Narrative Structure

Karen Silvestri, Instructional SpecialistThe Learning Center at Robeson Community College

Once upon a time…

Telling a Story Something that happened to you Something that happened to someone

else Something you saw Something you read

Structure Chronological order (the order in which

events took place) First person (I, we) Third person (he, she, they, etc.)

Paragraphs Topic SentenceWhat will your narrative be about?

Supporting Details Where did it happen? When did it happen? Who was there? What happened?

Essays Introduction Thesis Statement Supporting Paragraphs Conclusion

A Good Narrative (Story) Be clearDid you provide enough information for the reader to follow your story? Be interestingUse descriptive words to paint a picture of the scenes to your reader. Stay in orderUse time order to help your reader follow the story.

Don’t forget! TransitionsAdd transitions to help your narrative flow well. Formal languageConsider your audience; who are you writing the narrative for? Word choiceRemove or change slang, clichés, and excessive words. TitleCome up with a creative title for your narrative ProofreadUse spell check or have someone review your work

Sample Narrative Paragraph

Topic sentence

Transitions

Descriptive language

You try! What story would you like to tell? A story about someone who succeeded A story about how you got your name A story about a time you overcame

something A story about someone or something

you lost You get the idea…..

Happy

Writing!