Narrative Essay [nar-uh-tiv es-ey] noun, def:

A narrative essay is a self-refection essay in which the author tells a story about himself or herself. The essay must be based upon an author's personal experiences or memories. The author must use the techniques that are used to tell a story; plot, character, conflict, setting, climax, and an ending. Verbs have to be accurate and vivid. The essay will most likely be told in first person, but some narrative essays can be told in third person. It must express a point of view in which the author makes his statement and backs it up with evidence. The author must keep in mind that readers should be involved in the story.

One reason why people write narrative essays is to reflect upon themselves and what they have learned from their past. An example would be the essay, Confessions of a Former Sailor by Sue Lorch. In her ironic essay, she wrote about why she hated writing. It was due to the fact that up until she met Maurice Hatch, she was confident about her essay writing skills. After she met him, she looked at essay writing from a different perspective.

Writers also compose essays of a personal memory they had to share to the readers because they want the readers to feel like they are a part of the author's life. It also helps them understand the author better as a person when he or she shares a personal memory that touched their lives.