This document outlines the key characteristics of a narrative essay, including involving readers in a story through a sequence of events from a point of view, using sensory details, and including elements like a plot, climax, and ending. It provides suggestions for topics like a belief being shattered or an influential person or experience. Finally, it recommends selecting an incident, finding its relevance, and including descriptive details.

1. Characteristics of a Narrative
Essay
 involves readers in the story.
 relates events in sequence.
 includes detailed observations of people, places, and events.
 presents important changes, contrasts, or conflicts and
creates tension.
 is told from a point of view--usually the author's point of view.
focuses on connection between past events, people, or places
and the present.
 makes a point, communicates a main idea or dominant
impression.

2. More characteristics
 Narratives are generally written in the first
person, that is, using I.
 Narratives rely on concrete, sensory details to
convey their point. These details should create
a unified, forceful effect, a dominant
impression.
 Narratives, as stories, should include these
story conventions: a plot, including setting and
characters; a climax; and an ending.

3. Planning
 first, select an incident worthy of writing about
 second, find relevance in that incident (writers
might ask themselves what about the incident
provided new insights or awareness)
 finally, dredge up details which will make the
incident real for readers.

4. Suggestions for essay
 Did you ever have a long-held belief or assumption
shattered?
 Can you trace the change to one event or a series of
events?
 Is there a particular experience that you observed that
has had a profound influence on your life?
 Is there a person that who has greatly influenced you?
 Is there a decision that you had to make, or a challenge
or an obstacle that you faced?
 Was there ever a moment in your life when you decided
to reform, to adopt a whole new outlook?
 How would you characterize your attempt? (Successful?

5. Resources
 DeSoto, Marla. "Writing a Narrative Essay."
Eng101 Online. Glendale Community College,
n.d. Web. 25 Oct 2011.
<http://web.gccaz.edu/~mdinchak/101online_n
ew/assignment3writing.htm>.