Lesson on Narrative Writing
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Objective: Students will understand the structure of narrative writing and practice creating a compelling story.

1. What is Narrative Writing?
Narrative writing is a style of writing that tells a story. It has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and it often includes characters, a setting, and a plot. The purpose is to entertain, share experiences, or convey emotions.
2. Structure of Narrative Writing
1. Orientation (Beginning)
- Introduce the characters and setting (Where and when does the story take place?).
- Set the tone of the story (e.g., happy, suspenseful, dramatic).
Example:
It was a chilly autumn evening in the small village of Greendale. Emma, a curious 12-year-old, sat by the window, watching the golden leaves dance in the wind.
2. Complication (Middle)
- Present the problem or conflict (What disrupts the normal situation?).
- Develop the plot by showing how characters react or try to solve the problem.
Example:
Emma’s peaceful evening was interrupted by a loud crash from the attic. Her heart raced as she climbed the creaky stairs, flashlight in hand. She had always been told to stay out of the attic, but curiosity got the better of her.
3. Climax
- This is the most intense part of the story, where the problem reaches its peak.
- The characters face their biggest challenge or make a crucial decision.
Example:
Emma’s flashlight flickered, and she froze. In the corner of the attic, she saw an old mirror glowing faintly. As she stepped closer, the reflection wasn’t hers—it was a woman dressed in an ancient gown, mouthing words Emma couldn’t hear.
4. Resolution (End)
- Resolve the problem or show the consequences of the climax.
- Provide a satisfying or thought-provoking ending.
Example:
Summoning all her courage, Emma touched the mirror, and the woman’s voice became clear. “Thank you,” she whispered before fading away. When Emma returned downstairs, the attic door locked itself, and she knew she had set something free.
3. Key Features of Narrative Writing
- Characters: Create relatable or intriguing personalities.
- Emma, the curious girl
- Setting: Establish time and place vividly.
- A chilly autumn evening in a small village
- Plot: Follow the sequence: beginning → problem → climax → resolution.
- Dialogue: Use conversations to reveal character and advance the story.
- “Who’s there?” Emma whispered, clutching the flashlight tightly.
- Descriptive Language: Appeal to the senses to immerse readers.
- The creaky stairs groaned under Emma’s weight.
- Emotion: Evoke feelings (suspense, joy, fear, etc.).
4. Example of a Narrative
Title:Â The Whispering Attic
It was a chilly autumn evening in the small village of Greendale. Emma, a curious 12-year-old, sat by the window, watching the golden leaves dance in the wind. The house was unusually quiet, except for the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards.
Suddenly, a loud crash shattered the silence. It came from the attic. Emma’s parents were out, and her babysitter was fast asleep on the couch. Curiosity tugged at her, and despite her mother’s warnings to stay out of the attic, Emma grabbed her flashlight and headed upstairs.
The attic door creaked open. The air was thick with dust, and the dim light barely illuminated the room. In the corner, an old mirror stood, its surface glowing faintly. Emma’s flashlight flickered, and she froze. The reflection wasn’t hers—it was a woman dressed in an ancient gown, mouthing silent words.
Summoning all her courage, Emma stepped closer and touched the mirror. “Thank you,” the woman’s voice echoed softly. As Emma pulled back her hand, the mirror’s glow faded, and the attic felt lighter, less eerie. She closed the door behind her, and as she descended the stairs, she heard the attic door lock itself. Emma smiled. She didn’t know what she had set free, but she knew it was finally at peace.
5. Tips for Narrative Writing
- Show, don’t tell: Instead of saying “Emma was scared,” describe her actions: Her hands trembled as she held the flashlight.
- Keep the plot focused: Avoid unnecessary details that don’t move the story forward.
- End with impact: The ending should feel satisfying or leave the reader thinking.