helps you visualize the entire story, identify key beats, and maintain a sense of direction throughout the writing process. A well-crafted plot outline serves as a valuable tool for both planning and executing a compelling mythic journey.

• Aria discovers an ancient prophecy foretelling a darkness threatening Eldoria.
• Introduction of Aria’s normal world in Lumara, a village filled with magical beings.
• Aria finds the Phoenix feather, setting her on the path of the chosen one.
• Encounters corrupted mythical creatures and faces moral dilemmas.
• Discovers the nature of the darkness and her role in stopping it.
• Confrontation with the monstrous entity fueled by fear.
• Aria’s self-sacrifice with the Phoenix feather to burn away the darkness.
• Eldoria transforms as the darkness recedes.
• Reveal of Aria’s presumed death and the impact on the realm.
• Aria’s soul emerges, transformed into a radiant figure
• Symbolic restoration of Eldoria’s purity and balance.
• The Phoenix feather becomes a beacon of courage and hope.

In Step 11, you embark on the actual writing process, crafting the first draft of your myth. This step involves translating your plot outline, character developments, and key themes into the myth. The primary goal is to get the narrative flow down on paper without obsessing over perfection.

Here are some elements to consider during this step:

• Follow the Plot Outline: Refer to the plot outline you developed in Step 10 as a guide. While writing, allow for creative detours if they enhance the narrative, but ensure that the core structure remains intact.
• Establish the Tone: Set the tone of your myth through your writing style. Consider the atmosphere you want to create—whether it’s mysterious, adventurous, or poignant—and infuse your story with appropriate language and imagery.
• Character Voices: Give each character a distinct voice and personality. Their dialogue, actions, and internal thoughts should align with their individual traits and arcs.
• Show, Don’t Tell : Use descriptive language to evoke vivid imagery and engage readers’ senses. Show character emotions, the magic of the world, and the impact of key events rather than simply stating them.
• Build Atmosphere: Create a rich and immersive atmosphere that draws readers into the mythical realm. Pay attention to the details of settings, sounds, and even the cultural nuances that contribute to the world-building.
• Maintain Consistency: Ensure consistency in character traits, world-building details, and the overall tone of the myth. This consistency enhances the believability of the fictional world.
• Embrace Creativity: Allow your imagination to flourish. Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas or unexpected twists that may enhance the narrative. The first draft is an opportunity to discover the full potential of your myth.
• Focus on Narrative Flow: Prioritize the narrative flow over perfection. The goal is to convey the essence of the story, and you’ll have opportunities for refinement in later editing stages.

Writing the first draft is a crucial step in bringing your myth to life. It allows you to explore the narrative in its raw form, discovering variations, character depths, and unexpected turns. The first draft is a creative space where you can experiment, refine your voice, and build the foundation for subsequent editing and polishing stages. It’s an exciting phase that captures the essence of your mythic journey.

Dawn’s rosy fingers stretched across the clear morning sky as Aria awoke, brimming with excitement for the Solstice Fair. She leaned out the window, drinking in the crisp air as the village of Lumara began to stir. Golden light spilled over the cobblestone streets below while the mouth-watering aroma of sweet cakes and pies drifted from the bustling bakery next door. After washing and dressing hurriedly, Aria bounced downstairs where her mother was brewing hot honey-mint tea. She wolfed down a still-warm spice bun, listening with half an ear as her mother fussed over the handwoven shawls they would sell at their fabric stall. The thrill of the annual fair left no room in Aria’s 12-year-old mind to focus on such mundane matters though. The whole village seemed infected by the frenetic energy as Aria skippered down the main thoroughfare. Everywhere colorful banners and Lantern flowers garlanded the buildings in preparation for the legendary nights of feasting ahead. Weaving through the crowds, Aria felt as if the very air tingled with festive magic. Her steps slowed as she passed the looming stone wall shrouded in emerald ivy that marked the edge of the Twilight Grove which held far greater enchantment for Aria than any Solstice Fair. The wall enclosed a forest clearing that called to Aria in a way she had never been able to explain…

Choosing a title is a crucial step in the myth-writing process. The title serves as the first impression and a guiding beacon for readers, encapsulating the essence of your myth. It should be graphic, intriguing, and reflective of the themes or central elements of the story.

Here are some key elements to consider during this step:

• Reflect the Essence: The title should capture the core theme, message, or unique elements of your myth. It should give readers a glimpse into what makes your story special.
• Evoke Emotion or Curiosity: A compelling title evokes emotion or piques curiosity. It should make potential readers want to explore the mythical world you’ve crafted.
• Avoid Spoilers: While the title should provide insight, avoid giving away major plot twists or spoilers. Maintain an element of mystery to engage readers.
• Consider Symbolism: If there are symbolic elements, key objects, or motifs in your myth, consider incorporating them into the title. This adds depth and intrigue.
• Clarity and Simplicity: Ensure that the title is clear and not overly complex. Simplicity can be powerful, making it easier for readers to remember and relate to.
• Check for Availability: Before finalizing the title, check for its availability. Ensure that it’s not already in extensive use by other works to avoid confusion.

Choosing a title is important because it serves as a gateway for readers to enter your mythical world. A well-crafted title not only attracts attention but also sets the tone for the narrative. It becomes a concise representation of the myth’s identity, making it memorable and inviting. The title is the first step in creating a connection between your story and its audience, drawing them into the enchanting realm you’ve created.

• Embers of the Eternal Phoenix

The title emphasizes the enduring nature of the Phoenix, suggesting a timeless quality to the myth. The use of “Embers” hints at both the fiery aspect and the remnants of ancient magic. “Embers” also evokes a sense of warmth and sparks curiosity about the Phoenix’s eternal flame, inviting readers to explore the myth’s mystical journey. The title maintains a level of intrigue without revealing specific plot details, leaving room for discovery within the narrative. It is also clear and concise, making it easy to remember while conveying the myth’s focus on the eternal aspect of the Phoenix.

Editing and revising are integral steps in refining your myth, enhancing its overall quality, and ensuring that it resonates effectively with your audience. This step involves a thorough examination of the narrative, language, character development, and overall coherence.

Here are the key elements of editing and revising:

• Language Refinement: Scrutinize the language used in your myth. Look for opportunities to elevate descriptions, choose graphic words, and create a more immersive reading experience. Ensure clarity and coherence in your sentences.
• Tighten Pacing: Evaluate the pacing of your myth. Ensure that the narrative flows smoothly, building tension where needed and allowing moments of reflection or revelation. Trim unnecessary details or scenes that may slow down the pace.
• Character Motivations and Development: Revisit your characters. Ensure that their motivations are clear, their actions align with their personalities, and their development arcs are compelling. Characters should feel authentic and contribute meaningfully to the story.
• Emotional Beats: Enhance emotional beats within the story. Whether it’s moments of triumph, tragedy, or self-discovery, make sure these emotional points resonate with readers. Readers should feel connected to the characters and invested in their journeys.
• World-Building Consistency: Check for consistency in your world-building. Ensure that the rules of the mythical world are adhered to and that details about locations, magical elements, and cultural elements remain coherent.
• Address Plot Gaps: Identify any plot gaps or inconsistencies. Make sure that the sequence of events is logical, and that resolutions align with the established conflicts. Fill in any gaps in the narrative that may leave readers confused.
• Balance Descriptive and Action Scenes: Strike a balance between descriptive scenes that establish the atmosphere and action scenes that drive the plot forward. Too much description without progression can lead to pacing issues.
• Check for Redundancy: Eliminate redundant or repetitive elements. Ensure that each scene, character trait, or piece of information contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative.
• Consistent Tone: Maintain a consistent tone throughout your myth. Ensure that the mood and atmosphere align with the themes you want to convey. Consistency enhances the immersive experience for readers.
• Grammar and Syntax: Pay attention to grammar, syntax, and punctuation. Correct any errors to ensure a polished and professional presentation of your myth.

Editing and revising are crucial steps that transform your initial draft into a polished and compelling myth. This process allows you to refine the language, tighten the narrative, and address any inconsistencies or weaknesses in the storytelling. Effective editing ensures that your myth engages readers, conveys its themes effectively, and leaves a lasting impression. It is an opportunity to elevate your work to its fullest potential before sharing it with a wider audience.

• Original Sentence: “Aria, feeling the Phoenix feather pulse, bravely uttered words she didn’t know she had.”
• Revised Sentence: “Feeling the pulsating warmth of the Phoenix feather, Aria courageously spoke words she never knew resided within her.”

Seeking feedback is a crucial phase in the myth-writing process. It involves sharing your work with others, gathering diverse perspectives, and gaining insights that can help improve and refine your narrative. Constructive feedback provides valuable guidance for enhancing your myth before its finalization.

Here are some elements to consider in this step

• Selecting Trusted Readers: Choose individuals whose opinions you value and who can provide constructive criticism. This could include fellow writers, beta readers, or individuals with an interest in mythology and storytelling.
• Ask Specific Questions: When sharing your myth, provide specific questions or areas you would like feedback on. This helps readers focus their feedback and ensures you receive insights into the aspects that matter most to you.
• Remaining Open-Minded: Approach feedback with an open mind. Be open to various perspectives and consider how different suggestions align with your vision for the myth. Remember that feedback is a tool for improvement, not a directive for rewriting.
• Balancing Positive and Constructive Feedback: Acknowledge both positive aspects and areas that need improvement. Positive feedback highlights strengths, while constructive criticism points to areas for refinement. A balanced perspective helps you build on what works well while addressing weaknesses.
• Multiple Rounds of Feedback: Consider gathering feedback in multiple rounds. Initial feedback can focus on broad aspects like plot and character development, while subsequent rounds can delve into finer details such as language and pacing.
• Implementing Changes Thoughtfully: After receiving feedback, take time to reflect on the suggestions. Decide which recommendations align with your creative vision and make changes thoughtfully. Not all feedback needs to be incorporated, and retaining your unique voice is crucial.

Feedback is a vital tool for refining your myth and ensuring it resonates with your intended audience. Other perspectives can highlight blind spots, offer fresh insights, and identify areas that might need clarification or expansion. Constructive feedback is a collaborative process that contributes to the overall quality of your myth, making it a more compelling and engaging narrative. Embracing feedback is an essential aspect of growth as a writer and contributes to the success of your myth when shared with a broader audience.

When sharing your myth with a trusted reader, you might ask specific questions such as the following:

• Did the beginning of the story grab your attention? Why or why not?
• What part of the story did you find the most exciting or interesting?
• Did you feel like you got to know the characters well? Who was your favourite, and why?
• Were there any characters whose actions or feelings you didn’t understand?
• Did the story move at a good pace, or were there parts that felt too slow or too fast?
• What was your favourite part of the story?
• Did the central conflict drive the tension effectively, and was it resolved satisfactorily?
• Were there any parts of the story where you felt confused or wanted to know more?
• Could you picture the magical world in your mind? Were there things you found confusing?
• Did you feel like you understood how the magic worked in the story?
• Did the language used in the myth enhance the storytelling, or were there areas where it could be improved?
• Were the descriptions of settings, characters, and magical elements detailed enough?
• Did you feel emotionally connected to the characters and their journeys? Were there specific moments that stood out emotionally?
• What do you think the story was trying to teach or tell you?
• Were the symbolic elements effectively woven into the narrative, or were they confusing?
• Were there unexpected twists or surprises that you enjoyed?
• Did you find any parts of the plot predictable, and if so, did it impact your enjoyment of the story?
• What did you enjoy most about the myth?
• Is there anything you think could be improved or expanded upon?

The Final Edit is the penultimate step in the process of crafting your myth. During this phase, you focus on thorough polishing, ensuring that your narrative is finely tuned, error-free, and ready to captivate your audience. The Final Edit involves both a macro and micro-level examination of your myth, addressing broader structural elements as well as minute details.

Here are the key elements to consider during this step:

• Flow and Pacing: Ensure the overall flow of your myth is smooth and engaging. Check that each scene transitions seamlessly to the next, maintaining a cohesive narrative rhythm.
• Consistency: Verify that your story maintains consistency in character traits, world-building rules, and any established magical or mythic elements.
• Word Choice: Carefully choose words that enhance the mood, tone, and imagery of your myth. Replace any repetitive or weak language with more vibrant and graphic alternatives.
• Sentence Structure: Vary sentence lengths and structures to maintain reader interest. Ensure clarity and avoid overly complex or complicated sentences.
• Dialogue : Review and refine character dialogues, ensuring they align with each character’s personality and contribute to the plot. Dialogue should feel natural and authentic.
• Character Consistency: Double-check that characters’ actions, motivations, and growth align with their established traits and arcs.
• Visual Imagery: Enhance descriptive elements to vividly paint scenes and characters in the reader’s mind. Engage the senses through rich, immersive details.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Where possible, use descriptive language to “show” the reader what’s happening, rather than simply “telling” them.
• Emotional Connection: Amplify emotional moments by fine-tuning language and expressions. Ensure that readers can connect with the characters on an emotional level.
• Pacing of Emotional Beats: Confirm that emotional peaks and valleys are well-paced, allowing readers to experience a range of feelings throughout the myth.
• Spelling and Grammar : Conduct a meticulous review for spelling and grammatical errors. Consider using grammar-checking tools, but also manually inspect the text for issues that automated tools might miss.
• Consistent Style: Ensure consistency in writing style, whether it’s formal, casual, or a blend of both.
• Clarity: Verify that the narrative is clear and easily comprehensible. Address any areas where confusion might arise.
• Readability for the Intended Audience: Consider the age group or demographic your myth targets and adjust language and complexity accordingly.
• Consistent Theme Weaving: Confirm that the chosen theme is consistently woven throughout the narrative. Every aspect of the myth should contribute to reinforcing the central theme.
• Author’s Vision: Evaluate whether the final draft aligns with your initial vision for the myth. Ensure that your unique voice and storytelling style shine through.
• Reader’s Experience: Consider how the myth will be perceived by readers. Aim to create an immersive and satisfying experience.

The Final Edit is crucial for presenting a polished and professional myth to your audience. It elevates the overall quality of your storytelling, providing readers with a seamless and enjoyable reading experience. This step is the last opportunity to catch any lingering issues and ensure your myth is ready for publication. The Final Edit reflects your commitment to delivering a well-crafted and thoughtful narrative to your audience.

Sunlight crept over the forested peaks, casting its golden glow over the sleepy village of Lumara. Aria stirred slowly from a night filled with vivid dreams of soaring over emerald treetops. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, the scent of baking bread and sweet honey-mint tea beckoned from the kitchen below. After changing out of her nightclothes, Aria drifted downstairs where dawn’s light streamed through the open windows. Her mother, Rhea, was stoking the brick oven’s dying embers while a kettle whistled on the stove.  “Good morning, my little owl,” said Rhea. “Ready for some cinnamon spice buns?” Aria seated herself at the hand-carved oak table as Rhea placed a hot mug of fragrant tea and two gooey pastries before her. Famished after her nighttime adventures in the dreaming world, Aria wasted no time devouring her treat. As she licked sticky cinnamon from her fingers, thoughts turned to the annual Solstice Fair which would flood Lumara with visitors and magic unlike any other day. “This year the fair will be more wondrous than ever before,” said Rhea, interrupting Aria’s delicious daydreams. There was joy but also solemnity in her mother’s voice which puzzled Aria. But before she could question it, a knock sounded at the front door…

Step 16 is the completion of your journey as a myth creator — it’s the moment you share your crafted tale with the world. This step involves taking the necessary actions to publish your myth, making it accessible to your intended audience. Here’s a breakdown of the key components within this step:

Here are the elements to consider:

• Choose Your Publishing Platform: Decide where and how you want to publish your myth. Options include traditional publishing through literary agents and publishers, or self-publishing through online platforms like Amazon Kindle or other e-book distributors. If you prefer a physical copy, consider print-on-demand services.
• Formatting and Presentation: Ensure your myth is formatted appropriately for the chosen publishing platform. Pay attention to font styles, page layouts, and any illustrations or images you plan to include. A polished and professional presentation enhances the reader’s experience.
• Cover Design: Create an eye-catching and relevant cover design. The cover is often the first thing potential readers notice, so it should reflect the essence of your myth and entice them to explore further. If you’re not artistically inclined, consider hiring a professional cover designer.
• Metadata and Descriptions: Craft compelling metadata and descriptions for your myth. This includes a concise and engaging book description, relevant keywords, and categories. This information is crucial for attracting the right audience and improving the discoverability of your myth.
• Distribution Channels: Decide whether you want to make your myth available exclusively on a single platform or distribute it widely across multiple channels. Each distribution choice has its advantages and considerations, so weigh them based on your goals.
• Marketing and Promotion: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your myth. Utilize social media, author websites, book blogs, and other platforms to build anticipation and reach potential readers. Consider offering promotional discounts or free giveaways to generate initial interest.
• Author Platform: If you haven’t already, establish an author platform. This could be a personal website, social media profiles, or an author page on platforms like Goodreads. An author platform helps you connect with readers and build a community around your work.
• Engage with Readers: Actively engage with readers who discover and read your myth. Respond to reviews, participate in discussions, and consider organizing virtual or local events. Building a connection with your audience can foster a loyal readership.
• Feedback and Iteration: Remain open to feedback from readers. Use constructive criticism to improve your future works and consider releasing updated editions of your myth based on valuable insights.
• Legal Considerations: Be aware of any legal considerations related to publishing, especially if you choose to use traditional publishing contracts or self-publishing platforms. Understand copyright, licensing, and any contractual agreements.
• Celebrate Your Achievement: Take a moment to celebrate the completion and publication of your myth. Whether it’s a personal accomplishment or the beginning of a larger writing career, acknowledge the effort and creativity you poured into your work.

Publishing and sharing your myth marks the end of your creative endeavour. This step transforms your narrative from a personal project to a piece of art meant to be experienced by others. Sharing your myth with the world allows you to connect with readers, receive feedback, and contribute to the rich tapestry of storytelling. Whether you aim for a wide readership or a niche audience, publishing and sharing are essential steps in the lifecycle of your myth.

Following this straightforward process on how to write a myth will have you conjuring up incredible lands and beloved characters in no time. Soon you’ll be weaving magical narratives that speak to universal truths and capture imaginations for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions 

If you want to try your hand at crafting an epic mythic tale, the good news is getting started is straightforward. While myths often deal with grand themes tied to a culture’s cosmology, at their core they relate compelling narratives about universal struggles facing heroes and gods.

The first step is to decide on the core concept or message you want to explore through allegory. Think of timeless ideas surrounding morality, the meaning of life, good vs evil. Themes of love, courage, justice, and temptation are mythic staples.

Next, build your wondrous setting and characters who will bring everything to life. Unleash your creativity when conceiving locations, magical elements, immortal beings and the hero’s adventure. Traditionally myths incorporate fantasy tropes like enchanted weapons, supernatural transformations and talking animals.

Outline the sequence of events from the Call to Adventure trigger that disrupts the known world to the climatic showdown. Follow conventions from famous myth cycles but put your unique spin to surprise audiences. Monitor the pace so stakes escalate as the tale builds to an epic showdown settling conflicts in a satisfying way.

While crafting memorable dialogue and vivid imagery, focus on imparting the moral perspective intended to guide mortals. Let symbolic motifs reinforce your themes of choice. Execute revisions until you have a tight, well-structured myth for the ages! Share printed or online and enjoy as readers lose themselves in this new compelling mini-universe.

Myths across cultures and time periods tend to share certain essential ingredients that capture the imagination. If you want to write a compelling mythic tale, make sure to incorporate these 5 essential elements:

• Supernatural Beings: Myths typically feature immortal gods, goddesses, magical creatures or humans with extraordinary abilities as characters. Their supernatural feats provide that sense of awe and wonder.
• Universal Themes: Fundamental, timeless concepts like love, courage, temptation, jealousy or the battle of good vs evil form the thematic backbone that gives myths appeal.
• Symbolic Elements: Metaphors and motifs like special objects, numbers, colours or seasons litter mythic narratives, representing abstract ideas related to their universal themes.
• Moral Lesson: A teaching or worldview on how mortals can live just, meaningful lives tend to be imparted. Myths establish cultural values.
• Heroic Journeys: The protagonist tends to embark on an adventurous quest or perilous journey of self-discovery that transforms them, allowing them to conquer whatever threatens their world.

By incorporating all these ingredients, you’ll craft a myth capable of enduring for generations as great iconic stories regularly do. So unleash your imagination and get writing!

One famous mythic tale which contains quintessential ingredients from across cultures is the ancient Greek story of Icarus and Daedalus. It features hubris, suspense, sorrow and a moral warning.

The tale goes that skilled inventor Daedalus fashioned wings made of feathers and wax for himself and his son Icarus to escape imprisonment, warning Icarus not to fly too close to the sun. But filled with exhilaration soaring above the azure sea, Icarus ignored his father’s warning and soared higher towards the sun’s warmth. The heat soon melted the wax binding his wings, and young Icarus plunged into the sea where he drowned.

The myth of Icarus incorporates gods, as the imprisonment was by King Minos to punish Daedalus for helping Minos’ wife give birth to the minotaur. It demonstrates man’s temptation to defy the gods and overreach. Beyond just entertainment, it imparts a moral about respecting limits placed on mortals. And it serves as an allegory for hubris or excessive pride leading to downfall.

With its familial love, suspense, tragedy and ominous warning, the legend of Icarus’ doomed flight remains impactful centuries later. All key traits of an unforgettable myth!

Myths take root in civilizations seeking to make sense of the mysteries of nature, life and death. So myths often originate as imaginative explanations of phenomena like storms, illness or conflict that frighten or confuse early humans lacking science.

Gods representing natural forces like thunder, the moon, fertility or the seas feature in nascent creation myths constructed to bring order through storytelling. Likewise, myths emerge accounting for the genesis of mankind and the cosmos featuring supernatural machinations. pantheons of gods, titans clashing or primordial cosmic eggs hatching all aim to elucidate existence.

Myths also arise from ancestors weaving fantastical histories that provide shared identity. Hence national epics like the Hindu Mahabharata or Anglo-Saxon legend Beowulf offer early tribes and dynasties storied lineage and famous deeds to rally around. Veritable characters gain superhuman qualities over centuries of oral retelling before being penned.

Often myths encode guidelines for living through the actions of deities, spirits, heroes and villains. Moral perspectives thus enter the collective consciousness. By dramatizing consequences for vice and virtues myths solidify proper codes of conduct around hospitality, war, infidelity etc.

So while methods differ, mythology always starts with imagination conjuring worlds that resonate enough to endure across generations. The rest is persistent retelling until myths become a tradition.

What is an example of a kids’ myth?

A delightful myth perfect for children is the story of the race between the tortoise and the hare. It’s a fable similar to Aesop’s animal tales, imparting a lesson in a child-friendly way that’s easy to grasp.

As the title suggests, a humble hard-shelled tortoise and an arrogant speedy hare have a contest to settle who’s faster. When they decide to race to a tree and back, the hare sprints ahead swiftly and then lies down napping certain she has won. But steady and determined, the tortoise passes the sleeping hare close to the tree to win while the hare awakes shocked learning a lesson in humility.

The simple story of the race incorporates fun personified animals children adore. It also has suspense – who will triumph? Children can absorb the moral of resilient perseverance defeating complacency or arrogance. And the visualization of a plodding tortoise improbably overtaking the speedy hare stays etched in memories.

So like the best children’s myths, “The Tortoise and the Hare” wraps the fundamental lesson of not underestimating others within an entertaining tale of a sporting rivalry that upset kids find uproariously satisfying. An enduring cautionary myth passed through generations.

We’ve covered the essential ingredients that go into crafting a memorable myth, from incorporating supernatural elements, symbols and heroic arcs to imparting profound themes or cultural values in imaginative ways. Now over to you aspiring myth-makers!

Whether you create a fantastical origin story for your favourite childhood toy or write a tragic saga extolling the virtues of perseverance like the tortoise fable, embrace your boundless creativity. As this guide on how to write a myth has shown, compelling mythology can emerge from any inspiring spark. Once you have brought your new addition to mythology to life through tireless writing and revision, share your remarkable tales far and wide.

Now, we want to hear from you! Have you embarked on your mythical odyssey, or are you inspired to begin one? Share your thoughts, ideas, or questions in the comments below.

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

Related Posts

Comments loading...