The Elements

of Personal
Narrative

What is a Personal
Narrative?

Personal Narratives are written about something important

to the writer that will be conveyed to the reader.

It is a story about a MOMENT or EVENT in your life- Not your

whole life story!

Characters

The characters are the people (and sometimes

animals) in the story. Personal narratives are
told by the writer and are about the writer.

Setting

The setting is the time and place of the story.

Plot

The plot is the sequence of events in the story.

In personal narratives, the events in the story
support and enhance the meaning.

Movement through time

The passing of time is always evident in the plot

and often in the characters and the setting.

Change

There will be change in a personal narrative.

Either the characters, the setting, or the events
change. Often characters learn something or
change as a result of the situation or a conflict
and resolution, but not always.

Point of View- POV

Personal Narratives are told in FIRST PERSON

point of view
Use pronouns like I, me, we
YOU are telling the story of what happened to
you.

Include REACTIONS in
your
story
Tell the reader how people reacted to the events
in the story
What did you and the other people DO?
What did you and the other people SAY?
This is what makes the story interesting and
connects the reader to the events

Include REFLECTION in
your story

Reflection tells why the story is important

Reflection reveals what you and the other

people in the story learned from the experience

Reflection indicates why the story is memorable
This is what makes your writing more mature!
Use reflection throughout your story, but
especially at the end (as a conclusion)