NWR - Narrative Elements - Part One Lesson

See an example from literature after each narrative element.

Setting: Background information; when, where, what time, and what place.

Example: It was the Winter of 1985 in our small town

Characters: People/person involved and something of importance about his/her role in the story. You, most likely, will be a main character in your personal narrative.   You can change the names of the characters if you would like (to protect the innocent).

Example: My mother and I were walking home from the grocery store

Situation: Conflict or problem facing the character(s); the situation in which the character(s) finds himself when the story opens.

Example:  When all of a sudden it started to rain

Action: What happens; state the events in chronological order (order in which the events occur in time).   Use specific details and description.

Example: We ran into the first building that we came to and found ourselves standing front and center on a stage, which was hosting the local dog show. There we were, soaking wet, holding bags filled with ingredients for the night's dinner raw chicken and vegetables

Climax: The highest point of tension; the actions lead up to the climax; the highest point of intensity.


Example: The dogs smelled the chicken immediately and stopped moving, stared at us intently, and began to tug on the leashes held by their owners. The dogs were starting to try harder and harder to sink their teeth into the bag of chicken in my left hand. We didn't know what to do

Resolution: The ending; how the incident comes to a close; also include what you have learned from the incident.


Example: Mom leaned over and whispered, ''When I count to three, drop it and run.'' She counted, and then we dropped the bags and made our way out the same way we came in. We could hear the dogs barking as we ran. It was still raining outside, but at that moment we didn't care. We just laughed at our adventure. Ever since that day, we always carry an umbrella when we take walks.

Narrative Topics

When choosing an experience for a personal narrative, choose an experience or topic that is personal and important. Experiences that have special meaning usually indicate unique memories and learned lessons from the experience.

Remember, a personal narrative should relay a real event that truly happened. Although dialogue may be created, or events added, the underlying story should be accurate and truthful.

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