Personal Narrative
description
Transcript of Personal Narrative
By, Mr. Totten
Personal Narrative
A Personal Narrative is a personal story.Most usually write about.
EventsThings
Definition
Key Elements of your story include.SettingCharactersPlotDialogue
Key Elements to a Narrative
The setting is very important to your personal narrative. LocationTimeGeographyClimatePopulation
Setting
Characters are another important part of your personal narrative.AgeRelationshipDialogueGenderRound/Flat
Characters
Consider the plot when you write your personal narrative.Where are you going?Where are you starting?What is the conflict?What is the resolution?Is there a lesson learned?
Plot
Types of conflict includeMan vs. ManMan vs. SocietyMan vs. SelfMan vs. NatureMan vs. Machine/TechnologyMan vs. SupernaturalMan vs. Destiny
Conflict
Tone refers to the mood of your story.These moods include:
LightheartedOminousGloomyMysteryAnalyticalEct.
Tone
Tone is affected by each of the following:SettingCharactersDialogueRelationshipsCircumstancesEct.
Tone
The dialogue is a very important part of your personal narrative.
Dialogue refers to the conversation between characters in the story.AdultsTeenagersChildrenElderly
Dialogue
ProfessionRelationshipCircumstances
Mood/DispositionHardshipsLuckAttitudes
Dialogue cont…
Great writing is in the details! Details apply to everything involved in the
writing.SettingCharactersDialogueEct..
Details
Think about the Point of View you want to tell your story in.First PersonSecond PersonThird Person (Limited omniscient)Third Person (Omniscient)
Point of View
When you use First Person the story is told from the perspective of the main character.
Pronouns are prefered.IMeMy
Example:I forgot my keys at the beach and we were
stranded outside all evening.
First Person
The only pronoun used to refer to the main character (Subject) is You.
Second person is used forSongsPoems
Never write a story in second person!
Second Person
Third person stories are told by a narrator outside of the story.
The main character can be referred to by their name.
The word omniscient means “all seeing”You can read peoples minds.
So the narrator can read ALL characters’ minds.
Example:Ashley thought to herself I will have my
revenge as her brother called her “Ashtray” for the one-hundredth time in front of her friends.
Third Person (Omniscient)
Once again third person told by a narrator.The key here is the word “limited” omniscientThis means you can only read the main
character’s mind and no other characters.Continue from last Example:
Ashley will never get me back for my awesome nickname her brother, Rick, thought.
Third Person (Limited-Omniscient)
Conventions are important in everything you write.
Conventions refers to correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Reread what you turn in!
Conventions
The biggest piece of advice I can give for writing a story is SHOW the reader don’t TELL the reader.
Instead of saying:He was incredibly funny.Give me an example.
Use your example transitions.
SHOW Me Don’t TELL Me!
No one wants to hear about how your characters get from one place to another unless there is a conflict on the trip.
Keep your personal narrative simple. Decide where you are going and the
minimum amount of steps it will take to get you there.
Write about something you care about!
Tips
In a personal narrative you can stretch the truth—but it must be believable.
Believable things:TimeDialogueTransportation
Unbelievable things:AliensSuper PowersSpace
Tips Cont…
The BEST personal narratives are:“Personal”EngagingRealisticFlow smoothlyDifficult to write.Uncomfortable
Vulnerable
Advice
You are going to write a story about a moment in your life. The moment you choose can be tragic, funny, or even awe inspiring. Most importantly, your personal narrative should be revealing (learned something about yourself). Your story should keep the reader’s attention throughout. I don’t want to read about some regular boring every day experience unless something interesting happened. Your story should be 5 paragraphs and still have quality transitions. Remember the truth can be stretched, but it has to be believable.
The Assignment