What Is Narrative Writing? Everything You Need To Know

Any story you read in literature is an example of narrative writing. Through narrative writing, authors paint pictures with words, tell stories and leave readers thinking about the story long after it’s finished. The best stories, novels or even non-fiction works been written by authors that masterfully understand how narrative writing works.

Keep reading to learn the definition of narrative writing, its different types, and the characteristics of this writing style.

What is Narrative Writing?

Narrative writing is essentially storytelling. Unlike other forms of writing, such as expository or persuasive writing, narrative writing centres around characters, plots and events to captivate the reader.

You’ll find narrative writing in many formats both in fiction and non-fiction such as, novels, short stories, personal essays, memoirs, historical fiction and poetry.

A hand writing in a notebook, surrounded by a coffee cup and various stationery items, against a light purple background.

Types of Narrative Writing

Narrative writing can take many forms, each telling the story in a unique way. The structure you choose depends on your writing goals as it shapes how readers experience the plot, characters and themes.

1. Linear Narrative

A linear narrative follows a straightforward, chronological order from beginning to end. The events unfold in the order they happened, making it easy for readers to follow along. Many traditional novels and stories, such as To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, use this narrative structure to create a cohesive storyline.

2. Non-linear Narrative

Non-linear narratives jump around in time or place, weaving past, present, and sometimes future events together. This structure can be used to create suspense or to reveal information gradually. An example of a non-linear narrative is Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, which moves back and forth in time.

3. Viewpoint Narrative

A viewpoint narrative tells the story from the perspective of a specific character, allowing readers to experience events, thoughts, and emotions through their eyes. This style can create a strong emotional connection between the reader and the narrator, providing unique insights into the character’s mind. A classic example is The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, where Holden Caulfield’s perspective shapes the entire narrative.

4. Descriptive Narrative

A descriptive narrative places a strong emphasis on vivid imagery and sensory details, immersing readers fully into the world of the story. By focusing on setting, mood, and atmosphere, this style allows readers to feel as though they are experiencing the scenes firsthand. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for its rich descriptions, which bring the Jazz Age setting to life and add depth to the narrative.

A diagram about narrative writing with a central circle labelled “Narrative Writing". Surrounding it are eight connected elements in colourful boxes: “Unique Voice” (purple), “Point of View” (black), “Imagery” (pink), “Tone” (blue), “Plot Structure” (blue), “Dialogue” (pink), “Symbolism” (black), and “Pacing” (purple). The background is light purple.

Key Elements To Include In Narrative Writing

1. Unique Voice

The unique style or personality of the narrator. A strong voice helps readers connect emotionally with the story, whether it’s a reflective voice in a memoir or a distant, observant voice in a thriller.

2. Point of View

The perspective from which the story is told – first person, second person, or third person. Each point of view completely changes the reader’s experience of the story.

3. Imagery and Descriptive Language

Vivid descriptions that evoke sensory details. Imagery brings readers headfirst into the story, allowing them to visualise scenes and experience the story’s setting.

4. Tone

The mood or attitude conveyed by the writing. A consistent tone, whether it’s sombre, joyful, or suspenseful, develops the narrative’s atmosphere and deepens its emotional impact

5. Plot Structure

The arrangement of events within the story, which typically includes an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The structure provides a framework for the reader’s journey through the narrative.

6. Dialogue

Conversations between characters that reveal personality traits, relationships and conflicts. Dialogue can be an effective way to show rather than tell, advancing the plot and developing characters.

7. Symbolism

The use of objects, characters, or events to represent larger ideas. Symbolism adds depth to the story and develops broader themes running throughout the story.

8. Pacing

The speed at which the story unfolds. Effective pacing maintains the reader’s interest, with slower scenes for reflection and faster scenes for action or climax.

Ready To Write A Narrative Today?

Narrative writing is an art form that allows writers to create worlds, build characters, and take readers on unforgettable journeys.

From linear to non-linear structures, pick a narrative type that will best serve the goal of your writing. Then, you can create fascinating narratives by understanding and incorporating key elements such as voice, point of view, and pacing, transforming simple stories into immersive experiences that will leave a lasting impression.