Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Outline

Caleb S.

Crafting a Winning Narrative Essay Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

Narrative Essay Outline

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Are you a student struggling to bring your stories to life in a captivating way? 

Narrative essays provide the perfect canvas for your personal experiences, but without a well-crafted outline, your tale can easily lose its way. 

Don’t worry we are here with the solution!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of structuring an impactful narrative essay. By the end of this blog, you'll be able to create your own compelling narratives. 

So, let's start on this exciting storytelling adventure together. 

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  • 1. Understanding Narrative Essays
  • 2. Narrative Essay Outline Sample
  • 3. Steps to Write a Narrative Essay Outline 
  • 4. Narrative Essay Outline Format
  • 5. Narrative Essay Examples Outlines

Understanding Narrative Essays

A narrative essay is a short story with a central theme that revolves around it. It's typically told from the perspective of the author, and specific sensory details are included to pique the reader's interest in the story.

Unlike other types of essays , a narrative essay revolves around a central theme or event, making it an engaging and often emotionally charged piece of work.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays typically are composed in the form of a narrative and rely on personal experiences. This format is used in storytelling, as was stated previously. The following are the five components of a narrative essay:

  • Plot: The main event of the story.
  • Character: People involved in your play.
  • Setting: Timeline of the events.
  • Conflict: The challenges the characters face.
  • Theme: The moral of the story

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Narrative Essay Outline Sample

Here is a narrative essay outline template, let’s take a look: 

Steps to Write a Narrative Essay Outline 

Writing a narrative essay is much easier than any other type of essay. It doesn’t follow a set of essay writing rules, and it gives you freedom of expression. You can write an essay that reflects your stories in your own style. 

All you have to do is to follow a typical structure which is consist of 3 essential parts: 

  • Introduction 

Let’s dive into the steps of creating a perfect narrative essay outline:

Step 1: Brainstorming

  • Reflect on Personal Experiences: Think about your life experiences, both significant and everyday moments, that could serve as the basis for a narrative essay.
  • Gather Good Ideas: Jot down key events, emotions, or lessons learned that stand out in your memory.
  • Choose a Central Theme: Identify a central theme or message that you want to convey through your narrative.

Step 2: Selecting a Topic

  • Relevance: Ensure the chosen topic is relevant to the central theme and purpose of your narrative among different types of narrative.
  • Engagement: Select a topic that will gain your readers attention and keep them interested throughout your essay.
  • Significance: Consider the significance of the chosen topic in your life and its potential impact on your audience.

Step 3: Developing a Thesis Statement 

  • Clarity: Create a clear and concise thesis statement that conveys the main message or lesson you want to share.
  • Alignment: Ensure the thesis aligns with the central theme and purpose of your narrative.
  • Guidance: Your thesis statement should guide both your writing process and your readers' understanding of your narrative.

Step 4: Write Introduction

Your introduction should catch the readers’ interest immediately. Here are the three main components of introduction: 

  • Hook: Start with a captivating hook that intrigues your readers. It could be an anecdote, a rhetorical question, or a surprising fact.
  • Scene Setting: Provide background information to set the scene and establish the context for your narrative.
  • Thesis Statement: Present your thesis statement clearly, giving readers a preview of the central message and the journey they are about to embark on.

Step 5: Body Paragraphs

The body is the section where you present your story’s details, share facts and guide readers through the plot. Here are the essential elements that should be included in each body paragraph:

  • Topic Sentence
  • Vivid description
  • Characters involved
  • Chronological order

Let’s discuss these elements briefly: 

  • Vivid Description: A narrative essay is all about setting up a scene. Hence, make sure you provide a vivid description of the event that paints a picture in the readers’ minds. The vivid description will help you take the reader to the actual happening of the event.
  • Dialogues: Usage of dialogues helps you present your story in an effective way. Dialogues give life to the story and support the story’s atmosphere.
  • Characters Involved: The characters are the people acting or behaving in the story. Incorporate all the characters that are involved in your story. Provide their detailed description and what role they have played in your story.
  • Chronological Order: As you are telling a story, it should be in the same order as the actual happening of the event. Start telling your story from the beginning and work through the end. Write your story in a proper sequence to keep your essay organized. 
  • Climax: The climax is the breaking point of the story, and it requires a detailed description. Include all the real emotion that engages the readers’ five senses, i.e. smell, sight, touch, hear, and taste. Don’t exaggerate and stray from the truth and provide the actual and accurate climax.

Step 6: Conclusion Section 

The essay conclusion is the final part, and it provides the final outcome of the story. It bears the same importance as the introduction paragraph. 

The conclusion paragraph should contain the following elements:

  • The moral of the story
  • The lesson that you have learned from the story (if any)
  • A call to action (if required)

Step 7: Transition Sentences

Use transition sentences between each section of your narrative essay to ensure a smooth and logical flow from one point to the next. These sentences help readers navigate through your story without feeling lost or disconnected.

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Narrative Essay Outline Format

Here are general formatting rules for a narrative essay outline: 

  • Organizational Structure: Ensure your outline follows the standard structure of a narrative essay, which includes Introduction, Body, and Conclusion sections.
  • Font and Size: Use a clear and easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size for consistency and readability.
  • Spacing: Double-space your outline. This enhances readability and makes it easier to distinguish different sections.
  • Text Alignment: Align your text to the left. This maintains a neat and organized appearance.
  • Margin Consistency: Keep consistent margins throughout your outline for a professional and well-structured presentation.
  • Formatting Guidelines: Follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution, which may include APA , MLA , Chicago , or other style requirements.
  • Section Labeling: Number or label each section in your outline to ensure clarity and organization, making it easy for readers to follow the structure of your narrative essay

Narrative Essay Examples Outlines

In this section, we offer a selection of PDF narrative essay outline examples. These samples provide practical templates and inspiration for crafting well-structured narrative essay outlines. 

College Narrative Essay Outline Template

Narrative Essay Outline High School

Narrative Essay Outline Middle School

Narrative Essay Outline Worksheet

5 Paragraph Narrative Essay Outline

Descriptive Narrative Essay Outline

Literacy Narrative Essay Outline

Reflective Narrative Essay Outline

Personal Narrative Essay Outline Examples

Looking for narrative essay samples to spark your inspiration? Dive into our narrative essay examples blog and explore a wide range of narrative essays!

In summary, crafting a strong narrative essay outline is a vital skill for all writers. A well-structured outline is the backbone of your narrative, guiding your writing and captivating your audience.  With the knowledge and step-by-step guide shared here, you can now create a narrative essay outline that is no less than perfect.

But if you need assistance with your narrative essay writing we have got you covered.

MyPerfectWords.com is top-rated essay writing website dedicated to delivering top-notch online writing assistance at highly affordable rates. Our team of professional essay writers excels at creating comprehensive essay outlines and crafting impeccably written essays.

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Narrative essay

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples

Narrative essays are unlike anything you wrote throughout your academic career. Instead of writing a formal paper, you need to tell a story. Familiar elements such as evidence and arguments are replaced with exposition and character development.

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The picture shows the characteristics of a narrative essay.

The importance of writing an outline for an essay like this is hard to overestimate. This article by Custom-Writing.org will give you a helping hand with that. Here, you will find:

  • The definition of a narrative essay.
  • Helpful tips for creating a narrative essay outline.
  • A printable example template in PDF format.

đź“š What Is a Narrative Essay?

  • Introduction

đź“ť Narrative Essay Outline Template

🔍 references.

A narrative-style essay is a text written in the form of a story. It has the same goal as any other essay: to prove a certain point. But it is very different from a regular paper. The main differences are the following:

  • A narrative essay doesn’t contain any arguments in the usual sense. Instead, you use the whole story to explain your point of view.
  • It has many unique elements. Aside from the usual parts such as the introduction and thesis, your story also needs characters, dialogs, a climax, and more.
  • It’s creative in style. Typically, you need to keep things formal and grounded in your essays. A narrative-style essay is an exception. While writing it, your inner artist is free to run wild. You are free to use vivid imagery and descriptive language.

Keep in mind that you are not necessarily bound to a single story. You can tell several stories in one essay and connect them to the same thesis.

Now that you know what kind of assignment you’re dealing with, you can start writing your outline.

✍️ How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline

First, you want to understand what sort of story you want to create. There are 2 options you can choose from:

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  • P ersonal experience . This is easier to write about since you don’t have to come up with anything new. You only need to describe a story about yourself or about someone else that actually happened.
  • A piece of fiction. This option is a bit more complicated in comparison. It requires you to think up a whole story. However, the results might be much more satisfying.

Once you’ve decided on the type of narrative, you need to think about what sort of outline you want. It can be simple and basic with the essential elements only. Or, it can be as detailed as you wish. It’s helpful to keep in mind that a narrative essay is usually 5 paragraphs long: make sure not to go overboard or make it too dull.

Now, let’s talk about the structure of individual parts of a narrative essay.

The picture shows the structure of a narrative essay.

Narrative Essay Introduction

Your introduction won’t be that different from that of a regular essay. You need 3 things here:

  • A hook to capture the readers’ attention;
  • Some background information related to your story;
  • A thesis statement introducing your essay’s main point.

How to Start a Narrative Essay

First and foremost, your essay needs a catchy hook. It’s a captivating sentence that aims to grab the reader’s attention. While a piece of statistics or an interesting fact can serve as a good hook for an average paper, it’s too plain for a narrative essay. So, we need to go a bit more creative.

Say you are writing an essay about the influence of music on a person’s views. The core of your essay is a story of you visiting your first classical concert. One option is to start with a question. Asking something immediately evokes the need to answer. It also stimulates interest along the way.

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Furthermore, questions make the transition into the background info easy and smooth. Just answer the hook question:

Hook: Do you remember going to your first concert?

Background: I sure do. It was a magnificent evening on the first weekend of spring. The only thing I was skeptical about was the concert itself. I was not the greatest fan of classical music; rather, I was not too fond of those who enjoy it. I thought of them as arrogant and selfish.

Make sure not to start telling about the events of your story in the introduction. Instead, you can tell what preceded it or just set the mood. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to start an essay, be sure to check out our article on hooks in writing .

Narrative Essay Thesis Statement

The thesis statement of a narrative essay answers the question, “What am I trying to say with this story?” It conveys the main idea and can be formulated in various ways. It can be your regular thesis with the main point and arguments. But don’t forget that you are writing a story. This means you can make your thesis a part of the narrative; build it as a starting point of your account or showcase the lesson you’re about to learn.

Have a look at these narrative essay thesis examples to get a better idea:

If only I knew the power music holds and how it can dramatically change one’s perception of things.

I didn’t know yet that this event would change how I saw classical music and its fans.

You might want to formulate the thesis and put it into your outline before everything else. This way, it will be easier to write your story around it.

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Narrative Essay Body Paragraphs

After you’re done with the thesis, you can continue your story and prove the main argument. There are 2 ways to go about your essay’s body paragraphs:

Whichever way you choose, you need to remember the general storytelling rules:

  • Describe things in chronological order. Make sure that the events of your story follow each other coherently.
  • Don’t break the general “introduction-development-conclusion” structure . As long as your narrative has these 3 elements, you will have a decent story.

Here’s what you can write about in your narrative essay’s body paragraphs:

  • It’s always a good idea to start with a description of things . It creates necessary immersion and makes the reader more involved with the story.
  • You can also dedicate the first paragraph to setting up the characters of your story (if there are any.)
  • The following two paragraphs are about developing, culminating, and ending your story.

In the case of a classical concert, an average body outline sample can look like this:

Narrative Essay Conclusion

The conclusion of your story summarizes the body of your essay. It also restates your thesis in a paraphrased form. Make sure not to add any new info to your outline at this stage. The conclusion is only there to sum things up and draw attention to the most important points.

In a narrative essay conclusion, it’s a good idea to mention the insight and demonstrate its connection to the thesis. In the case of our classical music essay, it could look like this:

This is the story of my epiphany on the connection between music and personality. Judging people by their music taste turned out to be a gigantic mistake. But I am happy to have made this misstep since it helped me learn an important lesson.

Now, let’s see what we have in the end. Have a look at the following narrative essay outline example:

  • Hook. It’s a catchy and intriguing sentence. An interesting question or a surprising fact will do.
  • Background information. This means everything the reader needs to know before diving into the main part.
  • Thesis statement. It can be a generic thesis or a poetic sentence that demonstrates your point.
  • Description paragraph. It’s a paragraph that helps the reader visualize your story. You can also introduce the characters here.
  • Story development paragraph. This is the part where you develop the established characters and storyline.
  • Story climax and end paragraph. It’s a part that contains the highest point of your narrative and its logical end.
  • Summary. Briefly conclude the events described in your body paragraphs.
  • Restated thesis. Paraphrase your main claim and provide a deeper understanding of the insight.

You can download a 5-paragraph narrative essay template in PDF format using the link below. It can be very helpful for outlining your essay: simply print it out and fill in the blanks.

  • Your essay’s title.
  • Start with a catchy and intriguing sentence.
  • Provide some background information about the topic.
  • Write a strong thesis statement that demonstrates your point.

We’ve also gathered some narrative essay examples for you to gain inspiration. Check them out below!

  • Literacy Narrative: “Make a Wish”
  • Multimodal Personal Narrative: The Path to the Goal
  • Clinical Narrative: Conversation With a 30-Years-Old Woman With Diabetes

Literacy Narrative Outline Template

A literacy narrative is a story that tells your experience of developing a particular skill. Usually, it refers to learning to read and write. The idea is to underline the importance of the described process.

  • Hook sentence. It’s an attention-getter. It can be an interesting fact about you.
  • Background information. It can be a brief description of the skill’s role in your life.
  • Thesis statement. It should stress the importance of the skill you acquired. Use the thesis to show how your life has changed after learning it.
  • Description paragraph. Describe your life before learning the skill you are writing about.
  • Story development paragraph. The second body paragraph can be dedicated to the learning process itself.
  • Story climax and end paragraph. Now you can finish the story with your success. You can also compare “before” and “after.”
  • Summary. Briefly retell the story of learning the skill.
  • Restated thesis. Remind the reader why the skill in question is important for you personally.

Feel free to download this template in PDF format using the link below.

  • Provide some background information about the skill you’ve learned.
  • Write a thesis statement that demonstrates the importance of the skill you’ve learned.

Narrative Essay Topics

  • My experience of learning English  
  • My first time riding a bicycle  
  • A defining event from my childhood  
  • My personal methods of handling stress at high school
  • My experience with attending the logic course  
  • My experience with writing
  • A personal experience of mysophobia
  • Experiencing mystical events 
  • Lesson learned in college as a nursing student 
  • The impact of the English writing course on my academic success 
  • What has working in Walmart taught me? 
  • The importance of college experience for a career in healthcare 
  • Virtual concert impression 
  • Lincoln Center Orchestra’s online concert experience 
  • My opinion on Simmers restaurant service  
  • My favorite form of literature  
  • My experience of working with children with autism  
  • My memories of the first day in college  
  • College as the first step of my professional development 
  • College experience as a nursing student 
  • What my first semester has taught me 
  • The most memorable childhood holiday 
  • My most memorable college teacher  
  • The first time I attended a rock concert
  • My impression of piano music concert
  • My expatriation experience 
  • What I’ve learned during my practicum
  • Life of people of different races and age groups in the USA 
  • My personal financial plan  
  • My experience with attending court  
  • What I’ve learned working with catheter-related bloodstream infections
  • S. Kruzan and C. Brown’s case in criminal justice system 
  • How my Senior Developer position contributed to my professional development 
  • The effect of the authoritative parenting style on my life 
  • My first job experience 
  • What I’ve learned working as a researcher in the company
  • My personal experience and Erikson’s theory of development  
  • Hardships and benefits of a study group
  • How I challenged gender norms
  • The time when I was working as a head nurse  
  • The influence of Italian culture on me 
  • How I bought my laptop and the salesperson’s impact on my experience 
  • What I have learned during my trip to the Museum of Western Heritage  
  • How I spent a day without my cellphone
  • Skills I’ve acquired during my practicum experience in New York Methodist Hospital
  • My impression of visiting the Energy Medicine Florida
  • The time I visited Yellowstone National Park

In conclusion, we would like to wish you good luck with your assignment! Make sure to comment on the things you’ve found the most useful.

Further reading:

  • How to Write a Good Narrative Essay: Tips, Examples, & Step-by-Step Guide
  • What Are the 5 Different Types of Essays? A Complete Guide
  • How to Write a Creative Essay: Tips, Topics, and Techniques
  • How to Write a Personal Essay: Topics, Structure, & Examples

âť“ Narrative Essay Outline FAQs

1. Choose a topic for your essay. 2. Decide on the type of your story (either personal or fictional.) 3. Write an outline. Make sure to come up with the thesis first. 4. Write your essay.

You usually end your narrative essay with a conclusion. It summarizes your body paragraphs and restates your thesis. Instead of simply repeating the statement, you can demonstrate a deeper understanding of it.

The purpose of any dialog is to demonstrate a conversation between people. Showing your characters having a conversation can help you develop them. You can also use dialogues to advance your story.

1. Introduction . It includes a hook sentence, background, and thesis. 2. Body paragraphs . It’s the central part of your essay, and it contains your story’s beginning, development, and end. 3. Conclusion. The final part of your essay sums the body up and restates the thesis.

Some possible starters for your essay are:

1. Asking the reader a question. 2. Opening up with a joke. 3. Revealing shocking information about the events described further. 4. Telling your readers an interesting fact about the topic of your essay.

  • Narrative Essays: Purdue Writing Lab
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay: Writers.com
  • Narrative Essay: Nova Southeastern University
  • Narrative Essay: Excelsior College
  • Narrative Essay: Miami University
  • Unique Characteristics of Narrative Essays: Oklahoma State University
  • Descriptive Narrative Essay: Southeastern Louisiana University
  • Narrative Essay Writing Prompts: California State University Stanislaus
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Examples

Narrative Essay

narrative essay outline pdf

Most of us have written essays in school, where we had a formal theme book in which we wrote about our favorite literary works. Those were essential days. Essay writing continued to haunt us during high school and even college days.  This is an excellent opportunity to improve our writing. We should never be frightened if we make common trial mistakes because we can develop learning and get excited about writing an essay next time. Institutions would generally let us write a narrative essay. So this boils down to the question, what is a narrative essay?

What is Narrative Essay? A narrative essay is a type of writing that tells a story. Unlike other essays that argue points or analyze subjects, a narrative essay tells a personal story, much like a storyteller. The main goal of this essay is to entertain and engage the reader by recounting interesting events in a clear, coherent manner. It often reflects the writer’s personal experience, allowing them to express themselves creatively and compellingly. Narrative essays use vivid descriptions and a structured plot, including characters, a setting, a climax, and a conclusion, to bring the story to life.

The Best Example of Narrative Essay

Title: The Day I Became an Environmentalist Introduction: One sunny afternoon, as I strolled through the lush, green park near my home, something extraordinary happened. It was a day that transformed my view of the world and carved a new path in my life. Body: I had always considered myself nature-friendly, but I hadn’t really taken any concrete steps towards environmental conservation. That day, as I walked, I noticed a group of volunteers, young and old, diligently picking up litter, their hands shielded by gloves, their faces beaming with purpose. Curious, I approached them, and they introduced me to their mission: a local environmental group dedicated to cleaning and preserving our community’s natural spaces. Intrigued, I decided to join in. As I picked up plastic bottles and discarded wrappers, a sense of responsibility began to burgeon within me. The leader of the group, Mrs. Thompson, shared staggering facts about pollution and its impact on our planet. Her words struck a chord in me. We continued our work, and as the pile of collected trash grew, so did my resolve. Climax: Then came the moment that sealed my commitment. We found a small bird, its leg trapped in a plastic ring, struggling helplessly. The group carefully freed the bird and tended to its injury. Watching the bird eventually fly away, a wave of emotion washed over me. It was a stark reminder of the impact our actions have on other living beings. Conclusion: As the day ended, I realized that my casual stroll in the park had turned into a life-changing experience. I signed up as a regular volunteer and started making more environmentally conscious choices in my daily life. That day, I didn’t just help clean a park; I embarked on a journey as an environmentalist, committed to making a difference in the world. This experience taught me the power of individual action in the fight against environmental degradation. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day, and through my narrative, I hope to inspire others to take their own steps towards protecting our planet.

Short Narrative Essay

Title: A Moment of Kindness Introduction: On a brisk winter morning, I experienced a small act of kindness that left a lasting impact on my heart. Body: I was running late for an important meeting, nerves frazzled, as I rushed towards the subway. In my haste, my bag snagged on a bench, spilling its contents. Papers fluttered like snowflakes in the wind. I felt a wave of panic, but then something wonderful happened. A young girl, no more than eight, stopped and began gathering my papers. Her small hands worked quickly, a smile brightening her face. Others passed by, but she stayed, helping me collect every last sheet. Her act of kindness in that chaotic moment was a beacon of calm. We exchanged no words, just a smile and a nod, a silent understanding of gratitude. As she handed me the last paper, her eyes sparkled with genuine warmth. Conclusion: I made it to my meeting just in time, but the memory of the girl’s kindness stayed with me. It was a simple act, yet it reminded me of the profound impact kindness can have. In our busy lives, we often overlook these moments, but they hold the power to transform our day and touch our hearts.

Narrative Essay Format

A narrative essay tells a story, usually from the author’s perspective, and follows a clear and structured format. Understanding this format is crucial for effective storytelling in essay form.

Introduction

Hook: Begin with a compelling hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be an intriguing statement, a question, or a brief preview of the story. Setting the Scene: Provide background information that sets the stage for your story. This includes the setting, characters, and context. Thesis Statement: Though not always necessary in narrative essays, a thesis can be used to present the main theme or lesson learned.
Paragraphs: The body should be divided into several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific part of the story. Chronological Order: Narratives typically follow a chronological order, but flashbacks or non-linear storytelling can be used effectively. Character Development: Develop your characters through their actions, dialogue, and interactions within the story. Vivid Descriptions: Use descriptive language to paint a picture for the reader, making the experience immersive. Building the Plot: Ensure each paragraph contributes to the overall plot, leading towards a climax.
Turning Point: The climax is the most exciting part of the story, where the main conflict or challenge peaks. Emotional Highpoint: This section should be emotionally engaging, capturing the essence of the conflict or experience.
Resolution: Wrap up the story by resolving the conflict or bringing the story to a close. Reflection: Reflect on the events of the story and their impact. This could include lessons learned or how the experience changed the narrator. Closing Remarks: End with final thoughts that leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Narrative Essay Outline

Creating an outline for a narrative essay helps in organizing thoughts and ensuring a coherent and engaging story. Here’s a basic outline to guide your writing:

Hook: Start with an engaging opening to captivate your reader’s interest. Setting: Briefly describe the time, place, and context of your story. Characters: Introduce the main characters involved in your narrative. Purpose: State the purpose or theme of your essay, if applicable.

Paragraph 1:

Event 1: Describe the first key event or situation in your story. Details: Add relevant details to create a vivid picture. Character Reactions: Explain how the characters respond to Event 1.

Paragraph 2:

Event 2: Present the next significant event or development. Details: Include descriptive details to enhance the narrative. Character Reactions: Show how the characters react or change.

Paragraph 3 (and more, if needed):

Subsequent Events: Continue describing subsequent events, following the same pattern. Build-up to Climax: Gradually build tension or suspense leading up to the climax.
Main Event: Present the climax or the most critical moment of your story. Peak of Action: Highlight the peak of the action or conflict. Character Responses: Focus on the characters’ responses and emotions.
Resolution: Describe how the conflict or action is resolved. Reflection: Reflect on the events and their impact on the characters or yourself. Lesson Learned: If applicable, discuss the moral or lesson learned from the story. Closing Remarks: End with a statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Narrative Essay Topics with Samples

  • Narrative Essay on Childhood Memories
  • Narrative Essay on Road Accident I Witnessed
  • Narrative Essay on How I spent my holiday
  • Narrative Essay on On a Rainy Day
  • Narrative Essay on The Day I never forget
  • Narrative Essay on Friendship
  • Narrative Essay on A Trip I never forget
  • Narrative Essay on My First Day in School
  • Narrative Essay on Personal Experience
  • Narrative Essay on Overcoming a Challenge
  • Narrative Essay on Losing a Loved One
  • Narrative Essay on Earthquake
  • Narrative Essay on Being Judged

Types of Narrative Essay

1. Personal Narrative Essay : A story from the writer’s own life or experiences, often highlighting a personal journey or lesson learned.

2. Descriptive Narrative Essay: Focuses on detailed, sensory descriptions to create a vivid picture of a scene, event, or character.

3. Historical Narrative Essay: Tells a story set in a historical context, blending factual history with storytelling elements.

4. Biographical Narrative Essay: Relays the life story of another person, emphasizing their experiences and achievements.

5. Fictional Narrative Essay: A made-up story created entirely from the writer’s imagination, not based on real events.

6. Adventure Narrative Essay: Focuses on an exciting or adventurous experience, often involving action and suspense.

7. Mystery Narrative Essay: Centers around a mystery or puzzle, engaging the reader in uncovering secrets or solving a problem.

8+ Narrative Essay Outline Examples

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5. Sample Narrative Essay Outline

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What purpose does a narrative essay serve?

Narrative writing allows writers to tell their stories uniquely. Also, it assists them in clarifying their thoughts and teaching them how to write them down in an organized manner. It also helps them in aiding in their quest for self-identity. They can learn about a variety of characters and settings through narrative writing.

How To Write a Narrative Essay?

Writing a narrative essay involves telling a story from your perspective and requires careful planning, detailed description, and a clear structure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective narrative essay:

1. Choose Your Story:

  • Select a meaningful event or experience from your life. It should be something you can write about in detail and has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

2. Create an Outline:

  • Plan the structure of your essay. Outline the sequence of events and decide how you will introduce your story, build the plot, and conclude.

3. Write a Strong Introduction:

  • Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a quote, a question, a vivid description, or an interesting fact.
  • Set the scene by providing background information and context.
  • Introduce the main characters involved in your story.

4. Develop the Body:

  • Describe the events in chronological order, but feel free to use flashbacks or non-linear storytelling if it serves your narrative.
  • Focus on making each paragraph a clear step in the progression of your story.
  • Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture for the reader.
  • Show emotions and conflicts through dialogue and inner thoughts.

5. Build Up to the Climax:

  • Lead the narrative towards the climax or the most critical point of your story.
  • This is usually where the main conflict or tension reaches its peak.

6. Write a Satisfying Conclusion:

  • Resolve the story and tie up any loose ends.
  • Reflect on the events and share what you learned or how you changed as a result of the experience.

Tips to Write a Best Narrative Essay

  • Choose a Meaningful Topic: Pick a story with personal significance or one that has impacted you deeply. This connection makes your narrative more authentic and engaging.
  • Start with a Hook: Begin with a sentence that grabs the reader’s interest, like a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact, or a vivid description.
  • Use Descriptive Language: Employ vivid, sensory details to create a rich, immersive experience for the reader. Describe sights, sounds, smells, and textures.
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of merely stating events, show them through action, dialogue, thoughts, and feelings to make your story more dynamic.
  • Develop Characters and Setting: Give life to your characters with distinct personalities and voices. Set the scene with clear, descriptive details about the environment.
  • Follow a Clear Structure: Organize your narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Ensure your story flows logically and is easy to follow.
  • Build to a Climax: Lead your story to a high point where the main conflict or tension reaches its peak. This keeps readers invested in the outcome.

What does the term “narrative format” mean?

In writing, the narrative format is an effective structure for narrating stories and sharing anecdotes and messages. While the narrative format does not have to follow a strict chronological order or sequence of events effectively, all compelling narratives or stories should include five major components.

What is the definition of a simple narrative?

The events that makeup stories are referred to as a narrative. It’s the way events in a story or book are connected and form the plot. A narrative is a collection of related events told in a sequence of written or spoken words to the reader or listener.

What is the format of a narrative essay?

A narrative essay is an essay in which the entire narrative revolves around a single motif or central point. All of the events, happenings, and characters in the story revolve around a single theme. In terms of format, a narrative essay is similar to a simple five-paragraph article.

It should be enjoyable to write a narrative essay. It does not bind you to a strictly linear format with no room for creativity.  That isn’t to say that breaking all the rules and writing something absurd is a good idea. If you’re still confused about what to write, consider your story as a coming-of-age story. An experience that shaped you into the person you are now. Your main goal is to take your readers on an adventure. Allow them to hear about your experience and learn something from it. The best stories are always those that take the audience outside of their usual comfort zones.

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Narrative Essay Writing

Narrative Essay Outline

Dorothy M.

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline?

Published on: Jul 2, 2019

Last updated on: Jan 20, 2023

Narrative Essay Outline

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A narrative essay is the simplest and the most exciting type of essay that lets you share your story. It uses the ethos, pathos, and logos to help the reader understand the story. Similar to other types of essays, it has a beginning, a middle, and an end.

To make narrative writing more interesting and simpler, craft a good outline. Once you have an outline template in hand, you can easily organize your story.

Learn to craft a perfect narrative essay outline from this blog.

What is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay is like a short story that has a central point around which the story revolves. It is told from a definite point of view, usually, the writers. So specific sensory details are provided to get the reader involved in the sequence of the story.

It is like a  descriptive essay  and  expository essay , where the writer informs the reader about a particular event. It offers writers a chance to think and write about themselves.

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Elements of a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays rely on personal experiences and are written in the form of a story. When the writer uses this technique, he uses the convention of storytelling. The five elements of a narrative essay are:

  • Plot:  The main event happened in your story.
  • Character:  People who played some role in your story.
  • Setting:  When and where the event happened
  • Conflict:  The problems faced by the characters
  • Theme:  Moral of the story

These five elements collectively make a strong narrative essay. Follow the narrative arc format to write a perfect essay. The narrative arc is a five stages process through which your plot passes to become a story.

Narrative Arc

The first step in writing a narrative essay is creating an outline. Let’s see how to start a narrative essay. Follow these steps to understand the outline writing process:

Let us discuss these steps in detail.

1. Choose an Essay Topic

A topic plays an important role in crafting a perfect essay. When writing a narrative essay, remember that you are telling a story, so you need to get the reader’s interest in the beginning. Choose a topic that interests you the most and gets the reader’s attention immediately.

2. Brainstorm

Before you get into the writing process, brainstorm for different ideas. Think of the things that happened in your story and try to recall the exact sequence. The brainstorming session helps you remember every important aspect related to your story. Make sure you don’t miss out on anything.

3. Write an Eye-catchy Introduction

The opening paragraph needs to accomplish three goals:

  • Get the reader involved in the essay with an eye-catchy hook statement.
  • Set the scene and give a glimpse of what happened in your story
  • State the thesis statement that provides an insight into what the story is all about.

4. Draft an Interesting Body

The body paragraphs comprise the major section of the essay. It describes the character, presents the setting, and discusses the conflicts. Here are the elements of the body paragraph:

  • Include a vivid description and present relevant details.
  • Incorporate dialogues effectively to get the reader involved in the story.
  • Write in the exact sequence in which the event happened.
  • Write in the first person while writing a personal story. Use the third person if you are writing someone else’s story.

5. Compose a Compelling Conclusion

In conclusion, you need to present the climax of the story. The following things should be included in the conclusion paragraph:

  • Present the climax of the story
  • Restate some of the key details
  • Share the lesson that you have learned from your story (if any)
  • Provide a call to action (if required)

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Historical Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

Biographical Narrative Essay Outline (PDF)

What are the Five Rules of Narrative Writing

Now that you have a step-by-step guide and examples for crafting a narrative essay outline. Here are the five essential rules of narrative writing:

1. Keep It Clear

As you are telling a story, make sure it is clear for the reader. Do not mix things up. It should be clear and easy to understand for the reader. Moreover, use simple and clear language.

2. Do Not Exaggerate

The narrative essay has a main theme around which the whole story revolves. Don’t overuse the details; just tell the story in vivid detail. You should sound real.

3. Write in The First Person

Narrative essays are usually the writer’s personal experiences that they share with the reader. Therefore, they should be written in the first person. Do not use the second-person narrative.

4. Use Dynamic Words

The word choice should be dynamic. Avoid making your story monotonous. Avoid using the same slangs or idioms.

5. Limit References

The formatting styles like APA, MLA, etc., recommend including citations in the essay. But, the narrative essays are personal stories; you should limit the references.

Follow this step-by-step guide to craft a perfect outline for your essay. However, if you get into any trouble, feel free to contact us.  FreeEssayWriter.net  is a professional essay writing service that provides an academic writing help for every level.

Our  essay writer  is one of the capable writers who can craft top-notch essays, research papers in a short period of time. Check out our free essays to analyze the quality of our work and get some inspiration to place your  order .

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Narrative Essay Writing

Personal Narrative Essay

Cathy A.

Personal Narrative Essay - Easy Guide & Examples

16 min read

Published on: Apr 18, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 24, 2024

personal narrative essay

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A personal narrative essay can be a fun way to share your life story with friends and family. However, most students have no idea how to write a personal narrative essay. 

This can be a challenge. On top of that, it's one of the most common assignments in school.

Is this something that you are also dealing with? Fortunately, you don't have to worry anymore! We are here to simplify the process for you.

This guide will walk you through the process of writing a personal narrative essay step by step. Plus, you can find plenty of examples here to help you get started and avoid common writing mistakes. 

So what are you waiting for, take a step forward to make your essay shine!

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Personal Narrative Essay Definition

What is a Personal Narrative Essay? 

A personal narrative essay is also referred to as short storytelling. It depends on the writer's type of story they want to tell the readers. This type of essay can be composed of the personal experience of the writer. 

A personal narrative essay is usually written in the first person participle. It helps to depict a clear narrative that’s focused on a specific moment.

Usually, high school students are usually assigned to write such essays. Writing these essays helps them to enhance creative writing skills. Also, they help to provide insight into a student’s personal life. 

To write a personal narrative essay, the writer specifies a plot around which the entire essay revolves. Moreover, the plot should also discuss the characters that have played some part in the story.

Sample Personal Narrative Essay (PDF)

How to Start a Personal Narrative Essay?  

The personal narrative essay requires a balance between objectivity and subjectivity. To write about an event or situation with significance, you must first identify what's important to share with the readers.

As with other types of writing - there are some guidelines you need to follow some guidelines. These are;

1. Choose the Right Topic 

A good topic can not just make your essay look good, but also it will make the writing process much easier. Since personal narrative essays are written on personal experiences and thoughts, make sure you choose your most interesting experience. 

Keep in mind that the topic you choose matches the intended audience. It is the reader who decides the scope and success of your essay.

2. Choose a Theme 

You can also choose a theme for your essay. This will help you focus on what you want to say. You can use your personal experiences to explore the theme in depth.  For example, if you choose the theme of love, you could talk about your experience of love with your sister(s).  Alternatively, you can start writing out the story and see if any ideas might relate to a bigger theme. When you are writing, pay attention to any ideas that keep coming up. See if they might be related to a bigger topic.

3. Create a Thesis Statement 

The thesis statement is the most important sentence and tells the reader what your essay will be about.  

In a personal narrative essay, the thesis statement can briefly explore the story's events. Or it can tell the reader about the moral or lesson learned through personal experience. The thesis statement can also present the main theme of the essay. 

For example, if you are writing an essay about your personal experience as a refugee. You may have a thesis statement that presents the theme of freedom.

Check out more thesis statement examples to learn how to write one!

4. Create an Outline 

Once you have your topic, it is time that you create an outline for your essay. The essay outline is an essential element of an essay. It keeps the whole composition in an organized order. 

Also, it helps the reader through the essay. With the help of an outline, a writer can provide logic for the essay. 

Personal Narrative Essay Outline

Being a student, you must know how important an outline is for an essay. It provides an organization with the whole content.

To create an outline for a personal narrative essay, you need to follow the following traditional method.

Introduction

These three major elements of a  narrative essay  are further elaborated down below.

The introduction is the most important part of essay writing. It is the first impression on the reader; by reading this part, the reader decides the quality of the essay. This part should be the most attention-grabbing part. 

It should have an attention-grabbing hook and some background information about the topic. Moreover, it should include the thesis statement, which explains the main idea of your essay.

Keep in mind that the essay introduction should always end with a transition sentence. This will make a logical connection with the rest of the essay. 

Personal Narrative Introduction Example

Body Paragraphs 

After the introduction, the body paragraphs are written. These paragraphs help you to explain the key elements of your personal narrative essay. 

In a standard personal narrative essay, there are usually three body paragraphs. These paragraphs help the writer to describe the subject of the essay in all possible aspects. 

With the help of these paragraphs, the writer describes their point of view to the readers. To support the essay, the time and place of the event happening are also mentioned. Moreover, these paragraphs have all the information about the characters. 

Keep in mind that a body starts with a topic sentence . This sentence is a kind of introductory sentence for that particular paragraph.

Another important thing you need to keep in mind is the order in which you will present the details. Make sure that you use chronological order for this purpose. 

Personal Narrative Body Example

In conclusion, you need to provide the climax of the story. 

In this section of a personal narrative essay, you should wrap up the whole story. Do it in such a way that you provide a summary of the entire essay. 

Your conclusion should be just as impactful as your introduction. End with a memorable sentence or thought that leaves the reader with a lasting impression. You can summarize the main points of your essay or reflect on the significance of the experience in your life.

Make sure that you do not add any new points in this part. It will not give the reader a sense of accomplishment and will leave them in confusion. 

Personal Narrative Conclusion Example

How to Write a Personal Narrative Essay

A personal narrative essay is considered very good when it is expressive, and the reader enjoys your personal narrative. The key to writing an amazing personal narrative is to use sensory details as much as possible.

An excellent narrative essay doesn't tell what happened. Instead, it shows what happened precisely and how you have felt at that moment.

Here is how you can write a personal narrative essay:

  • Start With a Good Hook 

For any type of essay , a hook statement can be a game-changer. But, particularly for a personal narrative essay, hook sentences are very important. 

Usually, the introduction of the essay starts with this sentence. You may use a famous quotation, verse, or an interesting fact for this purpose. This sentence helps to attain the reader’s attention and persuade the reader to read the entire essay. 

  • Vivid Description 

For a narrative essay, it is a must to be vivid enough to let the reader imagine the whole scene. This is why it is necessary that the writer uses as much descriptive language as possible. 

For instance, if you are writing about a visit to the beach, you can describe how the sun felt on your face. On top of that, making use of strong verbs and adjectives will also help to provide an engaging experience for readers.  

  • Use Transition Words 

For any essay, be it an argumentative essay , descriptive essay , or personal narrative essay. It is very important to have some transition sentences and words. These transition words help to make a logical connection in all parts of the essay. 

In other words, the transition words help to make links between the storyline. You may use transition words like this, however, whereas, therefore, moreover, etc.

  • Add Emotions 

The purpose of a personal narrative essay is to show the reader what and how you have felt. Hence don't forget to add the emotions, as you have to make the reader know about the feelings. 

Describe all of the emotions and feelings using very descriptive words. 

  • Be Consistent 

Consistency is the key to writing an essay in a professional way. Make sure that you don't get distracted by any irrelevant details. 

Stay focused on one single point, and add details related to your specific idea.  Make sure that you inter-link all the events of the story in a regular manner. This will help the reader to relate all the events. Also, use first-person impressions as you are writing a personal narrative. 

You also want to show the reader that you are telling your own story. Make sure that you follow the same participle in the entire essay. 

  • Prove the Significance of Your Experience 

You know that behind every event, there is a reason. Similarly, let your readers know the reason behind your essay and its significance. 

Also, mention that the story you just told was important to share. 

As it is a personal narrative, you don't have to provide evidence to prove the significance of your story. Rather, you have to convey a broader message through your story. 

  • Use Dialogue

Dialogue is an excellent way to bring life to your story and make it more engaging. It can reveal the character’s personalities and add a touch of realism to the essay. 

When you use dialogue, make sure to punctuate it correctly and indicate who is speaking.

  • Show, Don't Tell

When writing a personal narrative essay, avoid summarizing events and simply telling the story. Instead, use sensory details to help the reader experience the story with you. 

Describe what you saw, heard, felt, tasted, and smelled to bring the story to life.

  • Reflect on the Experience

Reflection is an important part of any personal narrative essay. It is an opportunity for you to reflect on the experience you are writing about and what it means to you. Take the time to think about what you learned from the experience and how it has shaped you as a person.

Once you are done with writing your personal narrative essay. It's time that you put a little effort into making it error-free. Proofread the essay more than once and look for minor spelling mistakes and other grammatical mistakes. 

This will ensure that you have written an essay like a pro. You can do this yourself or you may ask a friend to do it for you.

To understand better how to write a personal narrative essay, take a few moments to watch the video below!

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Free Personal Narrative Essay Examples

Examples help you to understand things better; here are a few well-written  narrative essay examples . Read them thoroughly and use them as a guide to writing a good essay yourself.

Personal Narrative Essay 750 words

Personal narrative essays can be long or short. It depends on the writer how they want to elaborate things.

750 Words Personal Narrative Essay (PDF)

Personal Narrative Essay Examples for High School Students

Personal narrative essays are often assigned to high school students. If you are a high school student and looking for some good examples, you are exactly where you should be.

Best Summer Memory of My Childhood (PDF)

Near-Death Experience (PDF)

Personal Narrative Essay Examples for College Students

Being a college student, you will often get to write personal narrative essays. Here are a few examples of well-written personal narrative essays to guide college students.

Climbing a Mountain (PDF)

My First Job (PDF)

Want to get a better understanding? Dive into the wide collection of our narrative essay examples !

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

It is important to choose a good topic before you start writing. Here are some interesting  narrative essay topics  you can choose from for your essay.

  • My worst childhood memory
  • My favorite summer activities during vacation.
  • The first time I had a serious argument with my best friend
  • The first time someone broke my heart.
  • Things I could tell myself.
  • How I balance my family life and my professional life.
  • The most important rule in life
  • Teachers who inspired me in my college.
  • Why I love to write a diary
  • My favorite New York Times Article.
  • My favorite movie.
  • Personal advice for the youth of today.
  • How I overcame my stage fear.
  • The toughest decision I have ever made.
  • What I regret most

Need some inspiration to craft your essay? Our expansive list of narrative essay topics will provide you with plenty of ideas!

Personal Narrative Essay Writing Tips

You need to follow a few things in order to start your personal narrative essay in a proper way. Those significant things are as follows:

  • Think of a memorable event, an unforgettable experience, or any that you want to tell the readers.
  • Plan your narrative essay. Make yourself clear on the order in which you want to mention all the details.
  • Start your personal essay with a hook sentence. This will help you to grab the attention of the readers.
  • Use vivid language so that the reader can imagine the whole scene in mind. Describe the actions, mood, theme, and overall plot.
  • Make sure that you use descriptive language.
  • Use proper sentence structure.

In conclusion,

writing a personal narrative essay can be daunting for many students.

So, step into the world of professional essay writing with our specialized narrative essay writing service . We're committed to crafting compelling stories that capture and engage.

For added convenience and innovation, don't forget to check out our essay writer online , an AI tool designed to refine and elevate your writing experience. Join us today and transform your writing journey!

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For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

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narrative essay outline pdf

narrative essay outline pdf

How to Write a Narrative Essay

narrative essay outline pdf

Essay writing comes in many forms, not all of which require extensive research. One such form is the narrative essay, which blends personal storytelling with academic discussion. Authors of these essays use their own experiences to convey broader insights about life.

This genre offers writers a unique chance to connect with readers on a personal level. By sharing experiences and reflections, authors engage their audience emotionally while conveying important messages or lessons. In the following sections, our custom term paper writing experts will explore various aspects of narrative writing, from choosing a topic to effectively structuring your essay!

What Is a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is a piece of writing that tells a story, often based on personal experiences. Unlike academic or journalistic writing, which sticks to facts and a formal style, narrative essays use a more creative approach. They aim to make a point or impart a lesson through personal stories. These essays are commonly assigned in high school or for college admissions. An effective narrative essay typically follows a chronological order of events and has three main traits:

  • Has one main idea.
  • Uses specific facts to explain that idea.
  • Follows a clear order of events.

A narrative essay resembles short stories in structure, with vivid illustrations, plots, characters, and discussion. However, there are key differences. These essays are focused on a central theme or argument and conclude decisively, while short stories often have a more abstract moral or message.

A narrative essay is usually written in the first person and follows a standard structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Short stories, on the other hand, can take various formats.

What is the Purpose of a Narrative Essay

When tasked with writing, you might wonder what the exact purpose of a narrative essay is. Here are various scenarios where you might need to write one:

What is the Purpose of a Narrative Essay

  • School Assignments: Teachers often assign them to help students improve their writing and storytelling skills. Sharing personal experiences lets students get feedback and improve.
  • Reflective Writing: They offer a chance to think about personal achievements. Whether it's winning an award or reaching a goal, writing about these experiences helps people understand their importance and share them with others. Meanwhile, if you wish to describe your life in greater depth, you might look at how to write an autobiography .
  • Application Requirements: They're often needed for job, internship, or scholarship applications. These essays let applicants show their experiences and goals, standing out from others.
  • Literary Analysis : In literature classes, you might write them to analyze stories or poems. You'll explore themes, characters, and how the story is told.
  • Historical Reflection : In history or social studies, you'll use these essays to think about events in the past. By imagining the experiences of people in different times, you can understand history better.
  • Cultural Exploration : These essays help you explore different cultures. In classes like anthropology or sociology, you might write about your own culture or learn about others by telling their stories.

How to Write a Narrative Essay in 5 Steps

Crafting a narrative essay is a whole different ball game compared to other school essays. Instead of analyzing topics, it's about sharing personal experiences through storytelling. By walking through a few easy steps below, you can turn your ideas into a gripping narrative. And, if sharing your personal stories is not your cup of tea, you can buy essays online from our expert writers, who will customize the paper to your particular writing style and tone.

How to Write a Narrative Essay in 5 Steps

Step 1: Start with a Topic Selection

When writing a narrative essay, start by choosing a topic that either relates to your own experiences or matches a given prompt. If there's a prompt, think about what it asks for and brainstorm ideas that fit.

As you brainstorm, write down key points or moments you want to include. Think about how each point fits into your essay's structure and if it meets any word count limits.

Consider the tone and style you want for your writing. Will it be reflective or humorous? Are there specific stylistic choices you want to use, like repeating phrases or leaving cliffhanger endings? These choices shape your narrative and keep your reader engaged. And, stay flexible as you explore ideas. You can always tweak your topic, tone, and style as you write.

Read more on Narrative Essay Topic to skip the brainstorming and choose a ready-made option!

Step 2: Make a Clear Outline

Once you've picked your topic, make a narrative essay outline. It acts as a roadmap for telling your story effectively. Identify the key points you want to cover, like important events or lessons learned, and assign each to a paragraph, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.

The outline will plan the progression of your narrative, letting you map out events and decide how much detail to give each point. For example, if you're writing about overcoming a challenge, your outline might have a paragraph for background, then paragraphs detailing your perseverance and the obstacles you faced. Finally, if you're wondering how to write an essay conclusion , you'll just summarize the experience and its lessons.

Step 3: Write Your Narrative Essay

Now, it's time to start writing a narrative essay! Use your outline as a guide, and write each section with clear and engaging language.

Remember, narrative essays are about expressing yourself creatively, so don't worry about sticking to formal academic writing rules. Focus on captivating your reader and bringing your story to life.

Tip đź’ˇ Use first-person : Write from your perspective using pronouns like 'I' and 'me' to make your narrative essay personal and engaging.

Tip đź’ˇ Employ storytelling techniques : Use techniques from fiction and creative nonfiction, like dialogue and symbolism, to enhance your narrative and engage readers.

Tip đź’ˇ Show, don't tell : Instead of just stating facts, use vivid descriptions and sensory details to let the reader experience the story with you.

Tip đź’ˇ Be authentic : Stay true to your own voice and experiences. Share your thoughts and feelings honestly to make your narrative essay genuine and relatable.

Step 4: Don't Forget to Revise

After finishing your essay, it's crucial to revise and refine it. But first, take a break after your first draft to return with fresh eyes and a clear mind. This is one of the most important tips for writing a narrative essay, making it easier to identify areas that need improvement.

When you return, read through your essay carefully to ensure logical flow and coherence. Check for any inconsistencies or gaps in the narrative and make revisions as needed to improve clarity. Pay attention to details such as tense, point of view, and narrative voice throughout your essay.

Step 5: Proofread Your Writing

As you consider ending a narrative essay, it's important to carefully proofread it for any remaining errors or typos. Pay attention to details such as formatting and citation style, if necessary. Sharing your essay with trusted friends, family, or teachers and seeking their feedback can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement that you may have overlooked. Based on the feedback received and your own observations during the revision process, make changes to strengthen the impact and effectiveness of your essay. Remain open to making significant changes if necessary to enhance the quality of your narrative.

Narrative Essay Format

The narrative essay format is crucial for captivating readers and creating memorable stories. Whether it's a personal essay or fiction, these guidelines will help you take readers on a journey, making them feel immersed in the action:

  • Introduction : Set the scene and introduce the characters and setting. Use a hook to grab readers' attention.
  • Plot : Have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each part building on the last. Include a conflict or problem for the protagonist to overcome.
  • Characters : Develop well-rounded characters with distinct personalities and motivations. Ensure the protagonist has a clear goal, and the antagonist provides a challenge.
  • Setting : Describe the time and place effectively to set the mood and support the story's themes.
  • Dialogue : Use realistic dialogue to reveal characters' traits and move the plot forward.
  • Climax : Reach the highest point of tension or conflict, leading to resolution.
  • Resolution : Provide a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends.

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Narrative Essay Examples

If you need inspiration for your next essay, check out these excellent samples from our essay writer . Use them as a guide to craft your own narrative, and let your unique voice and experiences shine.

Narrative Essay Example for College

College professors search for the following qualities in their students:

  • the ability to adapt to different situations,
  • the ability to solve problems creatively,
  • and the ability to learn from mistakes.

Your work must demonstrate these qualities, regardless of whether your narrative paper is a college application essay or a class assignment. Additionally, you want to demonstrate your character and creativity. Describe a situation where you have encountered a problem, tell the story of how you came up with a unique approach to solving it, and connect it to your field of interest. The narrative can be exciting and informative if you present it in such fashion.

Narrative Essay Example for High School

High school is all about showing that you can make mature choices. You accept the consequences of your actions and retrieve valuable life lessons. Think of an event in which you believe your actions were exemplary and made an adult choice. A personal narrative essay example will showcase the best of your abilities. Finally, use other sources to help you get the best results possible. Try searching for a sample to see how others have approached it.

Final Recap

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  1. Narrative Essay Outline

    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.

  2. PDF Personal Narrative Essays

    A personal narrative essay uses the components of a story: introduction, plot, characters, setting, and conflict. It also uses the components of argument, thesis, and conclusion. In a personal narrative essay, we tell our readers a story to make a larger argument. Focusing the readers' attention on significant, detailed scenes, we develop our ...

  3. PDF Narrative Essays

    Learn how to write a narrative essay that tells a story with a clear structure, a hook that grabs attention, a thesis that introduces the action, and transitional sentences that connect the events. This web page provides definitions, examples, and activities to help you master the skills of narrative writing.

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    Interactive example of a narrative essay. An example of a short narrative essay, responding to the prompt "Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself," is shown below. Hover over different parts of the text to see how the structure works. Narrative essay example.

  5. How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline? Examples & Template

    Narrative Essay Outline Format. Here are general formatting rules for a narrative essay outline: Organizational Structure: Ensure your outline follows the standard structure of a narrative essay, which includes Introduction, Body, and Conclusion sections. Font and Size: Use a clear and easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size for consistency and readability.

  6. How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples

    đź“ť Narrative Essay Outline Template . Now, let's see what we have in the end. Have a look at the following narrative essay outline example: Introduction. Hook. It's a catchy and intriguing sentence. An interesting question or a surprising fact will do. Background information.

  7. PDF ARRATIVE ESSAY The Narrative Essay

    Often one of the very first essays assigned in a composition class, a narrative essay is an essay that tells a story. Usually, a narrative is a personal essay that describes a particular event in the writer's experience. If you're writing a personal narrative, you might write about a particularly memorable trip to the beach, for instance -

  8. PDF Narrative Essay Outline

    Narrative Essay Outline Each essay you write will be slightly different than the last. No matter the format, you can begin to formulate your ideas using the following structure. NARRATIVE INTRODUCTION STORY ENDING STORY BEGINNING STORY MIDDLE NARRATIVE CONCLUSION. Title: Narrative Essay Outline

  9. PDF Structure of a Personal Narrative Essay

    A narrative thesis can begin the events of the story: "It was sunny and warm out when I started down the path"; offer a moral or lesson learned: "I'll never hike alone again"; or identify a theme that connects the story to a universal experience: "Journeys bring both joy and hardship.". "Show, Don't Tell" Good story telling ...

  10. PDF Narrative Essay Outline Worksheet

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    A narrative's thesis statement is not exactly like the thesis statements used in argumentative or analytical essays. The thesis statement for a narrative essay does not necessarily need to outline the whole essay. Instead, it should be a sentence including one of two things: the overall theme of the narrative or a lesson learned.

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    Plan the structure of your essay. Outline the sequence of events and decide how you will introduce your story, build the plot, and conclude. 3. Write a Strong Introduction: Start with a hook to grab the reader's attention. This could be a quote, a question, a vivid description, or an interesting fact.

  14. Narrative Essay Outline

    1. Choose an Essay Topic. A topic plays an important role in crafting a perfect essay. When writing a narrative essay, remember that you are telling a story, so you need to get the reader's interest in the beginning. Choose a topic that interests you the most and gets the reader's attention immediately. 2.

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    A narrative essay is writing that tells a story of an event or an experience, usually in chronological order. There are four steps to remember when writing an effective narrative essay: reveal something of importance, include all the important events of the story, bring the story to life with detailed examples of what happened, and present ...

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    Name: _____ Date: _____ Period: ____ Personal Narrative Essay Outline Title: _____ Introduction

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    As the informal outline expands into a personal narrative, be sure to include vivid details that will help develop the story. Also, be sure to include transitions to signify a shift from one stage of the event to the next. Finally, it is often appropriate to use the first-person voice for narrative essays. Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R ...

  18. PDF College Essay Writing: Personal Narrative

    As your essay is going to be submitted to college admissions, your personal narrative is subjected to an extra set of standards. To better your chances of being accepted by the college of your choice, your personal narrative should: Be well constructed and grammatically correct. Adhere to a prompt, if you were given one.

  19. Personal Narrative Essay

    3. Create a Thesis Statement. The thesis statement is the most important sentence and tells the reader what your essay will be about. In a personal narrative essay, the thesis statement can briefly explore the story's events. Or it can tell the reader about the moral or lesson learned through personal experience.

  20. Narrative Essay

    Step 2: Make a Clear Outline. Once you've picked your topic, make a narrative essay outline. It acts as a roadmap for telling your story effectively. Identify the key points you want to cover, like important events or lessons learned, and assign each to a paragraph, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.

  21. PDF Grades 6th-8th

    Sample Lesson Plan for Writing a Narrative. 5-step Plan. (This 5 step plan will take from 3-5 days) * Approx. 15-30 minutes per step. Step 1: Read your writing prompt (assignment) and plan it out by organizing your thoughts and ideas. * Read the prompt at least twice. Underline key words in the prompt.

  22. PDF The Basic Five Paragraph Essay: Format and Outline Worksheet

    There is an Outline worksheet on the back of this page to help you start planning the content, order and organization of your essay. Paragraph 1: Introduction -- If possible, open with an attention-getting device to interest the reader (perhaps a quote or question). Introduce the topic of your essay in general, and present some context for this ...

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    Mission. The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives.

  24. PDF Narrative Essay Outline for Middle School

    Narrative Essay A narrative essay tells a story. It uses descriptive language to tell the beginning, middle, and end of an event. It has an introduction that engages the reader's interest, details about the main event or action in the story, and a conclusion that describes the outcome. doesn't tell the whole story (just a Identifying Parts ...

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    add_circle_outline. remove_circle_outline . Journals. Religions. Volume 15. ... article pdf uploaded. 14 May 2024 12:37 CEST: Version of Record ... -1444/15/5/606/html: Cite. Export citation file: BibTeX | EndNote | RIS. MDPI and ACS Style. Hartog, P.B. Journeys without End: Narrative Endings and Implied Readers in Acts of the Apostles and ...