Narrative vs Descriptive Writing:

Understanding the Key Differences

Categories : Storytelling, Writing

Narrative and descriptive writing are two of the most common writing
styles used in literature. Both styles are used to convey a story, but they
differ in their purpose and approach. Narrative writing is designed to tell
a complete story, while descriptive writing conveys an intense description
of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative writing involves telling a story with a beginning, middle, and

end. It is often used in novels, short stories, and memoirs. Narrative
writing can entertain, inform, or persuade the reader. It is a powerful
tool for writers to convey their message and connect with their audience.
On the other hand, descriptive writing creates a vivid image in the
reader’s mind. It is often used in poetry, descriptive essays, and travel
writing. Descriptive writing allows the writer to use sensory details to
create a picture in the reader’s mind. It is a powerful tool for writers to
create a mood or atmosphere. Descriptive writing can entertain, inform,
or persuade the reader.

Narrative Writing

Definition
Narrative writing is a style of writing that tells a story or describes an
event. It can be fiction or non-fiction and is often written in the first-
person point of view. The purpose of narrative writing is to entertain,
inform or persuade the reader.

Purpose
Narrative writing aims to engage the reader by telling a story that
captures their attention. Narrative writing is often used in fiction
writing, but it can also be used in non-fiction writing, such as memoirs
or personal essays. The purpose of narrative writing is to create a vivid
picture in the reader’s mind and make them feel like they are part of the
story.

Elements
Narrative writing has several key elements that help to create a
compelling story. These elements include characters, plot, point of view,
narration, chronological order, action, setting, and theme. Characters
are the people or animals that are involved in the story. The plot is the
sequence of events that make up the story. Point of view is the perspective
from which the story is told. Narration is how the story is told, such as
first-person or third-person narration. Chronological order is the order
in which events occur in the story. Action is the events that take place in
the story. The setting is the time and place in which the story takes place.
The theme is the underlying message or meaning of the story.

Examples
Examples of narrative writing include novels, short stories, and narrative
essays. In fiction writing, the protagonist is the main character who
drives the story forward. In a narrative essay, the writer tells a personal
story that has a point or lesson to be learned. Narrative writing often uses
first-person narration to create a more personal connection between the
reader and the story.
In summary, narrative writing is a style of writing that tells a story or
describes an event. It has several key elements that help to create a
compelling story, including characters, plot, point of view, narration,
chronological order, action, setting, and theme. Narrative writing can
be used in fiction and non-fiction and is often used to entertain, inform,
or persuade the reader.

Narrative Writing Techniques

Narrative writing is a form of storytelling that conveys a series of events

or experiences through a particular perspective. This section will explore
some of the key techniques used in narrative writing.

Narrator
The narrator is the voice that tells the story. They can be a character
within the story or an outside observer. The narrator’s perspective can
greatly affect the reader’s interpretation of events. For example, a first-
person narrator may provide a more personal and subjective account of
events, while a third-person narrator may offer a more objective
perspective.

Dialogue
Dialogue is the spoken or written words of characters within the story. It
can reveal character traits, advance the plot, and provide insight into
relationships between characters. Effective dialogue should sound
natural and reflect the character’s personality and background.

Point of View
Point of view refers to the perspective from which the story is told. It can
be first-person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient. The
choice of point of view can affect the reader’s understanding of the story
and its characters.
Plot
The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. It should have a
clear beginning, middle, and end, with each event building upon the
previous one. A well-crafted plot should be engaging and keep the reader
interested.

Characterization
Characterization is the process of creating and developing characters
within the story. This can be achieved through various techniques,
including dialogue, actions, and inner thoughts. Effective
characterization should create characters that are believable and
relatable to the reader.
In conclusion, narrative writing techniques are essential for creating a
compelling and engaging story. Using techniques such as a well-
developed narrator, natural-sounding dialogue, and effective
characterization, writers can create stories that captivate and entertain
their readers.

Narrative Writing

Narrative Writing
 Exposition/Orientation: It is the backstory on the characters and
place that is explained at the beginning of the story.
 Rising action: It is made up of a succession of events that build on
the conflict and heighten the suspense, propelling the story to a
dramatic climax.
o Inciting incident: It is the event that initiates the plot and
pushes the main character into the action.
 Climax: The conflict is confronted during the story's primary, most
dramatic event. The climax of a narrative is the highest point of
tension or drama in the tale.
 Falling Action: One can see the results of the climax. Things start
to fall in place.
 Resolution: The story is concluded

Narrators
 First person: The narrator appears recalls his or her own role in the
events described, either as a witness to the action or as an integral
participant in it.
 Second person: This narrative voice implies that the reader is the
protagonist or a character in the novel, and that the events are
taking place to them.
Identifier: “You”
  Third Person Omniscient: All knowing perspective of the story. The
narrator about thoughts and situations of every character in the
story.
 Third Person Limited: The narrator only knows the thoughts and
feelings of a single character.
Identifier of third person POV: “He/She/They”

Dual narration: You can write the story from multiple viewpoints by
making sections for different narrators/ characters to voice their
opinions.

Story Openings/Narrative hooks

1. Scene-settings
2. In Medias Res
3. Mystery/Mysterious opening
4. Dialogue
5. Third/First person narrator speaking to the reader
6. Questions
7. Bold statements

Story Endings
1. Abrupt ending
2. Plot twist
3. Circular narration: The story comes back to how it all started.
4. “Happily-Ever-After”/Resolved
5. Cliff hanger
6. Implied/Open ending

Rules to write dialogues

1. Use a new line for each new speaker
2. Use speech marks
3. Try implementing various dialogue tags
4. Punctuate your sentence within the speech marks
5. Don’t use quotation marks when writing speech in multiple
paragraphs
6. Capitalize only at the start of sentences
7. Use single quotation marks to quote within a quote

TIPS to consider when writing DIALOGUES

1. Don’t add any dialogue that doesn’t drive the story forward.
2. Dialogue can be used for characterization. For example, a
character speaking in a certain slang can tell the reader more
about where the character is from, and his/her background.
3. Try to be ambitious while selecting verbs to use.
 Narrative Techniques

 Backstory- Provide background information of the character

 Foreshadowing- Hinting events that are yet to happen in the story
Ex: A common phrase used to foreshadow a negative event is “I have a
bad feeling about this.”
 Chekhov’s Gun- A seemingly irrelevant object/person responsible for
plot development
Ex: The knowledge that Katniss’ had about the poisonous plants, because
it is a significant character trait that helped her trick the Capitol into
taking Peeta and herself would survive the Hunger games.
 Flashback- When you alter the time sequence of the narrative
(interrupt the chronology of the narrative) to take the reader back
to a scene that happened before the story began or a past event in
the character’s life. This technique helpful in developing
characterization.
Ex: The opening line of The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald occurs in
flashback.
 Frame Story- A story within a story
Ex: . The story of Frankenstein contains the story of a creature, and the
story of the creature briefly contains the story of the family with which he
has been living.
 In Medias Res- Beginning the story in middle of some action
Ex: This technique is usually used in films. This opening can be seen in
the tv show Breaking Bad.

 Plot twist
 Red Herring- diverting attention from a significant object.
Essentially it is misleading or a false clue.
Ex: Harry Potter regards Sirius Black as a dangerous criminal and
murderer. Slowly, Harry discovers that this man murdered his parents
and is pursuing him to do the job. When Harry eventually meets Black,
he discovers that Sirius is not a murderer at all.

 Unreliable narration- bias in narration

 Ticking clock scenario- time limit for characters to successfully
complete their mission
Ex: In RUN LOLA RUN (a film) Lola has only 20 minutes to deliver 100,000
German Marks in order to save her boyfriend’s life.
 Deus Ex Machina- Hand of god
Ex: In William Golding's Lord of the Flies, the abandoned boys spend the
whole novel both establishing and tearing down their fragile
civilization. When rescue does not arrive despite the continual signal
fire, the boys lose hope and turn viciously against one another. It appears
that all is lost until a navy ship arrives and rescues the guys.
  Mac Guffin- When the whole story is centered around an ordinary
object
Ex: It is used in the movie Titanic. The Heart of the Ocean is emphasized
not because it aids the plot to move forward, but is used to open and close
the movie.

Tip: Use literary devices like Pathetic Fallacy, Imagery, extended

metaphors
Characterization
Characterization is the representation of a character's features, motives,
and personality in a narrative.
Direct
The author directly describes the characteristics of a character.
Indirect
Rather than explicitly describing a character's attributes, an author
portrays the character as he or she travels through the world, leaving the
reader to deduce the character's qualities from his or her actions through
indirect characterization.
 Thoughts of the character
 The actions of the character
 Word choice of the character including dialect
 The appearance of the character
 The actions and mannerisms of the character
 The character's interactions with others (and how others react to
the character)

Why?
Characterization is an important component of writing a novel or short
story because it allows you to understand your characters and how their
personalities and perspectives can help push the storyline forward.

How to build tension?

1. Create conflict to characters (external or internal)
2. If your protagonist is unable to attain his or her goal, keep
escalating the stakes or the impact of the repercussions.
3. Dramatic Irony: when the audience knows something that the
protagonist doesn’t
 Points to note from the Examiner's Feedback Report

What do examiners like?

1. Usage of short sentences to create surprise or emphasis.
2. Usage of subordinate clauses to begin a sentence.
3. Detailed description of the atmosphere then zooming in on a
character or two (using each paragraph as a different camera)-
zooming in or out.
4. Pathetic fallacy
5. Circular narration
6. Usage of extended metaphors
7. Plot twists

What don’t examiners like?

1. Lack of planning that results in a bad/incomplete ending.
2. They do not recommend taking extra pages.
3. Do not use incorrect punctuation, especially comma splicing.
4. Make sure that the synonyms you use for a common word fit the
context.

Tips
1. Your story should use only one tense that should be past tense. Unless
you're using narrative techniques such as flashbacks or others.
2. Making a plan starting from the resolution to the exposition is a
good idea.
3. Try to limit your coverage to one or two major events. A short story
cannot have numerous occurrences.
4. Collect a few dialogue tags beforehand to use.
5. Don't use first person narration if you character is going to die at
the ending.
6. Do not end your story by saying it was all a dream.
7. Create a plot that is adaptable to a variety of prompts. You can also
design characters ahead of time.
8. Try to focus your story on a particular theme such as, loss, friendship
etc.
 Descriptive Writing
Definition
Descriptive writing is a type of writing that aims to provide a detailed
description of a person, place, object, or event. It uses sensory details to
create an image in the reader’s mind. The writer tries to make the reader
feel like they are experiencing the scene.

Purpose
Descriptive writing aims to create a vivid and detailed picture in the
reader’s mind. It is often used to set the scene in a story or to provide a
detailed description of a character or place. Descriptive writing can also
create an emotional response in the reader.

Elements
Descriptive writing uses sensory details to create an image in the reader’s
mind. It should be written in a logical order, so the reader can easily
follow along. The following elements are commonly used in descriptive
writing:
 Sensory detail (smell, taste, sight, sound, touch)
 Appearance and characteristics of the subject
 Description of the place or object
 Exposition of the subject
 Figurative language (metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia)

Examples
Here are a few examples of descriptive writing:
 The sun was setting over the mountains, casting a warm glow across
the valley. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and
birds singing in the trees.
 The old house sat at the end of the street, its peeling paint and
broken shutters a testament to its age. The front porch creaked as I
stepped onto it, and the door groaned as I pushed it open.
 The chocolate cake was rich and decadent, with a moist crumb and
a smooth, velvety frosting. Each bite was like a little slice of heaven,
the flavors blending perfectly.

In conclusion, descriptive writing is a powerful tool for creating vivid

and detailed images in the reader’s mind. The writer can transport the
reader to another time and place using sensory details and logical
order.
 Descriptive Writing Techniques
Sensory Details
One of the most critical aspects of descriptive writing is the use of sensory
details. This means including information that appeals to the five senses:
sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Sensory details help the reader
experience the scene or object being described, making the writing more
vivid and engaging.

For example, instead of simply stating that a flower is beautiful, a writer

might describe the vibrant colors of its petals, the sweet fragrance it emits,
and the soft texture of its petals. This level of detail allows the reader to
fully imagine the flower and feel like they are experiencing it themselves.

Logical Order
Descriptive writing should also be organized in a logical order. This can
mean starting with a general description and moving on to more specific
details. For example, describing a room starts with an overview, then
moves on to describe individual items.

It’s also important to consider the perspective of the reader. For example,
if describing a landscape, the writer should consider the reader’s
viewpoint and describe the scene from left to right, top to bottom, or in
another logical order that makes sense for the reader.

Visualize
Descriptive writing should create a clear mental image in the reader’s
mind. This can be achieved through the use of vivid imagery and
figurative language. For example, a writer might describe a sunset as a
“golden blanket draped over the sky” or a forest as a “lush, green
cathedral.”

It’s important to balance detailed descriptions and allow readers to use

their imagination. The goal is to provide enough detail to create a
mental image but not so much that the reader feels overwhelmed or
bored.

Emotions
Finally, descriptive writing should aim to evoke emotions in the reader.
This can be achieved through descriptive language conveying a mood or
feeling. For example, a writer might describe a storm as “fierce and
unrelenting,” creating a sense of danger and foreboding.

It’s important to consider the emotions that the reader should feel based
on the subject being described. For example, if describing a peaceful
meadow, the writer should use language that conveys a sense of calm
and relaxation.

By using these techniques, writers can create engaging and vivid

descriptions that allow the reader to experience the scene or object being
described fully.

Narrative vs. Descriptive Writing

Differences
Narrative writing and descriptive writing are two distinct forms of
writing that have different purposes. Narrative writing is used to tell a
story, while descriptive writing is used to describe something in detail.
The following table summarizes some of the key differences between the
two:
Narrative Writing Descriptive Writing

Tells a story Describes something in detail

Has a plot, characters, and a

setting Focuses on sensory details

Can be fiction or non-fiction Can be fiction or non-fiction

Often includes dialogue Rarely includes dialogue

Has a beginning, middle, and Does not necessarily have a

end structure
In narrative writing, the writer is trying to convey a specific message or
theme through the story they are telling. In contrast, descriptive writing
is more concerned with creating a sensory experience for the reader.
Descriptive writing often uses figurative language, such as metaphors
and similes, to create vivid images in the reader’s mind.

Similarities
Despite their differences, narrative writing and descriptive writing also
share some similarities. Both forms of writing require the writer to use
descriptive language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Both
can also be used in both fiction and non-fiction writing.
Another similarity is that both forms of writing can create emotional
connections with the reader. In narrative writing, this is achieved by
creating relatable characters and situations. Descriptive writing is
achieved by using sensory details to create a visceral experience for the
reader.
In conclusion, while narrative writing and descriptive writing have
different purposes, they require the writer to use descriptive language to
create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Understanding the
differences and similarities between these two forms of writing can help
writers choose the appropriate style for their writing project.

Descriptive Writing

General: Do’s and Don’ts

DOs DONTs

These pieces are mostly written in

Don't start a description and
present tense to give a sense of
then turn it into a narrative.
immediacy.

Don't be vague by using terms like

Safer to base your description
“bad”, “good” or “nice”. You have
over an actual memory or
to be more specific with the
experience.
adjectives or adverbs you use.

The more precise, varied and You can create an observer who
uncommon your adjectives are reveals his thoughts or feelings
the more the reader will be able but don’t create a sequence of
to engage with your description. events based on his observations.

You need to employ varied

sentence lengths and types. A Do not forget to describe the size
mix of short sentences for impact or shape of an object.
and longer one works best.

Tackling descriptive writing

1. Select the prompt you would like to respond to.
1. Specific prompts: “Write a description of a group of people who
have become stuck somewhere”
1. Identify subjects/focus areas of the prompt, i.e. “group of
people” and “somewhere” indicating the things that
need to be described.
2. General prompts: Write a description with the title, ‘The nest’
1. Brainstorm the concept of the piece - what ‘nest’ are you
describing? A literal bird’s nest, or a metaphorical nest?
1. Identify distinct components of a nest

2. Plan/consider descriptive semantic fields or the different senses you

would portray:
1. Semantic field: vocabulary or a set of terms closely linked by
subject or usage.
 2. Senses: smell, touch, sight, sound, taste
1. Depending on your choice of structure, each ‘sense’
would be a focal point. What do the group of people look
like? What sounds can you hear in the location? Are
there any distinct scents?
3. Focal points can be created by “zooming” into aspects of the
scene.
1. For the “nest” prompt, this may be describing the bird
who made the nest, or the shape, colour etc of the eggs.

3. Writing the response:

1. Be wary of descriptions or movements that turn into plot.
Using present tense may help keep the writing “in a moment”.
1. A good way to think about descriptive writing is like
describing a picture, painting or at most, a live photo.
The character, previous actions or future actions of
characters within the frame aren’t captured and
shouldn’t be written.
2. Structure the description so it flows. Choices may be by:
1. Each paragraph zooms into a different part of the
picture, e.g. tree canopies [with x, y, x elements] and
then the next paragraph is about the river bank.
2. Each paragraph concentrates on a sense, e.g. smell,
then sight, then touch.
3. Specific, precise vocabulary enhances imagery. A “pink” box
leaves a lot to be interpreted. A “fuschia box” is different from
a “a maroon box”.

Narrative vs. Descriptive Essays

When it comes to writing essays, there are two main types: narrative and
descriptive. While they may seem similar, they have distinct differences in
purpose, structure, and examples.

Purpose
The purpose of a narrative essay is to tell a story. It typically includes
characters, a plot, and a setting. It is meant to engage the reader and
create an emotional response. Narrative essays can be based on real-life
experiences or fictional stories.
On the other hand, the purpose of a descriptive essay is to provide a
detailed description of a person, place, or thing. It is meant to paint a
picture in the reader’s mind and create a sensory experience. Descriptive
essays can be based on real-life experiences or imaginary scenarios.
Structure
Narrative essays typically have a chronological structure, meaning they
follow a timeline. They often include dialogue and sensory details to
create a vivid picture for the reader. The structure of a narrative essay
can vary depending on the story being told.

On the other hand, descriptive essays typically have a spatial structure,

meaning they describe something in a specific order. They often use
sensory details and figurative language to create a vivid picture for the
reader. The structure of a descriptive essay can vary depending on the
topic being described.

Examples
A narrative essay example could be a personal experience, such as a
memorable vacation or a life-changing event. It could also be a fictional
story, such as a short story or novel.

A descriptive essay example could be describing a favorite place, such as

a beach or a park. It could also be a description of a person, such as a
family member or a celebrity.

In conclusion, narrative and descriptive essays have distinct differences

in purpose, structure, and examples. It is important to understand these
differences when deciding which type of essay to write.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays are a type of writing that requires the writer to take
a position on a topic and defend it using evidence and reasoning. This
type of essay is often used in academic settings, such as in college courses
or on standardized tests like the GRE or SAT.

Purpose
An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to agree with the
writer’s point of view. To do this, the writer must present a clear and
compelling argument supported by evidence. The writer must also
anticipate and address counterarguments to strengthen their argument.

Structure
An argumentative essay typically follows a five-paragraph structure,
which includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a
conclusion. The introduction should include a clear thesis statement
that states the writer’s position on the topic. Each body paragraph should
focus on a single point that supports the thesis statement. The conclusion
should summarize the essay’s main points and restate the thesis
statement in a new way.

Rhetorical Analysis
To write an effective argumentative essay, it is important to consider the
rhetorical situation. This includes the audience, purpose, and context of
the essay. The writer should also consider using ethos, pathos, and logos
in their argument. Ethos refers to the writer’s credibility, pathos refers to
emotional appeals, and logos refers to logical appeals.

Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is the most important part of an argumentative
essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific. The thesis statement should
state the writer’s position on the topic and provide a roadmap for the rest
of the essay. It should also be arguable, meaning there should be
evidence and reasoning to support the writer’s position.

Expository Essays

Expository essays are a common type of academic writing that aims to

inform or explain a topic to the reader. This section will discuss the
purpose, structure, and examples of expository essays.

Purpose
The purpose of an expository essay is to present a balanced analysis of a
topic or issue. The writer aims to explain or clarify the topic to the reader,
using evidence and facts to support their arguments. Unlike narrative or
descriptive writing, expository writing is focused on presenting
information clearly and concisely.

Structure
The structure of an expository essay typically follows a five-paragraph
format. The first paragraph is the introduction, which includes a thesis
statement that summarizes the essay’s main point. The following three
paragraphs are the body, which presents the evidence and arguments to
support the thesis. Finally, the last paragraph is the conclusion, which
restates the thesis and summarizes the essay’s main points.

Examples
Here are some examples of topics that could be covered in an expository
essay:
 The causes and effects of climate change
 The history and significance of a particular event or invention
 The benefits and drawbacks of a particular technology or practice
 The process of learning a new skill or language
In conclusion, expository essays are academic writing that aims to
inform or explain a topic to the reader. They follow a five-paragraph
structure and present a balanced analysis using evidence and facts.

Conclusion
In conclusion, narrative and descriptive writing are two important styles
of writing that serve different purposes. Narrative writing tells a story and
conveys events, while descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of a person,
place, or thing. Both styles can be used in various types of writing, such
as fiction, poetry, biographies, and human-interest stories.

When it comes to narrative writing, it is important to consider the basic

elements of a story, such as the characters, plot, setting, and theme.
Dialogue can also be used to add depth and realism to the story. On the
other hand, descriptive writing focuses on sensory details, such as sight,
sound, smell, taste, and touch, to create a vivid image in the reader’s
mind.

It is important to note that narrative and descriptive writing are distinct

styles, but they can also be used together to create a more engaging and
compelling piece of writing. For example, a narrative essay can include
descriptive elements to enhance the reader’s understanding and
emotional connection to the story.

Overall, the key to effective narrative and descriptive writing is to use

clear, concise, and engaging language. By mastering these styles, writers
can create powerful and memorable works that resonate with readers
long after they have finished reading.