1. Narrative Writing

2. The Narrative Essay  Generally autobiographical writing… Tells a true story about an important period, experience or relationship in a writer’s life – often in real time, and with dialogue. Tells a true story about an important period, experience or relationship in a writer’s life – often in real time, and with dialogue. Includes the following: Includes the following: A series of events that involve the writer as a main character.A series of events that involve the writer as a main character. Details, thoughts, feelings and insights from the writer’s perspective.Details, thoughts, feelings and insights from the writer’s perspective. A conflict or event that affects the writer.A conflict or event that affects the writer. A chronological organization that tells the story clearly and presents events in the order that they happened.A chronological organization that tells the story clearly and presents events in the order that they happened.

3. Types of Narrative Essays  autobiographical sketches – brief snapshots of moments in a person’s life that had particular significance  memoirs – longer works detailing the series of events in a person’s life; often focus on important relationships  anecdotes – short, often humorous, stories told to entertain and to make a point

4. The Short Story  A brief, fictional narrative

5. The Short Story  A brief fictional narrative (“Brief enough to read in one sitting” – E.A. Poe) Establishes the setting in time and place. Establishes the setting in time and place. Introduces and develops a conflict, a problem to be resolved. Introduces and develops a conflict, a problem to be resolved. Presents a main character who takes part in the action as the problem is resolved. Presents a main character who takes part in the action as the problem is resolved. Weaves a plot, the series of events that make up the action of the story. Weaves a plot, the series of events that make up the action of the story. Suggests a theme or generalization about life. Suggests a theme or generalization about life.

6. Types of Short Stories  Historical narratives  Mysteries  Thrillers  Science-fiction  Character pieces