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Narrative Essay Outline: Complete Guide

Sophie Lane

A well-structured narrative essay outline is the cornerstone of compelling storytelling. This important resource gathers your ideas and guarantees a seamless sequencing of events while keeping the principal theme prominent. To turn their experiences into engaging stories, students and future authors need to perfect the craft of outlining.

Understanding Narrative Essays

A narrative essay, according to the Harvard University Press , narrates a tale, frequently from a specific point of view, and employs vivid details to draw the reader in.

This guide will walk you through creating an effective narrative essay outline, empowering you to bring your stories to life with clarity and purpose. An effective outline presents a path for your writing course and supports you in maneuvering through the detailed realm of personal stories. 

Benefits and Goals of Outlining

When you devote time to building an elaborate outline, you establish a base that backs your story and enables your imagination to thrive.

A well-constructed narrative essay outline guards against common pitfalls such as meandering plots, underdeveloped characters, and weak conclusions. As we delve into the intricacies of narrative essay outlines, you’ll discover how this powerful tool can transform your writing process, elevating your essays from mere retellings to immersive experiences that resonate with readers.

Elements of a Narrative Essay Outline

A comprehensive narrative essay outline typically includes the following components:

Introduction

The introduction of your narrative essay outline should accomplish three key objectives:

• Hook: Seize the reader’s focus by presenting a memorable hook that determines the Story’s atmosphere.
• Background information: Present the context for your narrative and offer readers important insights into the location and conditions.
• Thesis statement: Share the essential concept or goal of your story while revealing a hint of the main theme.

Body Paragraphs

The body of your narrative essay outline forms the core of your story. It should include:

• Setting: Spell out the location and period of your story to set the stage for the action.
• Characters: Present the essential participants in your account and their positions and links.
• Plot points: List the vital instances in order to achieve a connected sequence of actions.
• Conflict: Reveal the primary dilemma or adversity that pushes your story ahead.
• Rising action: Describe the developments leading to the peak moment while increasing tension and interest.
• Climax: Underline the significant snapshot or maximum tension in your tale.
• Falling action: Explain what transpires after the climax and illustrate the beginnings of a resolution.

The conclusion of your narrative essay outline should tie everything together:

• Resolution: Highlight the way in which the conflict was settled to finish the central plot.
• Reflection: Present the learning outcomes from the event to deepen your account.
• Final thoughts: Stay with the reader and strengthen the key concept of your piece.

Steps to Create Your Narrative Essay Outline

An effective narrative essay outline has a long list of steps. First, choose an attractive theme and clarify what your story is all about. Next, place the main events in order and create the parts for your characters to play. Structure your outline into three acts: Setup, confrontation, and resolution. Make the title of the main section a subheading and add details related to that section. Finally, go over your outline and make sure it reads well. This foundation will strengthen your narrative essay’s organization and include all your story’s interesting aspects.

Tips for a Stellar Narrative Essay Outline

To elevate your outline and, subsequently, your narrative essay, consider these tips:

Be specific: Insert lively details along with sensory features to energize your story. Employ rich language that captivates the reader’s imagination and fosters deeper immersion.

• Show, don’t tell: Instead of just listing statistics use rich language and conversation to depict incidents and feelings. With this strategy you assist readers in related to your story on a deeper level.
• Maintain focus: Make certain that every aspect of your plan backs your core idea. All elements in your narrative must add value to the main theme.
• Consider pacing: Equalize action with thought in your storytelling. Change the flow of your plot to keep the audience captivated, alternating bold events with moments of deep contemplation.
• Use transitions: Link ideas and events smoothly together. Transitions that are well designed preserve the rhythm of your narrative and direct readers along your journey.

Improve Your Draft Using Litero

Using Litero , an AI co-writer for students, can make the process of writing your narrative essay much easier. With its outline generator, clear instructions to get you started, AI content autosuggest to write loops, and source searching and easy citation tools, Litero can help enhance your writing experience. Its AI detector and ‘Humanizer’ aim to safeguard your unique voice and ensure your essay will read as human-written.

Litero can help you write essays faster and avoid writer’s block with these AI features. Research and citations are easier, as are writing with integrated Grammar and Plagiarism checkers and productivity with built-in ChatGPT. 

Developing Your Own Narrative

A well-structured narrative essay outline is the foundation of a compelling story. With the help of this guide and tools like Litero you will have the ability to develop captivating narratives that attract your readers. Litero may support the writing journey but your personal character and stories are what will animate your account.

First, gather your concepts and utilize the structure outlined to sort your ideas. As you develop your narrative essay outline, keep in mind the importance of vivid details, character development, and a strong narrative arc. With practice and the right tools, you’ll soon master the art of narrative essay writing, creating stories that resonate with your audience and leave a lasting impression.

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The Art of Writing Personal Narrative Essay – Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

This comprehensive article offers a practical approach to becoming a skilled personal narrative essayist. Use helpful strategies to create believable, persuasive content. Read on to better understand the power of your own story.

Personal narrative essays are a powerful form of self-expression that can deeply connect with readers. Unlike a typical essay, which could focus on analysis or arguments, personal narratives tell the reader how the author feels. This genre allows writers to connect with others, explore identities, and discuss significant life events, fostering deeper connections and personal growth.

Personal narrative helps the writer dig into his or her memories, filtering the emotions and understanding obtained through crucial moments. This may lead to making better essays that readers remember over a long period. 

Therefore, experts at The Academic Papers UK have compiled step-by-step guidelines to craft a personal narrative essay that enables students to stand out in academics, college applications, and other professional settings. 

Let’s first understand what this essay is.

What is a Personal Narrative Essay?

San Jose State University documented that a personal narrative essay is a story you choose to tell because it expresses how you see yourself, other people, and/or society. People remember tales, so using your narrative essay to turn an everyday experience into insightful commentary that a wide audience can read is a great idea.

A personal statement is a narrative essay about applying to college. It often reflects emotions, personal growth, or lessons learned from a particular event. Additionally, it blends personal thoughts with historical factors such as story, characters, etc.

Step-by-Step Guide on Writing Personal Narrative Essays

In personal narrative essays, using emotion, introspection, and your thoughts can transform your experiences into a compelling story that resonates with readers. However, crafting such a narrative requires careful planning to ensure you engage your audience and provide meaningful depth to your tale.

If you’re ready to embark on this journey of self-expression and create a story on your own without outside assistance, let’s explore how to write an inspirational personal essay that captures your unique voice and experiences!

1. Choose a Meaningful Topic

Composing a personal narrative essay allows you to recount an event that might have marked a critical aspect of who you are and what life has imparted to you. A successful narration is a profound subject matter that not only resonates with the writer but also emotionally connects with the reader. Moreover, this will be guided by various factors, with the narration reflecting the writer’s personal growth and understanding. 

To identify potential topic ideas, students should 

• Recall life experiences, setbacks, and successes.
• Ask: What are some turning points in life with which your life changed or times that made you grow?
• Reflect on relationships and how they affect their life.
• Analyse how your point of view has been shaped through cultural, social, or familial influences.

If you are searching for ideas to write your story, dive into these college narrative essay topics:

• My first ever flight
• The memory of school days
• About a scenario in which I had job discrimination
• How will I cope with the increased workload?
• If I was working as an HR officer
• The things I have been able to do

2. Outline Your Story

Outlining your story is one of the most important steps in creating a personal narrative essay. It serves as a basic outline that organises your ideas and thoughts and ensures that the story makes sense. Additionally, a good outline gives you a road map that makes the writing process easier to handle while helping you focus on important ideas and experiences. 

Students will also know their points and significant incidents that can be offered to support their claims. The general outline will provide continuity between the sections as you outline the larger curve that supports your story. 

Ultimately, storytelling can be either thematically connected or chronologically arranged, depending on the narrative’s preference. Thus, to help the reader connect with your experience personally, each part should be full of sensory elements and feelings.

3. Engage with a Strong Opening

One of the best ways to communicate what one experiences, feels, and discovers is through a personal narrative essay. For the reader to be interested, there must be a good introduction that will drag the reader into the story. 

Furthermore, an effective introduction thus sets the narrative voice, tone, and direction of the essay well. It sets the tone for the rest of the essay. This strategy describes the importance of an interesting introduction in a personal narrative essay and offers some advice on how to write it.

The following techniques might help in writing a good opening:

• Start with a robust hook.
• Introduce the background of the story. 
• Set the tone.
• Introduce the narrator.

4. Maintain a Consistent Tone and Inner Voice

An overall tone throughout the paper is essential in a personal narrative essay. The attitude or feeling that the writer creates with his or her writing towards the reader is known as tone. Maintaining a consistent tone brings about a cohesive and interesting narrative that will interest the reader and hold his or her attention.

Moreover, students may use humour to make their essays memorable. Remember that it only really makes a difference when it enriches their writing. You could decide to include some comedy in your essay if your teacher is your target audience, as they have a sense of humour.

Why is Consistency important?

Keeping a constant tone in a personal narrative essay is essential since it:

• Establishes the voice of the writer
• Develop a cohesive storyline
• Captures the reader’s attention
• Conveys the emotion of the writer

Here is an example to reflect in a personal narrative essay:

Using humour to express a playful, even light-hearted tone, as David Sedaris does in “Me Talk Pretty One Day.”

5. Show, Don’t Just Tell

It’s a secret, really, to how you keep a reader engaged as you write the personal narrative essay: don’t tell, show. This would mean students should use some vivid imagery and descriptive words to paint a picture and bring life to their story rather than just recounting facts and events. The reader would then be experiencing a far more interesting and memorable journey.

Why Show Instead of Tell?

• When you wish to show rather than tell, the reader may be in your story.
• You establish your reliability and dependability as a narrator by being able to provide accurate information and examples.
• Showing rather than telling will add sensitivity and nuance to the expression of hard feelings and thoughts.

Students should consider the following questions as you establish the environment for your story:

• Which of the events do you want to tell?
• Where was the incident?
• When was this?
• How do the date and location information allow your reader to know the context in which the story is set?
• What attitudes do these facts help viewers form that will change, be elaborated, or be reinforced as your story unfolds?

6. Incorporate Reflection

Personal narrative essay writing enhances the depth of the article by moving from a mere narration to a profound exploration of the writer’s growth and understanding. The writer can afford time to reflect on his or her experiences and draw lessons and insights that impact the readers on a much more profound level. 

Additionally, reflection connects writers’ histories to their present identities by revealing feelings and ideas related to specific situations and how these experiences shape their sense of identity, values, and opinions. Therefore, the story’s strength lies in its introspective process, which encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences, fostering empathy and shared sentiment.

7. Edit and Revise Thoroughly

Extensive editing and revising are crucial to creating a personal narrative essay that communicates and makes a flow and emotional impact. So, after completing the initial draft, analyse it from a different perspective to identify areas that require additional information, clarity, or emotional resonance. Many students struggle with their workload and may overlook the structure and flow of their essays. In this context, reaching out to reputable British essay writing firms can be a helpful option for enhancing the natural flow of their writing and effectively developing their main ideas.

Moreover, getting feedback from mentors, writing groups, or peers can provide you with insightful information that you may have otherwise overlooked when reviewing your work. Other people can give you different perspectives on the impact of your story, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. Hence, through careful editing and revision, you can turn a good essay into a great personal narrative that captures your unique voice and experiences.

Conclusion 

A personal narrative essay is a well-balanced, engaging narrative that incorporates reflection thoughts, utilising a compelling subject and a well-crafted story outline. The papers, which can be easily composed and written by comprehending the above tips and tricks, should connect with themes of growth, struggle, and self-discovery and offer personal experiences and lessons.

Ultimately, a well-crafted personal narrative allows readers to enter and ruminate on their own, connecting to the writer’s journey in their own lives. Writers also refine shared insights into the human condition and perfect their unique voices. Thus, personal stories matter because they expose our lives and enable people to comprehend one another and connect within an increasingly complex world.

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Narrative Essay Guide

Narrative Essay Outline

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline - Tips & Examples

By: Nathan D.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Jun 2, 2020

A narrative essay is a type of academic essay in which the writer narrates a story. It is the most commonly assigned form of academic writing. Students have to face the narrative essay writing task quite often, so it is essential to know how to handle it. 

A narrative essay is a story, so it's important to know how to write one. The best way to start your outline is by brainstorming ideas.

Who are the characters? What do they want? How does this conflict with their goals and who wins in the end?

There are many different types of essays you can write about, but all will have some sort of conflict. Once you've figured out the basics, be creative! You could explore an event that happened in your life or tell a fictional story.

In this blog, you’ll learn to write an outline for a narrative essay with examples. Start reading!

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A  narrative essay  is a type of academic essay in which the writer narrates a story. It is the most commonly assigned form of academic writing. Students have to face the narrative essay writing task quite often, so it is essential to know how to handle it.

Narrative Essay Outline Format

The narrative essay outline follows the standard structure. Like other types of essays, this essay normally follows a typical 5 paragraph essay format. The 5 paragraph outline includes one introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion paragraph.

However, unlike other essays, the paragraphs of the narrative essay have specifically designated purposes:

1. Introduction Paragraph:  Gives an insight into the story

2. First Body Paragraph:  Discuss the rising action

3. Second Body Paragraph:  Present the climax of the story

4. Third Body Paragraph:  Provide the falling action

5. Conclusion Paragraph:  Discussion of the lesson learned from the story

Paragraph Narrative Essay Outline Template

Let's look at the detailed 5 paragraph narrative essay outline for college students.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline?

A narrative essay is all about sharing the stories. Therefore, you need to organize your story into an essay format. As a writer, you are supposed to tell a story from your personal experience and why you are sharing that specific experience. Later, you need to discuss why this story or experience is important to share.

Let's look at how to craft an outline for a narrative essay. Follow the steps in the same sequence, and at the end, you’ll get a perfect outline. The writing process will become less stressful and daunting if you follow the steps given below.

1. Write the Introduction

The introduction paragraph is meant to engage the reader with the story. The first paragraph plays the most crucial role in making an impression on the reader’s mind. It allows you to share your perspective and how it relates to you. The following elements are involved in writing a strong narrative essay introduction.

• Create a Hook Statement  Draw the reader in with an intriguing and attention-grabbing hook statement. Create a strong hook that makes your reader want to read further. You can use a quote, rhetorical question, or fact to create a persuasive hook statement.
• Set the Scene:  Give your reader an idea of what is going to happen. Do not tell the whole story; just give a glimpse into it and keep your reader intrigued. Tell the reader how the points of the story relate to you.
• Define the Thesis Statement:  Finally, tell your reader what your story is all about with the help of a thesis statement. Give a sneak peek of what is about to come but avoid telling the lesson you have learned from the situation yet; just give a hint.

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2. Draft the Body Paragraphs

The main body of a narrative essay is the most important part because it tells the whole story. This is where you state the facts, provide examples, give details, and guide the reader through the plot. According to the five paragraphs essay structure, it has three body paragraphs, but it can depend on the length and word count.

Below elements must be kept in mind while writing the narrative essay body paragraphs:

• Write Chronologically:  The timelines of a story should be presented in chronological order. Otherwise, the reader will get confused, and it becomes hard for them to understand the story. To keep your paper organized, you should present things in sequential order.
• Share the Relevant and Vivid Details:  As a narrative essay is all about creating a mood and scene to follow, do that creatively. Set up the story with descriptive and concise language. Provide the reader with the most important details of your story. These details may include the characters, setting, plot, and the onset of the story.
• Avoid Narration Deviation:  The narrative essay is usually written in the first person unless you share someone else’s story. The third-person narrative only works best when you are telling a story you heard from someone else.

3. Write a Compelling Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph is the final section of the essay where you give some final comments about the story. Summarize your essay and connect your reader back to the story. Follow these steps to write an impressive conclusion.

• Restate Some Key Details:  Restate the thesis statement and some key details you have shared in the body. It will help you connect your reader with your story.
• Share the Lesson:  Stress the lesson you have learned from the story and leave the reader with something to think about.
• Call to Action:  In the end, provide a call to action that convinces the reader to think more about the topic.

Narrative Essay Outline Worksheet

Use the given worksheet below to write a narrative essay with ease.

Narrative Essay Outline Example

Here are some  narrative essay examples  and samples for your convenience. Use these templates and learn to write a good narrative essay easily.

Narrative Essay Outline for Middle School

College Narrative Essay Outline

Personal Narrative Essay Outline Template

Descriptive Narrative Essay Outline

Literacy Narrative Essay Outline

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However, if you still have some concerns about writing a perfect outline, you can contact our essay writers. 5StarEssays.com is a legit and reliable ‘ write my essay for me? ’ service that provides you with highly qualified and professional writers.

You can trust us with all of your academic writing assignments. So waste no more time and place your  order  now!

Literature, College Essay

Nathan completed his Ph.D. in journalism and has been writing articles for well-respected publications for many years now. His work is carefully researched and insightful, showing a true passion for the written word. Nathan's clients appreciate his expertise, deep understanding of the process, and ability to communicate difficult concepts clearly.

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction

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

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

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

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

• Select the topic of your narrative

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

• Create a framework for your essay

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

• Compile your first draft

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

• Use a first-person point of view

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

• Use storytelling or creative language

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

• Follow a format to stay organized

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

• Reread, revise, and edit

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

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

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

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

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

• Revise the introduction

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

• Revise the conclusion and polish the essay

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

• Revise and refine the entire article

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

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

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

Introduction:

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

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

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

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

Conclusion:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Scriptwriting

What is a Narrative Essay — Examples, Format & Techniques

I was in the Amazon jungle the first time I wrote a narrative essay, enlightened and enraptured by the influence of ayahuasca. That’s not true. I’ve never been to South America nor have I ever taken ayahuasca. The purpose of that opening is to show how to craft a narrative essay intro — hook, line, and sinker. Narrative essays rely on hooking the reader, and enticing them to read on. But what is a narrative essay? We’re going to break down everything you need to know about these essays — definition, examples, tips and tricks included. By the end, you’ll be ready to craft your own narrative essay for school or for publication.

What’s a Narrative Essay?

First, let’s define narrative essay.

Narrative essays share a lot of similarities with personal essays, but whereas the former can be fictional or non-fictional, the latter are strictly non-fictional. The goal of the narrative essay is to use established storytelling techniques, like theme , conflict , and irony , in a uniquely personal way.

The responsibility of the narrative essayist is to make the reader feel connected to their story, regardless of the topic. This next video explores how writers can use structural elements and techniques to better engage their readers. 

Personal Narrative Essay Examples With Essay Pro

Narrative essays rely on tried and true structure components, including:

• First-person POV
• Personal inspiration
• Focus on a central theme

By keeping these major tenets in mind, you’ll be better prepared to recognize weaknesses and strengths in your own works.

NARRATIVE ESSAY DEFINITION

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 these essays should take place in an established timeline, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. 

Famous Narrative Essay Examples

• Ticker to the Fair by David Foster Wallace
• After Life by Joan Didion
• Here is a Lesson in Creative Writing by Kurt Vonnegut

Narrative Writing Explained

How to start a narrative essay.

When you go to sleep at night, what do you think of? Flying squirrels? Lost loved ones? That time you called your teacher ‘mom’? Whatever it is, that’s what you need to write about. There’s a reason those ideas and moments have stuck with you over time. Your job is to figure out why.

Once you realize what makes a moment important to you, it’s your job to make it important to the reader too. In this next video, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker J. Christian Jensen explains the power of the personal narrative. 

Narrative Writing and the Personal Narrative Essay  •  Video by TEDx Talks

Anything and everything can be the topic of your essay. It could be as benign as a walk to school or as grandiose as a trip to the moon — so long as that narrative exists within reality. Give your thoughts and opinions on the matter too — don’t be afraid to say “this is what I think” so long as it’s supported by storytelling techniques. Remember, never limit yourself as a writer, just keep in mind that certain topics will be harder to make engaging than others.

Narrative Essay Outline

How to write a narrative essay.

First step, game plan. You’re going to want to map out the story from beginning to end, then mark major story beats in your document.

Like all stories, your narrative essay needs a clear beginning, middle, and end. Each section should generally conform to a specifically outlined structure. For reference, check out the outline below.

Narrative Essay Format  •  How to Write a Narrative Essay Step by Step

Make sure to reference back to this outline throughout the writing process to make sure you have all your major beats covered.

Purpose of narrative essay writing

Narrative essays give writers the ability to freely express themselves within the structure of a traditional story. Nearly all universities ask applicants to submit a narrative essay with their formal application. This is done for two reasons: they allow institutions to judge the linguistic and grammar capabilities of its applicants, as well as their raw creative side.

If you’re considering studying creative writing in an undergraduate or graduate program, then you’re going to write A LOT of narrative style essays. This process may seem indomitable; How am I supposed to write hundreds of pages about… me? But by the end, you’ll be a better writer and you’ll have a better understanding of yourself.

One thing that all successful essayists have in common is that they make radical, often defiant statements on the world at large. Think Ralph Waldo Emerson, Virginia Woolf, and Langston Hughes for example.

Being a professional essayist isn’t easy, and it’s near-impossible to be one who makes a lot of money. Many essayists work as professors, editors, and curriculum designers as well. 

This next video features the late, award-winning essayist Brian Doyle. He explains all the things you need to hear when thinking about writing a story.

Narrative Essay Examples “Lecture” via Boston University

We can learn a lot from the way Doyle “opens” his stories. My favorite is how he begins with the statement, “I met the Dalai Lama once.” How can we not be interested in learning more? 

This brings us all the way back to the beginning. Start with a hook, rattle off the line, then reel in the sinker. If you entice the reader, develop a personal plot, and finish with a resolute ending, you’ll have a lot of success in essay writing. 

 Up Next

Narrative essay topics.

We've curated a collection of narrative essay topics that will spark your creativity and bring your experiences to life. Dive into the rich tapestry of your memories, explore the unique threads of your life, and let your narrative unfold.

Up Next: Narrative Essay Topics →

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The system format you using on line is very concise ,I encourage to those who are talented to continue puplish their examples of essays so that we student we can crasp.

This site has one of the best narartive writing techniques anyone can need

This was really helpful and insightful

What is narrative

Sounds great thanks

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