Personal Narrative Writing

Narrative Writing:  The Time I got Lost in the Wilderness!

Don't let the term narrative essay alarm you! A narrative essay is simply a personal story, and we all have at least a few of these to tell! Sometimes plays and movies have a narrator, a person who stands to the side and tells his or her story. The narrator describes actions as well as thoughts and feelings. For the purpose of this lesson, you are the narrator. The story you choose to write will be your narrative essay. 

Unlike some other essay forms, the narrative essay is written in the first person viewpoint. Because this is your story, you can pepper it with the words "I," "me," "my," and "mine." This is a personal experience piece. While an opinion essay would also be written in first person, it would dwell more on thoughts and ideas than on events. Your narrative essay will be event-driven.
 
     For example, take this sentence: "I was never more scared than the day I lost my little sister in a crowded mall." With that opening statement, the reader knows they are about to learn the details of that day, from the moments leading up to the child's disappearance, to your terrified scramble to find her, and finally to your reunion at the security office. You will draw them into the story with your descriptions of your fears and your attempts to locate your sister.
 

Your story will be written in the storytelling style complete with setting, characters, plot, climax, and ending.

Setting: where the story takes place

Main Characters: who the story is about

Plot: what happens in the story (sequence of events)
Climax: point of highest tension or drama
Ending: the outcome of your story

Step 1:  Brainstorm ideas: make a list of interesting or special events that have happened to you. Choose the topic that interests you most.

Complete the following questions:

·         Where did the event take place?

·         Who was with me?

·         What makes this event in my life so special or interesting?

PERSONAL NARRATIVE ROUGH DRAFT GUIDELINES

·         Grab your reader’s attention with something interesting/exciting!

·         Write a topic sentence telling what your personal narrative is about.

·         Tell about the important events that happened.

·         Be sure to write your essay in story order

o   Use time order words (first, next, etc.)

·         Include interesting details and descriptions-remember to expand your sentences

·         Have a strong ending!  Do this by summarizing what made this event special or interesting.

·         3 paragraphs TOTAL.  18 sentences MAXIMUM for the ENTIRE STORY. Choose your VERY BEST sentences and details to include!