1. English 10 Mr. Schellenberg
Narrative Essays

2. What is a narrative essay?
An essay that approaches a particular topic by telling a story.
On a provincial exam, the essay topic becomes the theme/central idea of your story.
Examples:
People can create their own reality.
Confidence comes from the support of others.
Each generation has something valuable to offer.
With independence comes increased responsibility.

3. Elements of a narrative
What does a story require?
Setting
Conflict
Character
Plot
POV
As in a story, you need your theme to emerge through the interaction of these elements.

4. Writing a narrative Introduction Hook the reader
Establish setting, conflict, character
Example:
Death is a painfully inevitable part of one’s life. I, unfortunately, was forced to learn this lesson at the tender age of eight when I watched my grandmother succumb to esophageal cancer.
In media res (starting in the middle of the action)
As I laid there, with my face on the cold pavement, all I could hear was a stranger’s voice, yet I was too disoriented to make sense of what he was trying to say; all I could remember was that split second where I saw the headlights coming straight at me.

5. Writing a narrative cont.
Body Paragraphs
Climax
Turning point
Point of most intense interest
Rising Action
Development of conflict
Conflict intensifies
Show don’t tell
Careful selection of details
Write in past tense
Chronological order
No flashback or premonition
Dialogue
NO 2nd person POV

6. Writing a narrative cont.
Conclusion
Resolution to the conflict which has been the driving force behind your story
Make explicit/implicit connection to the essay topic which has become the theme of your story

7. Final tips Brainstorm before starting to write
Use description, at certain points, to enhance the reader’s image/understanding/enjoyment of your story
If necessary, use dialogue to improve authenticity
Dialogue CAN be colloquial
A well told narrative can be refreshing for an exam marker and earn you the coveted 5/6 essay mark; however, there is such thing as a BAD narrative! (<-- that’s an admonition!)
EDIT. EDIT. EDIT.