The Elements of Personal Narrative

What is a Personal Narrative? Personal Narratives are written about something important to the writer that will be conveyed to the reader. It is a story about a MOMENT or EVENT in your life- Not your whole life story!

Characters The characters are the people (and sometimes animals) in the story. Personal narratives are told by the writer and are about the writer.

Setting The setting is the time and place of the story.

Plot The plot is the sequence of events in the story. In personal narratives, the events in the story support and enhance the meaning.

Movement through time The passing of time is always evident in the plot and often in the characters and the setting. We consider this text organization chronological order (time order) or sequential order.

Point of View- POV Personal Narratives are told in FIRST PERSON point of view Use pronouns like I, me, we… YOU are telling the story of what happened to you.

Include DETAILS in your story What did you and the other people DO? Use strong action verbs and concrete nouns Use vivid details and descriptions Show the reader how people or you reacted to the events in the story Let your writing be like a movie – create mental images for your readers What did you and the other people SAY? Use dialogue to enhance your narrative This is what makes the story interesting and connects the reader to the events

Who is your audience? Knowing your audience is crucial to any type of writing because you want to connect with that audience Your audience determines whether you will use formal or informal language as well as your word choice Your audience determines what examples and details you use to to communicate your ideas, make your point, etc.

Change/Growth There will be change in a personal narrative. Either the characters, the setting, or the events change. Often characters learn something or change as a result of the situation or a conflict and resolution, but not always. Regardless of the outcome, there is growth (maturation) by the narrator or a character(s).

Include REFLECTION in your story Reflection tells why the story is important Reflection reveals what you and the other people in the story learned from the experience Reflection indicates why the story is memorable This is what makes your writing more mature! Use reflection as you end your paper although there may be places in your story that reflection may be enhanced by some reflection

VOICE “Voice” is the style of the writer You must have “voice” to have an outstanding composition or speech “Voice” is that warmth and personality shining through the composition that truly connects you to the reader Occasion and audience are considerations, but you still must have “voice” This is the secret weapon of writing and speaking!

Personal Narrative Assignment: Compose a two to three page narrative answering one of the prompts on the right. Audience: A scholarship committee Timed: 15 minutes Choose one: What made you the writer that you are today? Think about an event from your past that helped shape you as a writer. Or What made you the reader that you are today? Think about an event from your past that helped shape you as a reader.

Peer editing activity With a partner, read each other’s narrative and complete the peer editing sheet

Assignment Type your personal narrative. Use MLA formatting: Name, etc., page numbers, double spacing, 1 inch margins. Print and bring to next class. You will attach your draft and your partner’s peer editing sheet to your writing.