How to Create a Narrative Essay Outline With Examples

Getting Familiar with Narrative Essay Writing

To get the basics right before outlining your essay, here is how you would define a narrative essay:

In narrative essay writing, you tell a story about yourself or recount an experience. This type of essay typically includes characters, a setting, a plot with a sequence of events, and a conclusion that often reflects on the significance of the story. 

Narrative essays aim to engage readers by creating a vivid and immersive experience through descriptive language, sensory details, and storytelling techniques. These essays can either be fictional or non-fictional.

Sample Outline for Narrative Essay

Before jumping to the steps on how to create your essay outline, take a look at this sample outline template that you can use. 

Simple Steps to Create a Strong Narrative Essay Outline

To write a narrative essay outline, you have to follow a typical structure that consists of 3 main sections:

• The introduction
• The essay body
• The conclusion

To make it easy for you, we will follow a 5 paragraph outline for narrative essay in this comprehensive guide. Let’s now move on to the detailed description of each step for creating a comprehensive outline. 

I. Introduction: Setting the Scene

The first part of your outline should include the essay introduction. The introduction has some key characteristics: 

• Hook: Begin with an interesting hook that catches attention, like a question or a vivid description related to your story.
• Context: Explain why this story is important to you by giving a brief background that connects it to your own experiences.
• Thesis Statement: Using the thesis statement, clearly state the main lesson or message you want readers to take away from your story.

II. Body Paragraph One: Introducing the Setting

After the introduction, come the body paragraphs. In a 5-paragraph essay outline, you can include up to 3 body paragraphs. Remember that your body paragraphs should follow a chronological order.

• Introduce the Setting: Describe where and when your story takes place, using simple details to paint a clear picture.
• Character Introduction: Introduce the main characters in your story and explain their roles and relationships.

III. Body Paragraph Two: Developing the Story

• Story Progression: Take readers through the main events of your story and gradually lead up to the most important moment.
• Building Suspense: Keep readers interested by adding tension and excitement as your story moves forward.

IV. Body Paragraph Three: Reaching the High Point and Conclusion

• Climax: Describe the most intense moment of your story, the peak where everything changes.
• Resolution: Explain how the problem or challenge in your story gets solved, bringing everything to a close.

Remember to use topic sentences and transition words to increase the readability of your essay. 

V. Conclusion: Reflecting on What You Learned

After the body paragraphs, the outline for narrative essay should include the essay conclusion. The conclusion is the final outcome of the story. Here’s what you should do in the conclusion:

• Restate Thesis: Remind readers of the main lesson learned or message from your story.
• Relate to Readers: Connect your story to bigger ideas or feelings that readers might have experienced.
• Final Thought: End with a thought that makes readers think more about your story’s meaning.

Following this outline will help you write a narrative essay that flows well, keeps readers engaged, and clearly communicates your story's message.

Narrative Essay Outline Examples

Included here are a number of free narrative essay outline samples suitable for school and college students. We’ve also included outline samples for different variations of narrative essays. 

With help from these sample outlines, you can get a head start with narrative essay writing. 

Tips to Make Your Narrative Essay Outline Perfect

Follow these tips to make your outline perfect so you can write your essay with a clear roadmap:

1. Be Clear and to the Point: Keep your outline clear and focused. Highlight the main events and key points of your story.
2. Arrange in Chronological Order: Put your story in the order it happened. This makes it easier for readers to follow along.
3. Stick to the Theme: Keep your outline centered around the main message or lesson you want to share. Steering away from the main idea will keep the reader confused.
4. Include Enough Details: Add just the right amount of detail in each part of your outline. This helps build your story without overwhelming your reader.
5. Review and Improve: After making your outline, go back and check it. Make sure it tells your story well and supports your main idea.

If you successfully incorporate the above tips in your outline, you’re sure to write a compelling narrative essay without having to put in substantial effort.

There you have it!

All about narrative essay outline information at your fingertips! The writing steps, expert templates, and samples are going to make your narrative essay outlining super easy! 

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