Narrative Essay

What is a personal narrative? Personal narratives are true stories based on events that have happened in the writer’s life. A writer writes a personal narrative about something that matters to them.

So what should be included in a narrative essay? Most often written in 1st person (I or We) because it is based on a personal story. Shows the purpose clearly. Meaning, the reader can clearly see the importance of the event. Has specific sensory details (hear, feel, see, smell, taste) Needs to have dialogue

Elements of a personal narrative Characters Setting Dialogue Vivid Details Usually has a problem/ or situation (conflict) Organized form with a beginning, middle, and end Transitions!! Hook the reader introduction

Characters Your personal narrative must include characters, including YOU. This is your story so you must be included as a character. You need to be sure to describe the characters in your personal narrative. Describe their personality in detail. Your personal narrative can be full of characters or can be just you and one other person. Depends on the personal experience you are telling.

Setting Where did the event happen? Provide details that provide where and when your story takes place

Dialogue Provide what your characters said and make sure you use quotes (“”) Dialogue helps the reader feel as if they are in the story

Vivid Details Show not tell Include sensory details. Help your reader see, smell, hear, feel, and taste.

How do I organize my narrative essay? A narrative has a beginning, middle, and an end. BEGINNING: Grabs the reader’s interest, gives background information, and a hint about the meaning or importance of the event. MIDDLE: tells about the event, describes the setting and characters, introduces dialogue, and tells/shows the writer’s feelings. END: The writer explains the outcome and the meaning of the experience or what the writer learned from it.

Transitions Transitional phrases help tie ideas together. They also help keep the essay organized which helps the reader follow along. Examples: In the meantime, the following day, some time later, an hour later, later that afternoon, by 4 o’clock, when we finished our dinner, at dawn, a day later…

Possible Topics: When you met your best friend A memorable family vacation Something embarrassing that happened to you Your most exciting moment playing sports, being in a play, playing an instrument, etc. Something that changed you.

You’ll never play soccer again,” the doctor said You’ll never play soccer again,” the doctor said. The words swirled around my mind over and over like a song on repeat. At that moment, my mom tried to grab my hand but I snatched it away. I didn’t want her sympathy, didn’t want anything….except to do the one thing I couldn’t.