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Narrative Writing. Clay Combs. Characteristics of a Narrative Essay. Sequence of events Highly descriptive Transition words as needed Dialogue a must Usually first person, personal recollection. Focus, Focus, Focus. Choose one specific event Don’t write about a day, but a moment
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Narrative Writing Clay Combs
Characteristics of a Narrative Essay • Sequence of events • Highly descriptive • Transition words as needed • Dialogue a must • Usually first person, personal recollection
Focus, Focus, Focus • Choose one specific event • Don’t write about a day, but a moment • Avoid writing about a time period (last summer, Christmas holiday)
The Two D’s: Dialogue and Description • Credibility in Dialogue • Describe situation while using dialogue • While characters are talking they may be doing, seeing, hearing, or thinking something as well
Three-Scene Narrative Structure • The Before scene • The During scene • The After scene • Good narratives take their time, building interest through scenes, rather than rushing from one event to another in a straight line
The Before scene • Begins with “a person in a place doing something” • Authors blend the elements of character, plot, and setting, rather than separating them • Second Hole Rule
The During scene • Contains the “big moment” • Contains rising action and climax
The After scene • Resolves the action • May want to point out the “reason” for choosing this story (the point) • May want to reflect on what was learned through this event
Remember • There is no introduction, body, or conclusion in a narrative. • A narrative does not have to be exactly five paragraphs long. • A narrative is drama, not reporting. • Don’t Recall, Relive!