Narrative Writing
High School
Definition
Writing that tells a story, real or imagined, usually with characters, a setting, and a sequence of events. Narratives often include a conflict and follow a plot from beginning to end. Short stories, novels, and personal anecdotes are forms of narrative writing.
Worked examples
"Last summer, I stood at the edge of the diving board, heart pounding. Below, the pool shimmered. I took a breath and jumped."
A personal anecdote with a clear setting, character (I), conflict (fear), and sequence of events.
"The dragon circled the tower. Inside, Princess Aria gripped her sword. Tomorrow, she would face it alone."
An imagined story with character, setting, conflict, and plot beginning to unfold.
Common mistakes
- Writing only a description of a place or person with no events happening → Including a sequence of events that move forward in time Narrative requires action and change over time, not just static description.
- Listing events without showing how characters react or feel → Including characters' thoughts, feelings, and responses to events Strong narratives show how events affect the characters, not just what happened.
- Jumping between unrelated events with no clear beginning, middle, or end → Organizing events in a coherent sequence with a clear plot structure Narratives follow a logical progression, usually with rising action, climax, and resolution.
Where you'll use it next
You'll use narrative writing throughout school in creative writing assignments, personal essays, and memoir projects. Later, narrative skills help craft college application essays, professional storytelling, and even business case studies.
See also
Reviewed by Pat Cheng, M.Ed. — StudyPug Curriculum Lead · Last updated June 6, 2026