Writing Successful Narrative Essays

Three Essentials

Three Essentials

1. Conflict

2. Change or Resolution

3. Descriptive Writing

Conflict

The problem in the story.

1. Inner conflict: occurs within you. -Ex: building the nerve to ask someone out.

2. Outer conflict: occurs outside you. -Ex: sticking up for yourself or someone else.

Change or Resolution

How your conflict ends.

Resolving a conflict is as important as having one.

Think of your resolution before you begin writing, so you have a goal.

Descriptive Writing

“I got jumped by three guys, but the cops came. I was okay.”

What does this story need? Vertical Time: adding details to

increase suspense. Figurative Language: (metaphor, simile,

personification) to enhance the writing.

In Review

Conflict is the skeleton of the story. Resolution is the heart of the story. Descriptive writing is the skin and flesh.

Good narratives have all three.