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.

Change 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.

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 REACTIONS in your story Tell the reader how people reacted to the events in the story What did you and the other people DO? What did you and the other people SAY? This is what makes the story interesting and connects the reader to the events

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 throughout your story, but especially at the end (as a conclusion)