What is a narrative?

What is a narrative?

Notes for the academic narrative essay

A narrative is a story. • A story is a sequence of events

told or recounted. • Most stories contain people or

“characters.” • Narratives can be true or

fictitious or both.

Narratives can be found in a number of disciplines.

For example, medical professionals study patient narratives —sometimes called case studies —to better understand a medical condition from a patient’s point of view.


Law enforcement officials write down witnesses’, victims’, and suspects’ narratives—or statements—in order to piece together an incident as accurately as possible.


Journalists use first-hand narratives of experiences, or eyewitness accounts, as sources for their reporting.

An academic

narrative essay is a story

that makes a point.

An academic narrative essay…

is told from a first-person

point of view (I, we)


makes and supports a point

(a thesis)


• The thesis should not be a “moral of the story” nor should it be advice to your audience.

Leave the cute advice to me!


• The thesis should simply state the impact the incident/event had on your life.

• It could also state what you learned or gained from the experience.


• Your thesis should not be a cliché: –“I learned to cherish every day

because tomorrow is not promised to anyone.”

Cliché!!! AVOID!


is filled with precise and eye-catching detail

uses Vividaction verbs andmodifiers


uses conflict

and sequence (as

does any story)


Narratives generally present conflict and involve action.

may use

dialogue


Dialogue enhances the narrative essay, bringing others to life.

Guidelines for Narrative Essay:

• Length: 2-3 pages, MLA format

• Structure: Your narrative must have an explicit thesis supported by a personal experience story written in 1st person.

• Audience: Your classmates

Start brainstorming now!

End of presentation.

Documents

What is a narrative?