Types of Writing: Narrative

The most distinctive feature of a narrative essay is that it reads like a story.

It usually has a plot, characters, a setting, and it follows an order. A narrative is generally a personal, non-fiction story, i.e. a story about yourself or something you experienced.

Narrative essays are often featured in English classes, but professors from any department might ask you to write a narrative. Narratives can:

• Allow your instructors to get to know you and your background
• Encourage students to think about their own experiences and how they relate to the course content

In general, keep in mind that a narrative should always:

• Have a point
• Never leave your reader wondering why you told the story
• Have a clear meaning