Definition of a Narrative Essay
A narrative essay is a type of essay that tells a story or recounts a personal experience. It especially focuses on a particular event or sequence of events and presents them in chronological order.
It engages the readers by creating a tempting and alluring story, using descriptive language, sensory details, dialogue and conversation, and character’s growth and development. It often includes elements such as a clear introduction, a plot with rising action and climax, and a resolution or reflection.
Main Parts/Components of a Narrative Essay
Here is a table of the main components of a narrative essay. It presents an overview of an example. You can easily expand this example, changing characters and dialogues and other components to build a strong narrative essay.
| Part or Element | Detail or Definition | Example |
| Introduction | Hook: A compelling opening sentence or statement that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the narrative. Background information: Briefly provide context or background information relevant to the story. Thesis statement: Clearly state the main point or message of the narrative. | “It was a dark and stormy night. The wind howled through the trees, and the rain poured down like a waterfall. Little did I know, this would be the night that changed my life forever.” |
| Characters | Protagonist: Introduce the main character(s) involved in the story. Supporting characters: Describe other characters who play significant roles in the narrative. | “Sarah, a young and ambitious detective, was determined to solve the mysterious case. Detective Johnson, her experienced partner, provided guidance and support throughout the investigation.” |
| Setting | Time and place: Specify the period and location in which the events of the narrative take place. Descriptive details: Paint a vivid picture of the surroundings, incorporating sensory details to engage the reader. | “In the bustling streets of New York City, amidst the towering skyscrapers and honking taxis, the year was 1920. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of jazz music filled the night.” |
| Plot | Exposition: Set up the narrative by introducing the initial situation, conflict, or challenge. Rising action: Present a series of events that build suspense and develop the conflict. Climax: The turning point or most intense moment of the story where the conflict reaches its peak. Falling action: Depict the aftermath of the climax and begin to resolve the conflict. Resolution: Conclude the narrative by providing a resolution or ending to the story. | “Amelia, a young pianist, faced a major dilemma when she discovered her hands trembling uncontrollably. As she battled her inner doubts and practiced tirelessly, the climax came during a prestigious piano competition when her hands froze on the keys. With the support of her loved ones, Amelia overcame her fear and delivered a breathtaking performance, earning a standing ovation from the crowd.” |
| Conflict | External conflict: Highlight the main conflict or struggle the protagonist faces against an external force, such as another character, society, nature, or a situation. Internal conflict: Explore the internal struggles, doubts, or dilemmas the protagonist experiences within themselves. | “Emily found herself torn between her love for painting and societal expectations to pursue a more practical career. The external conflict emerged when her parents insisted she study medicine, but her internal conflict intensified as she battled her passion for art and the fear of disappointing her family.” |
| Theme | Identify the overarching theme or central idea of the narrative. Reflect on the deeper meaning or message conveyed through the story. | “The theme of forgiveness was woven throughout the narrative, reminding us that harboring resentment only imprisons our souls. Through her journey of reconciling with her estranged father, the protagonist learned that forgiveness is the key to finding inner peace and moving forward.” |
| Narrative techniques | Dialogue: Include conversations between characters to bring the story to life. Descriptive language: Use vivid and sensory language to describe people, places, and events. Figurative language: Employ literary devices such as metaphors, similes, or symbolism to enhance the narrative. Point of view: Determine the narrative perspective (first person, third person, etc.) and its impact on the storytelling. | “As the sun set on the horizon, Sarah turned to Detective Johnson and asked, ‘Do you think we’ll ever catch the killer?’ His eyes narrowed, and he replied, ‘We will, Sarah. We just have to keep digging.’” |
| Conclusion | Reflective statement: Offer a reflection or insight gained from the experience narrated. Closing thoughts: Summarize the main events or lessons of the narrative and leave the reader with a final impression. | “Looking back, I realized that the true treasure wasn’t the precious jewel we found but the friendships we formed during the adventure. As I closed the old diary, I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that our bond would last a lifetime.” |
By incorporating these main components, a narrative essay seems to create a coherent and engaging story that captivates the reader and conveys a meaningful message.
Functions of a Narrative Essay
1. Capturing Attention:
- Engage the reader through a compelling opening sentence or statement (hook).
2. Providing Context:
- Offer background information to provide context and set the stage for the story.
3. Conveying a Message:
- Clearly state the main point or message of the narrative through a thesis statement.
4. Introducing Characters:
- Introduce the main character(s) (protagonist) and supporting characters involved in the story.
5. Establishing Setting:
- Specify the time period and location in which the events of the narrative take place.
- Use descriptive details to paint a vivid picture and engage the reader’s senses.
6. Developing the Plot:
- Set up the narrative by introducing the initial situation, conflict, or challenge (exposition).
- Present a series of events that build suspense and develop the conflict (rising action).
- Reach the turning point or most intense moment of the story (climax).
- Depict the aftermath of the climax and begin to resolve the conflict (falling action).
- Conclude the narrative by providing a resolution or ending to the story (resolution).
7. Exploring Conflict:
- Highlight the main conflict or struggle the protagonist faces against external forces (external conflict).
- Explore the internal struggles, doubts, or dilemmas the protagonist experiences within themselves (internal conflict).
8. Conveying Theme:
- Identify the overarching theme or central idea of the narrative.
- Reflect on the deeper meaning or message conveyed through the story.
9. Employing Narrative Techniques:
- Use dialogue to bring the story to life and showcase interactions between characters.
- Utilize descriptive language to create vivid imagery and engage the reader’s senses.
- Employ figurative language (metaphors, similes, symbolism) to enhance the narrative.
- Determine the narrative perspective (first person, third person) and its impact on storytelling.
10. Providing Reflection and Closure:
- Offer a reflective statement that shares insights or lessons learned from the experience narrated.
- Summarize the main events or lessons of the narrative and leave the reader with a final impression (closing thoughts).
Examples of a Narrative Essay in English Literature with Narrative Features
- “A Hanging” by George Orwell:
- First-person narrative: Orwell presents his personal experience of witnessing a hanging.
- Descriptive language: This narrative essay uses good descriptions to show the events and emotions.
- Reflection and introspection: Orwell reflects on the moral implications of capital punishment and his personal role in it.
- Engaging storytelling: It presents a highly compelling narrative structure.
- “The Death of the Moth” by Virginia Woolf:
- Symbolism: The moth serves as a symbolic representation of life’s fragility and the inevitability of death in this essay.
- Stream-of-consciousness writing: Woolf’s reflections flow seamlessly in a stream-of-of-consciousness technique.
- Sensory imagery: The essay uses sensory descriptions to bring the moth’s struggle to life.
- Contemplation of existential themes: Woolf explores deeper questions about the nature of existence and mortality.
- “Once More to the Lake” by E.B. White:
- Personal recollection: White narrates his personal experiences and memories to construct the narrative.
- Descriptive settings: The essay paints an excellent picture of the lake and its surroundings, pulling the readers into the narrative.
- Theme of time and memory: White explores the passage of time and the impact it has on our perceptions and experiences.
- Reflective tone: The essay balances nostalgia with introspection, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
Suggested Readings
- White, Hayden. The Fiction of Narrative: Essays on History, Literature, and Theory, 1957–2007. JHU Press, 2010.
- Bolton, Gillie. “Narrative writing: Reflective Enquiry into Professional Practice.” Educational Action Research 14.2 (2006): 203-218.
- Lavelle, Ellen. “Writing Style and the Narrative Essay.” British Journal of Educational Psychology 67.4 (1997): 475-482.
- Orwell, George. Shooting an Elephant and Other Essays. Penguin Modern Classics, 2009.
- White, E.B. One Man’s Meat. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.