Ø   To narrate is to tell a story, to relate a sequence of events that are linked in time; “to illuminate the stages leading to a result”

Ø   When used as primary means of developing essay, relates a sequence of events that led to new knowledge or had notable outcome.

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Ø   The point (what the reader takes away) determines the selection of events, the amount of detail, and arrangement.

Ø   We see this mode in speeches, histories, biographies, autobiographies, personal letters, diaries, journals, anecdotes in general.

Possibilities for arrangement:

Ø   Straight chronological sequence (easiest, good for short pieces, and those with standard plot development); this also intensifies the drama if you withhold the “thesis”

Ø   The final event (self-revelation) might come first followed by events leading up to it

Ø   Entire story might be summarized and then relayed in detail

Ø   Flashbacks to recall events whose significance wouldn’t be clear otherwise

Ø   In medias res!

Whatever the order, the ending should leave readers with the desired effect/ impression.

Point of view:

- Pronouns and verb tense need to be consistent - - Narrative time is not real time (but whatever chosen it must be consistent!)

Ø   If first person, then it will be more subjective and will show the writer’s feelings.

Ø   If third person (nonparticipant), then it will be more objective (unbiased).

Key question: Why was the incident or experience significant? What does it teach or illustrate?

Other key elements to consider:

Ø   Sometimes it helps to draft the story first if the experience is fresh.

Ø   Scene vs. summary

Ø   Dialogue adds immediacy and realism (as long as it advances the story).

o     Relates not only what was said, but how (speaker’s voice) and with what expression.

Ø   Transitions should be informative, such as afterward, earlier, for an hour, in that time, the next morning, a week later.

Journalistic questions to consider:

Ø   Who was involved?

Ø   What happened?

Ø   When did it happen?

Ø   Where did it happen?

Ø   Why did it happen?

Ø   How did it happen?

(as with description, choice of detail determines an impression and should reflect the understanding the author wishes to relay to the audience)

When revising, consider:

A variety of sentence openings and combined simple sentences

Ø   Does your assignment call for narration?

Ø   Does your essay’s thesis communicate the significance of the events you discuss?

Ø   Have you included enough specific detail?

Ø   Have you varied your sentence structure?

Ø   Is the order of events clear to readers?

Ø   Have you varied sentence openings to avoid monotony?

Ø   Do your transitions link events in time?