Narrative Writing
Write narratives with developed settings, characters and plot, using dialogue and description to develop experiences and show character responses to situations
What a learner can do afterwards
- Write a narrative that includes a described setting, at least one developed character, and a clear plot with a problem and resolution
- Use dialogue to show what characters say and reveal their personality or feelings
- Use descriptive details and temporal words to organise events into a clear sequence with a satisfying ending
The lesson
You already know how to write a story with a beginning and an ending. Now you will make that story come alive. A narrative is a story you write, and the best narratives make readers feel like they are standing right next to the characters.
To develop a setting, use your senses. Don't just write "there was a forest." Write what it looks like, smells like, and sounds like. Do the same for your characters: show how they act, not just their name and age.
Mia stood at the edge of the old barn, her heart pounding. "I don't think we should go in there," she whispered, gripping her flashlight tighter. Her brother rolled his eyes and pushed the creaky door open anyway.
Use words like first, later, after that, and finally to keep your events in order. Make sure your ending solves the problem so it feels complete, not just "and then I woke up."
A strong narrative shows its setting and characters, lets characters speak through dialogue, and uses time words to lead to an ending that solves the problem.
Watch it
Where it sits
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.