How To Write A Narrative Essay
Ever found yourself writing a story about an event. This is a situation we all find ourselves in without knowing. Such writings are called narrative essays.
What is a narrative essay?
This is a writing that revolves around a central plot. There is a fixed motif in which the story is developed around.
A concrete narrative essay has three basic arms:
- Character: This is the bases of all narrative essays. It is on this character that the story is built. The character can thus be a protagonist or an antagonist.
- Theme: Sometimes referred to by some as the motif. The theme is highlighted by the thesis statement and is broken down on for the character to develop. The theme, though often short, is built upon subsequently in the body of the write-up.
- Dialogue: The dialogue is the conversations rendered amongst the characters. This gives life, meaning, and explanation to the story.
What To Consider Before Writing
- Choose a topic. Write on something you can relate with. Live the dream, express your deepest thoughts, and wildest dreams.
- Draft out first: Before you start writing, draft your article out first. Planning helps you develop your story from beginning to end without you been carried away.
- Make your point of view clear: This would enable readers to follow suit.
- Avoid clouding your write-ups with less important details.
- Ensure a chronological write-up.
- Revise your drafts, and then you can then start writing.
How To Write
- Introduction: To begin your write-up, ensure a proper introduction. The introduction should be between four to five sentences. It is aimed at sparking up your reader's interest in the write-up. During the introduction, aim at giving the readers a good idea of what to expect through a thesis statement. A thesis statement renders your argument valid and known to readers. But avoid the following for your thesis statement. Do not make the thesis statement a question, suggestion, or recommendation.
- Body: Should be a chronological arrangement of events, or sequential detailing. Write all new ideas or facts you would like to incorporate in each new paragraph. The total body of your essay could be up to 5 paragraphs. Clearly illustrate the theme of your story. Make use of scenes and analyses. The scenes come in short writing that does not take time to read, whereas the analyses are the stories that link all scenes together.
- Conclusion: At this stage, you sum up all your narration in about 3-5 sentences. They are arranged and provide vivid backing to your thesis statement.
Make sure of the following
- Clarity: avoid the use of complex words. Don't cluster up all your ideas in one paragraph, evenly distribute them throughout your writing.
- Avoid too much detailing. Skip unnecessary information and write exactly what is needed.
- Avoid second-person narration.
- Write using the present tense.
- Avoid passive constructions. Rather make use of slangs and idioms you use when conversing naturally.
- Use fewer references. During your write-up, write more with originality, with little or no referencing.
With all these points, your narrative essay would come by easily as you write.