fictional narrative essay topics

Narrative Essay Topics: 200 Best Ideas for You

fictional narrative essay topics

Envision being enclosed in a time capsule with an AI chauffeur posing the question, "Which of your memories would you like to revisit?ā€ This scenario perfectly aligns with the essence of a narrative essay, where your story, voice, and writing style set it apart.Ā 

In this article, you will get a proper definition of a narrative essay, as well as a list of 200 narrative essay topics for college to get your creative juices flowing abundantly! If youā€™re in a hurry or overloaded with other tasks, feel free to consult our essay service ā€“ expert writers know how to help.

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Best Narrative Essay Topics: How to Choose the One That ResonatesĀ 

A narrative essay is a form of writing that recounts a personal experience or tells a story, often incorporating elements like characters, plot, setting, and a chronological sequence of events. The primary purpose of a narrative essay is to engage the reader emotionally and convey a specific message or insight through the retelling of a significant experience.

Students engage in writing narrative essays as part of their academic curriculum for various reasons. First and foremost, this type of essay serves as a means for personal expression, allowing students to convey their unique experiences, thoughts, and emotions creatively. Additionally, the process of crafting a narrative essay contributes to the development of essential writing skills, such as structuring ideas coherently and organizing thoughts effectively.Ā 

How to Choose Narrative Essay Topics

Selecting compelling narrative essay ideas involves considering personal experiences, interests, and the potential for engaging storytelling. Here's a guide on how to choose narrative essay topics:

  • Reflect on Personal Experiences: Identify significant experiences in your life that have had a lasting impact. Consider moments of personal growth, challenges overcome, or lessons learned.
  • Explore Interests and Passions: Choose topics related to your hobbies, interests, or areas of expertise. Writing about something you are passionate about can make the narrative more captivating.
  • Consider Audience Interest: Think about the interests and preferences of your intended audience. Choose topics that resonate with a broader audience if the essay is for a class or publication.
  • Focus on a Specific Event or Detail: Narrow down your topic to a specific event or detail to make the narrative more focused and impactful. Avoid overly broad topics that may be challenging to cover thoroughly in a short essay.
  • Look for Universal Themes: Explore themes that have universal appeal, such as love, resilience, or personal transformation. Connecting with readers on a universal level enhances the relevance of your narrative.
  • Brainstorm and Freewrite: Generate a list of potential topics through brainstorming. Freewriting, where you write without constraints for a set period, can help unearth compelling ideas.
  • Consider Narrative Techniques: Think about the storytelling techniques you want to employ (e.g., flashback, foreshadowing) and choose a topic that complements those techniques.
  • Seek Feedback: Share your ideas with friends, peers, or instructors to get feedback on the potential impact and interest of your chosen topics.
  • Evaluate Emotional Significance: Assess the emotional significance of each potential topic. Topics that evoke strong emotions, whether joy, sadness, or excitement, often make for compelling narratives.
  • Ensure Personal Connection: Select a topic that you can connect with on a personal level. Your enthusiasm and connection to the subject matter will enhance the authenticity of the narrative.

Once you've discovered a topic that aligns with your mood, engage in brainstorming. Jot down all conceivable scenarios on paper and structure them into a distinctive outline for your narrative essay. Adhere to your professor's instructions diligently, as they likely address most of your inquiries. For added assistance, you can always turn to our narrative essay writing service and receive timely support.Ā 

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Ideas for Narrative Essay Topics

Having examined the writing experiences of students in crafting narrative paragraphs, we have curated a collection of narrative essay topics tailored for both college and school students. This comprehensive list encompasses a diverse array of subjects, so feel free to choose one that resonates with you! If youā€™d like to see how to develop a topic in written form, please consult our narrative essay example guide.Ā 

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

What about exploring intriguing literacy narrative essay topics tailored for college-level writing? Sounds great!

  • Discovering the transformative power of literature during a challenging period in my life.
  • Navigating the complexities of multilingualism and its impact on my identity.
  • The profound influence of a childhood book that ignited my love for reading.
  • Overcoming dyslexia and finding my unique voice in the world of written expression.
  • Exploring the cultural significance of storytelling within my family heritage.
  • The evolution of my writing style through encounters with diverse literary genres.
  • Unraveling the mysteries of decoding language as a non-native English speaker.
  • The role of digital technology in shaping my approach to reading and writing.
  • The empowering journey of embracing academic literacy in a foreign language.
  • Capturing the essence of my academic growth through reflective writing assignments.
  • The intersection of personal and academic literacies in shaping my worldview.
  • The impact of a memorable teacher on my development as a critical reader.
  • Confronting stereotypes through literacy: Redefining narratives about my culture.
  • How my relationship with writing evolved through participation in online communities.
  • The role of literature in fostering empathy and understanding diverse perspectives.
  • Unveiling the hidden narratives in everyday life through observational writing.
  • The challenges and triumphs of maintaining a personal writing practice in college.
  • Exploring the connection between literacy and social justice advocacy.
  • Reflecting on the influence of literature on my personal and professional aspirations.
  • The unexpected lessons learned from failed attempts at creative writing projects.

Personal Narrative Essay Topics on Relationships

Reflect on your past experiences and share compelling personal narratives through these essay ideas.Ā 

  • Navigating the complexities of a long-distance relationship: How did distance shape our connection?
  • The transformative impact of a friendship that withstood the test of time.
  • Lessons learned from a mentor-mentee relationship that transcended professional boundaries.
  • The role of sibling dynamics in shaping my understanding of interpersonal relationships.
  • Exploring the impact of cultural differences on friendships and romantic connections.
  • How did a childhood friendship influence my views on trust and loyalty in relationships?
  • The evolving dynamics of a family relationship during a significant life transition.
  • Unveiling the complexities of parent-child relationships through moments of conflict and resolution.
  • The unique challenges and rewards of maintaining relationships in a digital age.
  • Investigating the influence of societal expectations on romantic relationships.
  • The unexpected connections forged during a group travel experience.
  • How did a challenging breakup contribute to personal growth and self-discovery?
  • The role of shared hobbies and interests in building meaningful connections.
  • Reflecting on the impact of past relationships on my present-day perspectives.
  • Navigating workplace relationships and the balance between professionalism and camaraderie.
  • How have my experiences with peer relationships shaped my sense of belonging?
  • The significance of forgiveness and reconciliation in repairing strained relationships.
  • The influence of role models on my understanding of healthy and fulfilling relationships.
  • Exploring the complexities of friendships that transition into romantic involvement.
  • How do online interactions and social media influence the nature of modern relationships?

Best Narrative Essay Topics on Education and Learning

Think about sharing your personal experiences and emotions in a captivating manner with these ideas for personal narrative essays.

  • How overcoming academic challenges in high school shaped my approach to learning.
  • The transformative impact of a teacher who inspired a lifelong love for a particular subject.
  • Investigating the role of extracurricular activities in shaping a well-rounded educational experience.
  • How a cultural exchange program broadened my understanding of global education.
  • The challenges and rewards of navigating a bilingual education environment.
  • Exploring the influence of technology on modern classroom dynamics.
  • The role of peer collaboration in fostering a positive learning environment.
  • How did a personal learning style assessment impact my study habits and academic performance?
  • The importance of inclusive education in fostering empathy and understanding.
  • Reflecting on the impact of a particular book or literary work on my educational journey.
  • The role of mentors and role models in guiding educational and career aspirations.
  • Investigating the impact of standardized testing on students' mental health and academic success.
  • How do study abroad experiences contribute to a well-rounded education?
  • The challenges and triumphs of pursuing a non-traditional educational path.
  • The role of community service and volunteerism in shaping a sense of social responsibility.
  • How has the integration of technology changed the landscape of classroom learning?
  • The impact of cultural diversity on classroom discussions and collaborative projects.
  • Exploring the role of education in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • The influence of socioeconomic factors on educational opportunities and outcomes.
  • How can experiential learning enhance traditional classroom education?

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Personal Narrative Essay Ideas on Reflection on Life

We recommend sparking your creativity with a variety of narrative essay topics, ranging from special moments to everyday experiences.

  • How a personal setback became a catalyst for self-discovery and resilience.
  • Reflecting on the impact of a major life decision and the lessons learned.
  • Exploring the role of cultural heritage in shaping my identity and worldview.
  • The significance of small, everyday moments in fostering gratitude and mindfulness.
  • How facing a fear transformed my perspective on courage and personal growth.
  • Investigating the influence of family traditions on personal values and beliefs.
  • What does success mean to me, and how has that definition evolved over time?
  • Reflecting on the role of friendships in providing support during challenging times.
  • The impact of travel experiences on broadening my understanding of the world.
  • How personal hobbies and passions contribute to a sense of fulfillment.
  • Exploring the relationship between self-love and mental health.
  • How adversity can lead to unexpected opportunities for personal development.
  • Reflecting on the importance of setting and achieving personal goals.
  • What have been the defining moments in my journey toward self-acceptance?
  • Investigating the role of forgiveness in overcoming personal conflicts.
  • How do cultural or societal expectations influence my perception of success?
  • Reflecting on the role of self-care in maintaining physical and emotional well-being.
  • Exploring the impact of technology on the way I connect with others and the world.
  • The lessons learned from navigating a crossroads in life and making a tough decision.
  • How do personal beliefs and values guide my decision-making and life choices?

Ideas for a Narrative Essay on Culture and Society

Itā€™s always a smart move to engage your readers with narrative essays on culture and society, exploring captivating ideas.

  • How cultural diversity in my community has enriched my perspective on the world.
  • Exploring the impact of technology on communication within contemporary society.
  • The role of traditional customs in preserving cultural identity amid globalization.
  • How social media has influenced societal perceptions of beauty and self-worth.
  • Investigating the effects of popular culture on shaping individual values and beliefs.
  • What cultural traditions and rituals contribute to a sense of belonging in my life?
  • Reflecting on the intersection of art and culture in shaping societal narratives.
  • How does socioeconomic status impact individuals' access to education and opportunities?
  • The evolving role of gender norms and equality in today's changing society.
  • Exploring the impact of immigration on cultural exchange and adaptation.
  • What role does storytelling play in preserving and passing down cultural heritage?
  • The influence of historical events on the collective memory of a community.
  • How do language and communication styles reflect cultural diversity?
  • Investigating the effects of globalization on local cultures and traditions.
  • The impact of social movements on challenging societal norms and fostering change.
  • How does media representation influence perceptions of different cultural groups?
  • Reflecting on the role of education in promoting cultural awareness and tolerance.
  • What challenges do individuals face in navigating a multicultural society?
  • Exploring the role of fashion and trends in expressing cultural identity.
  • How do cultural stereotypes affect interpersonal relationships and understanding?

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Narrative Writing Topics on Hobbies and Interests

Impress your readers by transforming your passions and hobbies into thought-provoking narrative essay topics.

  • How my passion for photography has shaped the way I perceive the world.
  • Exploring the joy of discovering new recipes and the art of culinary experimentation.
  • What challenges have I faced and overcome in pursuing my favorite outdoor activities?
  • Reflecting on the transformative power of literature in my life.
  • How has my interest in astronomy influenced my perspective on the universe?
  • What life lessons have I learned through my dedication to martial arts?
  • The role of music in capturing and expressing the essence of personal experiences.
  • How does my love for hiking connect me with nature and promote well-being?
  • Investigating the world of gaming and its impact on my problem-solving skills.
  • What role do artistic expressions, such as painting or drawing, play in my self-discovery?
  • The thrill and challenges of exploring different styles of dance as a form of self-expression.
  • How has my interest in technology and coding opened new possibilities for creativity?
  • What motivates my commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices?
  • Exploring the excitement and camaraderie of participating in team sports.
  • The journey of cultivating a green thumb and finding joy in gardening.
  • How do travel and exploration contribute to my personal growth and worldview?
  • Reflecting on the satisfaction derived from building and creating with hands-on crafts.
  • Investigating the cultural and historical aspects of collecting unique artifacts or memorabilia.
  • What sparks my curiosity in the world of science and scientific inquiry?
  • How does my dedication to a specific hobby foster a sense of discipline and dedication?

Narrative Essay Titles on Life-Changing Moments

Life's unpredictability often leads to transformative moments. Consider these narrative essay titles for stories that forever changed your life.

  • Unearthing a hidden passion that illuminated my world.
  • Choosing courage over comfort: A pivotal day in my life.
  • Navigating unexpected turns: Embracing life's spontaneous changes.
  • Can a solitary decision truly reshape the trajectory of a lifetime?
  • Embracing transformative opportunities: The power of saying 'yes'.
  • A chance encounter that forever altered my perspective.
  • Confronting fears head-on: Discovering the strength within.
  • Resilience in adversity: Rising above setbacks with determination.
  • Defining moments that reshaped the very core of my identity.
  • At life's crossroads: Choosing destinies beyond expectations.
  • The ripple effect of decision-making: Small choices, big changes.
  • Losing and finding myself: A journey to rediscover my true identity.
  • Breaking free from self-imposed limitations: The sweet taste of liberation.
  • Piecing together a new narrative amidst life's intricate challenges.
  • Finding silver linings in heartbreak: Transformative growth revealed.
  • Harmony amid chaos: Gracefully dancing through life's constant changes.
  • Thriving beyond comfort zones: Exploring uncharted territories.
  • The journey to success: Failure as a vital stepping stone.
  • Letting go and embracing fresh beginnings: The art of renewal.
  • Discovering purpose in the unpredictable moments of life.

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Good Narrative Topics on Travel and Adventure

Compose captivating personal narrative essay ideas titles by delving into exciting travel adventures.

  • Exploring the vibrant markets of Marrakech.
  • Hiking the untamed trails of Patagonia.
  • A spontaneous road trip through the American Southwest.
  • Can the thrill of paragliding over the Swiss Alps be surpassed?
  • Navigating the chaos of Tokyo's bustling streets.
  • How does volunteering in a remote village in Cambodia change perspectives?
  • Camping under the Northern Lights in Lapland.
  • What wildlife encounters await on an African safari?
  • How do diverse landscapes shape the experience of backpacking across Nepal?
  • What stories lie in the historic streets of Rome during a solo journey?
  • Chasing sunsets on the cliffs of Santorini.
  • What wonders lie beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives for snorkeling?
  • How does getting lost in the ancient alleyways of Istanbul unravel surprises?
  • Exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.
  • What tales unfold while hitchhiking along the scenic coastal roads of New Zealand?
  • Embracing the serenity of a secluded mountain retreat.
  • Capturing the essence of a bustling Asian street market.
  • How does bungee jumping off a bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand, feel?
  • What culinary delights await while savoring street food in Bangkok?
  • What stories emerge from surfing the waves of the Pacific Coast?

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas on Career and Work Experience

College students can find compelling narrative essay topics by exploring potential career paths or revisiting past job experiences.

  • Navigating challenges while climbing the corporate ladder.
  • Managing multiple roles in a fast-paced workplace.
  • Experiencing a pivotal career moment in transition.
  • Can mentorship shape a career more than formal education?
  • Learning valuable lessons from job loss.
  • Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey: Building a startup from scratch.
  • Understanding the impact of networking on professional growth.
  • Assessing remote work and its influence on productivity from a desk with a view.
  • Evolving from intern to leader: The workplace roles' progression.
  • Can a passion-aligned career pay the bills?
  • Examining the influence of a positive work culture on employee satisfaction.
  • Strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome and thriving in professional spaces.
  • Navigating freelance challenges in the gig economy.
  • Striking a balance at the crossroads of work and family.
  • Exploring how effective communication shapes careers during negotiations.
  • Resilience in the workplace: Turning setbacks into comebacks.
  • Paving the way for success outside traditional careers through the unconventional path.
  • Examining the role of failure as a necessary detour in career development.
  • Breaking glass ceilings and challenging norms: Women in the workplace.
  • Can work-life integration achieve harmony, replacing the pursuit of balance?

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics about Challenges and Obstacles

If you're feeling uncertain about your narrative essay topic, reflect on challenging moments you've faced and how you overcame them.

  • Overcoming fear through confronting phobias.
  • Navigating challenges in a complex career transition.
  • Scaling personal obstacles for self-discovery.
  • Juggling multiple responsibilities in modern life.
  • Recovering from physical injuries and emotional trauma.
  • How do you deal with life-altering decisions at unexpected crossroads?
  • Unraveling knots: Rebuilding relationships after betrayal.
  • What is the personal tale of overcoming depression?
  • Weathering the storm: Surviving and rebuilding after natural disasters.
  • Adapting to a new culture: Foreign ground, familiar struggles.
  • How do you confront invisible illnesses in a judgmental world?
  • Rising from rock bottom to resilience against addiction.
  • Forging a unique path against societal expectations.
  • Embracing self-acceptance amidst societal pressures.
  • Juggling life responsibilities on the tightrope of balance.
  • Finding a voice in the midst of personal challenges.
  • How do you navigate life-altering decisions at crossroads?
  • Self-discovery through overcoming personal flaws.
  • Rebuilding relationships after a period of estrangement.
  • Repairing connections after a falling out on bridges over troubled waters.

Final Remarks

As we conclude, our compilation of 200 narrative essay topics aims to provide you with a solid foundation for your upcoming writing endeavors! Whether you're recounting a significant event, cherishing a childhood memory, or expressing a profound realization, a meticulously crafted narrative essay possesses the potential to deeply resonate with readers.

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164 Narrative Essay Topics for School & College Students

A narrative essay tells a story about a series of events. At the core of this kind of essay can be a personal experience or a fictional plot. Any story can be a basis for a narrative essay!

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Narratives can look similar to descriptions. Still, they are different. A descriptive essay aims to explain the details of a specific moment. Narrative writing focuses on a sequence of events to tell a complete story.

In this article, we have prepared a list of narrative essay topics for high school, college, and university students. The topic ideas are divided by spheres. In the collection below, you’ll find the ideas based on personal experience as well as fictional narrative essay topics. Make use of resources offered by our custom writing experts to write any paper!

  • šŸ” Top 10 Topics
  • šŸ“– Fictional Topics
  • šŸ§‘āœļø Personal Narrative
  • āœˆļø Traveling
  • šŸ§’ Elementary

āœļø Middle School

šŸ§‘ā€šŸ« high school.

  • šŸ‘« Relationships
  • šŸ§ø Childhood
  • šŸ’” Writing Guide and Tips

šŸ” Top 10 Narrative Essay Topics: High School

  • Your childhood role model
  • How you overcame hardship
  • The best news you have ever heard
  • The time you experienced culture shock
  • A story of how you mistreated someone
  • The most memorable encounter you’ve had
  • An unexpected event that changed your life
  • The most embarrassing conversation youā€™ve had
  • When you realized you were wrong in an argument
  • A person who changed your opinion on something

šŸ“– Fictional Narrative Essay Topics

The art of writing fiction is all about narrating a story. In a fictional narrative, you are free to create a tale that doesnā€™t relate to real life. Take a look at the fictional narrative essay topics below:

  • Write a narrative where a girl discovers her superpower.
  • A story about a land that has 25 hours in a day.
  • Describe your version of the future .
  • Fiction narrative where a person discovers big city life.
  • Come up with an apocalyptic story.
  • A group of scientists discovering a new world inside the Earth.

When writing a fictional narrative.

  • Write about a hamster that prevented a house robbery .
  • A person who saves the country from mass-produced poisoned food .
  • A group of high school students helping to improve their city.
  • A new civilization in a far away galaxy.
  • Write about a grandfather who was secretly a spy.
  • A narrative about a person waking up from the surgery with a different identity .
  • Create a story about a mysterious musical instrument .
  • A college student who won the presidential election .
  • Compose a story about a painting that looks different in every new house.
  • An anonymous person sends lots of money to the poor.
  • Come up with a fictional narrative about a family with unusual tendencies.
  • A movie star who lives out their roles in real life.
  • Passengers of an airplane encounter a UFO .
  • A narrative where a farmer grows strange plants.
  • Write about an orphan who finds out about their inheritance .
  • Story of siblings who resolve a long-lasting argument.

šŸ§‘āœļø Personal Narrative Essay Topics

A personal narrative is devoted to the authorā€™s own experience. Therefore, feel free to write in first person. Include your thoughts and emotions. Do your best to describe the details of your narrative. This will help the reader to relive the story with you. Here is the list of excellent topic ideas for your essay:

  • Memories of your first sports coach .
  • A story of how you dyed your hair.
  • Write about something you did against your parentsā€™ will.
  • Recall a day when you got in a fight with your best friend .
  • What was the most exciting adventure in your life?
  • An unfortunate situation that had a good ending.
  • Write about the time when you had to train hard for a competition.
  • Describe the turning point of your life.
  • An experience when you had to overcome your fear.
  • Write about the circumstances that brought you and your parents closer.
  • Describe a memorable conversation with someone.

Vivian Gornick quote.

  • An imaginary world youā€™ve created as a child.
  • Who gave you the most valuable lesson in your life?
  • One time when you regretted doing something.
  • A particularly embarrassing situation you went through.
  • Your memories of seeing something very beautiful .
  • A moment that made you proud of yourself.
  • Recall a time when you taught a child to do something.
  • What was the most memorable news report you saw in your life?
  • Describe a day when you stood up for someone.
  • Write about the best birthday party youā€™ve ever had.
  • Share your experience of being lost.

šŸ“š Literacy Narrative Essay Topics

Literacy narrative revolves around reflecting on feelings connected to reading and writing. For this type of essay, think of yourself as a reader and a writer. You can describe any reading experience, whether it is a book, email, or social media post.

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  • The most touching piece of writing youā€™ve ever read.
  • Write about a book that impacted you the most.
  • A news article that changed your view on life.
  • What book character do you most identify with?
  • Talk about a piece of fiction that captured your imagination.
  • What was your favorite novel growing up?
  • The scariest story youā€™ve ever read.
  • Recall your emotions after reading a heartfelt social media post.
  • What is the most boring book you’ve read?
  • Describe a book that you would reread over and over again.

A book report is considered a narrative essay.

  • Your experience of reading a story to a child.
  • Have you ever read something that taught you a lesson?
  • Do you see yourself becoming a professional writer?
  • Recall the day when you had to complete your first writing assignment.
  • How does sharing thoughts on social media make you feel?
  • If you were to write a book, who would be the main character?
  • Talk about the most personal thing youā€™ve ever written.
  • Describe your experience of composing a poem.
  • Why can someone have difficulty with writing ?
  • Recall what it was like to read for the first time.
  • What does journaling mean to you?
  • Have you ever been proud of something you wrote?

āœˆļø Narrative Essay Topics about Traveling

In this section, you get to engage your creativity! A narrative essay about traveling is supposed to show the reader what it’s like to explore the world. Present a story taking place in a real or imaginary location:

  • Your first time traveling to another country.
  • Friends taking a trip to the Great Canyon.
  • Write a narrative about traveling to your dream location.
  • Describe a trip to the Taj Mahal.
  • A day-long road trip.
  • Share your experience of visiting a historical site.
  • Come up with a story about getting around the airport .
  • What to do if you are lost in a foreign country?
  • A day in the life of a flight attendant .
  • Write about eating unusual foods from around the world.
  • Describe talking to a local in a foreign language .
  • A narrative about going on a seven-day cruise .
  • Tell the reader about the most breathtaking view you’ve ever seen.
  • Write a story about riding a train.
  • A short narrative about an out-of-state road trip .

Robert Louis Stevenson quote.

  • Traveling to see your family on holidays.
  • Come up with a narrative about hitchhiking across America.
  • What is it like to travel in the air balloon?
  • How to prepare for a trip around the world.
  • What to do if your luggage got lost in a foreign country.
  • Describe packing a suitcase for a long trip.
  • A story about a person missing their plane.

šŸ« Narrative Essay Topics about School

This section is for all grades! Writing a narrative essay about school gives you a chance to share your personal experience as a student. You can write about precious memories, challenges, or influential people in your school career. Pick one of the narrative essay topics about school from this list:

šŸ§’ Elementary School

  • Write a story with your favorite teacher as the main character.
  • Describe your first day at school.
  • A fun memory with your best friend.
  • What is your favorite thing to do during a break?
  • Tell your reader about something interesting you learned in class recently.
  • A day when you had to leave school early.
  • Recall your favorite celebration with classmates.
  • Write about your favorite school subject.
  • A story about your most unusual day at school.
  • How did you bond with your classmates?
  • Come up with narrative about a memorable event at the cafeteria .
  • The last day of school before the summer break .
  • One time when you forgot to bring something to the class.
  • Describe how you worked on a science project.
  • The most challenging class you took in middle school.
  • A story of how you pranked a friend.
  • Have you ever won a school competition?
  • The day when you’ve decided on your future profession.
  • Write about the teacher who impacted you the most.
  • A story of a serious conversation you had about your grades .
  • The day when you got in trouble with the principal .
  • Reflect on a class you will never forget.

šŸ‘« Narrative Essay Topics about Relationships

Narrative essay about relationships focuses on presenting a story about connections between people. You can write about your family, friends, or loved ones. Make sure to pick a statement that you will expand on in your story. Use the following list of narrative writing topics to come up with your narrative about relationships.

  • A conflict between generations .
  • What is it like to be in love ?
  • Write about how hatred can destroy relationships.
  • Describe an example of loyalty.
  • A story about maintaining friendship via social media .
  • Come up with a narrative where people with opposite personalities are getting along.
  • Tell the reader about somebody being generous.
  • Write about a couple being honest with each other.
  • A story where classmates treat each other with respect.
  • Describe a family that maintains loving relationship no matter what.
  • A story where you help somebody who used to be your enemy .
  • How friendliness can brighten up a personā€™s day.
  • Talk about the pain of ending a relationship .

Brandon Sanderson quote.

  • Children learning from their parents about empathy .
  • A narrative about food connecting people.
  • Come up with a story about unfulfilled expectations.
  • The importance of authentic conversations in a friendship.
  • What relational patterns do you see in your family?
  • Manifestations of real love in everyday life.
  • A story when someone makes a sacrifice for the sake of others.
  • Describe a situation where parents are bonding with their child.
  • Talk about the most meaningful relationship in your life.

šŸ§ø Childhood Narrative Essay Topics

Childhood narrative essays are about sharing memories from the time when you were little. You can write about playing with friends or a day when you fell off the bike. Or, ask your family members to recall some episodes from your childhood.

  • A story of how you received your nickname.
  • Write about playing with your favorite toys.
  • What is the most memorable place you went to when you were little?
  • What kind of friends did you have when you were little?
  • Did you ever break anything?
  • Recall your earliest childhood memories.
  • What was the first valuable lesson you’ve learned as a kid?
  • Share your favorite childhood sports memory.
  • A story of your first triumph.
  • What did you enjoy doing when you were little?

Marcel Proust quote.

  • A moment from your childhood that your parents often recall.
  • Which talents did you have when you were a child?
  • What was it like to grow up with your siblings?
  • Write a narrative about your favorite pet.
  • The most memorable childhood moment with your family.
  • Were there any challenges you had to overcome as a kid?
  • What was your favorite children’s book ?
  • Did you ever get lost when you were little?
  • An exciting sleepover you had with friends.
  • Write a story about how you and your friends went on an adventure.
  • A family holiday that you will remember forever.
  • What was your favorite food in your early years?

šŸ’” Narrative Essay Writing Guide and Tips

As you already know, writing a narrative essay is very similar to telling a story. Here are a few tips to remember for narrative writing:

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  • Tip 1: Use your memories. Take time to write down everything you can recall about the event. You can use it as a basis for your paper.
  • Tip 2: Be clear. Stick to the main idea of the essay. It’s better not to add characters or details that are not relevant to the story you’re telling.
  • Tip 3: Choose words carefully. In an essay words to are like paint on a canvas. The use of vivid language can help you create a story worth reading.

Now, pay attention to this step-by-step guide. It will help you outline an on-point narrative essay:

  • Introduction. In the opening paragraph, determine the main idea of the paper. Make a clear thesis that reflects the purpose of your narrative. To help yourself with this part, you can try a narrative essay thesis generator .

In this essay, I want to share my happiest childhood memory of playing with my older brother.

  • The body. Since you are writing the narrative essay as a story, make sure to tell the story well. Think through the plot with conflict, climax, and a powerful conclusion. Take your time to introduce the setting and the characters. All this will make your paper entertaining and easy to read.
  • Conclusion. Bring your narrative to a logical end. Expanding on the thesis statement will help you write a great conclusion.

Playing with my older brother taught me the true meaning of family, and I’m very grateful for it.

We hope this article helped you figure out how to write a narrative essay!

You may be also interested in:

  • How to Write a Narrative Essay: Easy Guide and Useful Tips
  • How to Start an Autobiography about Yourself: Full Guide + Autobiography Examples
  • How to Write a Creative Essay: Tips, Topics and Techniques
  • Breaking Down the Types of Essays: a Complete Guide for Success

šŸ” References

  • Narrative Essays: Purdue University
  • Nailing the Craft of Narrative Writing: WeAreTeachers
  • Narrative and Reflection Writing Samples: Western Technical College
  • Drafting a Narrative: Walden University
  • Scholarly Personal Narrative: University of Vermont
  • The Power of Personal Narratives in the Classroom: University of Washington
  • Fiction Writing Basics: Purdue University
  • How to Write a Literacy Narrative: Pen and the Pad
  • Literacy Narratives: UNC Charlotte
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  • How to write a narrative essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Narrative Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A narrative essay tells a story. In most cases, this is a story about a personal experience you had. This type of essay , along with the descriptive essay , allows you to get personal and creative, unlike most academic writing .

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Table of contents

What is a narrative essay for, choosing a topic, interactive example of a narrative essay, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about narrative essays.

When assigned a narrative essay, you might find yourself wondering: Why does my teacher want to hear this story? Topics for narrative essays can range from the important to the trivial. Usually the point is not so much the story itself, but the way you tell it.

A narrative essay is a way of testing your ability to tell a story in a clear and interesting way. Youā€™re expected to think about where your story begins and ends, and how to convey it with eye-catching language and a satisfying pace.

These skills are quite different from those needed for formal academic writing. For instance, in a narrative essay the use of the first person (ā€œIā€) is encouraged, as is the use of figurative language, dialogue, and suspense.

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See an example

fictional narrative essay topics

Narrative essay assignments vary widely in the amount of direction youā€™re given about your topic. You may be assigned quite a specific topic or choice of topics to work with.

  • Write a story about your first day of school.
  • Write a story about your favorite holiday destination.

You may also be given prompts that leave you a much wider choice of topic.

  • Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself.
  • Write about an achievement you are proud of. What did you accomplish, and how?

In these cases, you might have to think harder to decide what story you want to tell. The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to talk about a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

For example, a trip where everything went according to plan makes for a less interesting story than one where something unexpected happened that you then had to respond to. Choose an experience that might surprise the reader or teach them something.

Narrative essays in college applications

When applying for college , you might be asked to write a narrative essay that expresses something about your personal qualities.

For example, this application prompt from Common App requires you to respond with a narrative essay.

In this context, choose a story that is not only interesting but also expresses the qualities the prompt is looking forā€”here, resilience and the ability to learn from failureā€”and frame the story in a way that emphasizes these qualities.

An example of a short narrative essay, responding to the prompt ā€œWrite about an experience where you learned something about yourself,ā€ is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how the structure works.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involveā€”I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jonesā€”ā€œbut you can call me Robā€ā€”was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, Iā€™d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more ā€œphilosophicallyā€ā€”and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught meā€”in more ways than oneā€”to look at things with an open mind.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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If youā€™re not given much guidance on what your narrative essay should be about, consider the context and scope of the assignment. What kind of story is relevant, interesting, and possible to tell within the word count?

The best kind of story for a narrative essay is one you can use to reflect on a particular theme or lesson, or that takes a surprising turn somewhere along the way.

Donā€™t worry too much if your topic seems unoriginal. The point of a narrative essay is how you tell the story and the point you make with it, not the subject of the story itself.

Narrative essays are usually assigned as writing exercises at high school or in university composition classes. They may also form part of a university application.

When you are prompted to tell a story about your own life or experiences, a narrative essay is usually the right response.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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150 Narrative Essay Topics: Step By Step Guide šŸ¤“| Studyfy

150 Narrative Essay Topics

fictional narrative essay topics

If you're looking for a more creative approach to writing essays, narrative essays might be a great option for you. With narrative essays, you have the freedom to tell a story and use your own personal experiences to make a point.

Whether you're writing a personal narrative or an experiential essay, you'll want to make sure that you're engaging your reader and conveying your message effectively. This is where custom essay writing services and coursework writing services can be incredibly helpful. With the assistance of professional writers, you can develop a compelling narrative essay that is both engaging and informative.

Overall, writing a narrative essay can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you're reflecting on a personal experience or sharing an anecdote, remember that the goal is to make a point and connect with your audience. So why not give it a try and see what stories you can tell? And if you need any assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a " write my essay" or " write a paper for me" service for help.

What is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay is a less formal form of academic writing where the goal is to see whether you can tell a story clearly in an engaging manner. It follows the typical format of an essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion but also incorporates classic story writing elements like plot, setting, character, climax, and ending.Ā 

This kind of essay is written from a defined point of view, usually yours, so writing in the first person is recommended unlike most other forms of academic writing. You still need to make a point though, so include a thesis statement in your first paragraph and refer to it again in the conclusion.Ā 

Many college application essay prompts are narrative writing, for example - describe the most significant achievement of your life. Learning how to write a good narrative paper has use beyond just college essays though, a majority of online content now is based on telling engaging stories. Read on to know more about narrative papers and find a list of 150 fascinating topics for narrative essays.

How to Choose a Topic for a Narrative Essay

Choosing good narrative essay topics are crucial for a few reasons. The story you tell will most often draw from your own experiences and thoughts, so choose a topic that you know well or are well-informed about. Additionally, since the story has to have a purpose, select a topic that has broad potential and narrow it down to tell your unique story. Remember the following things when choosing a topic for a narrative essay.

The key thing to remember is that youā€™re telling a story

Because a narrative essay is so unlike most academic writing assignments, a common mistake is writing sections like a dry academic assignment. Itā€™s for school, but that doesnā€™t mean you canā€™t deliver an experience. Itā€™s about crafting an engaging piece of storytelling while revealing something impactful through the story.

Choose an interesting or meaningful idea to explore

This is a great time to write about something that is particularly important in your life or something you are passionate about. Topics can range from your thoughts and ideas about a concept to an obscure activity that you enjoy.

The pre-writing stage is critically important

A good story flows well and includes details that draw the reader in, but it also has to deliver some idea or message. Collecting information and planning ahead to create an outline for your essay will smoothen your writing process.

Donā€™t forget to have fun with it!

The story you tell should be engaging, which means you have the freedom to experiment! Drawing from several different but interconnected life experiences, or telling the story from the perspective of an inanimate object are some interesting ways to make your essay stand out.Ā 

But remember that itā€™s still an essay

Even though itā€™s storytelling, youā€™re still writing an essay, which means it needs to follow the classic essay structure. Based on the word count, plan how many body paragraphs you need (minimum 3 ALWAYS). Your first sentence should still have a hook, and your first paragraph still needs to have a thesis statement. The story that unfolds in the body paragraphs shouldnā€™t drift from your thesis statement, and your conclusion needs to end the story as well as reiterate your thesis.Ā 

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150 Unique Topics for Narrative EssayĀ 

It can be quite tough to think of something meaningful to write your essay about, but almost any experience you have can be an interesting topic. For one person, the first time they played a sport could be a traumatic experience, for another it could be life-changing. Only you know your experiences and thoughts. Hereā€™s a list of narrative essay topics that you can use to start the brainstorming process and spark your imagination.

College narrative essay topicsĀ 

College is a time of new experiences. So much happens that it shouldnā€™t be difficult to choose something to write about. The essay you write can be more descriptive, focussing on your sensory observations of an experience, or more contemplative, focusing on new thoughts and feelings. Take a look at these narrative essay topics for college students.Ā 

What was it like getting your first acceptance letter?
How you chose which college to go to
Your first day leaving home and coming to campus
Meeting your roommate and whether it went well or not
Your first college partyĀ 
Your favorite classĀ 
Losing touch or staying in touch with friends from high school
The best day in college so far
The difference between sports in high school and college
How you realized college was easier or tougher than you thought it would be
What it was like being in a class with 200 students
Your experience with an extracurricular you had never tried before
Going home for the first time after attending college
Finding a subject you never thought you would likeĀ 
How did you start feeling truly comfortable in college?

Narrative essay topics for high school students

High school years are chaotic. The changes in students and their social expectations can be frustrating, challenging, and exhilarating. Essays about many important firsts can be drawn from high school. Here are a few examples of narrative essay topics related to high school.

The best day of freshman year
A time you were bullied and stood up for yourself
A time when you were bullied and felt helpless
Your most significant social accomplishment
What was a meaningful volunteering experience you had?
Your proudest moment in a sporting event
Losing a valued friend
Your first highschool dance
Why your favorite teacher became your favorite teacher
When you realized what you want to pursue as a career
The best video game moment you hadĀ 
An embarrassing moment in school and how you overcame it
Your best social media moment
The buildup to graduation day
An experience helping another student

Personal narrative essay topics

Since narrative essays are often written in the first person and rely on the experiences and thoughts of the author, they can all be considered personal, but a personal essay asks you to specifically tell a story about a time that changed you in a meaningful way. Here are some topics for writing a narrative essay about personal moments and revelations.Ā 

A summer vacation adventure that involved heroics
Describe an experience you had in a foreign country that made you feel lucky to be from your country
Your first time following a YouTube tutorialĀ 
Your excitement at watching the newest star wars/lord of the rings/Marvel Cinematic Universe etc. movie
Bonding with a new petĀ 
The moment you realized that you admire some traits in a person and want to be like themĀ 
A situation that changed your relationship with your parentsĀ 
A situation when you had to deal with the police
Witnessing an event that needed you to call the policeĀ 
Your best leadership moment
Your experience attending a large event (politics, religion, sports, etc)
The most meaningful time in church or any religious moment of significance
An experience that humbled youĀ 
A situation where you made a serious mistakeĀ 
A time you had to learn from adversityĀ 

Narrative argument essay topics

Like any narrative essay - the goal is to tell a story, but like any argument essay - the goal is to convince or persuade the reader to agree with your viewpoint. Writing an effective narrative argument essay incorporates convincing arguments into the story itself. The trick is finding a balance between getting lost in telling the story and forgetting about storytelling and convincing the reader. Here are a few examples to help you find a topic for a narrative essay.Ā 

A time when you convinced somebody against a conspiracy theory
A moment that made you more religious or spiritual
A moment that made you less religious or spiritual
Your favorite trip and why the place you went to is fantastic
How you discovered your favorite art style
The first time you played a new genre of game and why itā€™s the bestĀ 
Your experience attending a conference or event about climate change
Watching a movie, tv-show, youtube video, or any media that changed your mind
A situation where you had to verbally defend yourself or a friend
An observation about income disparity gained by working in a soup kitchen/homeless shelter etc.
An experience youā€™ve had talking to somebody with different political beliefs
A conversation about gender identity with an older person
Seeing the police behave appropriately or inappropriately
Your experience with love and how you developed your definition of it
A time you had to swallow your pride and hold your tongue

Easy narrative essay topics

Hereā€™s a list of some good topics for a narrative essay that most people have experience with and can write about but are still interesting enough to create an engaging story for the reader. Below are some easy but interesting narrative essay topics.

A hike, picnic, or walk that made you appreciate nature
Visiting a particularly awesome amusement park
An especially romantic date
Your first trip to a big cityĀ 
Your first trip to a foreign countryĀ 
Discovering a new movie genre
The thrill of watching horror movies
A regular day in your life
A moment when you gained respect for your parents, teachers, or friends
The time you saved an animal
How you broke a bad habitĀ 
How you developed a new skill
Your experience at a zoo
The first time you went bowling (tried any new game)
Your happiest day

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Cultural narrative essay topics

Some of the most mind-expanding experiences happen when looking at and understanding a different culture or by analyzing your own culture from an outsiderā€™s perspective. Cultural narrative essay topics are particularly useful when applying to colleges or applying for grants or scholarships for exchange programs.Ā 

What you learned from a trip abroad
How the lives of people in various socio-economic brackets are different
Observations on which basic things are different in different countries
How your cultural identity has changed over time
Sleeping over at a friends house from a different cultural background
Describe some unique personal family traditions
An experience where your culture/race/religion affected the situation around you
How you learned to fit in with a different culture
You first experience living in a foreign country
Discovering new subcultures like anime, gaming, k-pop, etc
Your favorite traditions from foreign cultures
How you understood your cultural heritage better
A time when you realized the impact of media on the perspective of other cultures
Getting over stereotypes because someone behaved differently than what you expectedĀ 
Celebrating a different festival for the first time

Autobiographical narrative essay topics

Autobiographical narrative essays as you to specifically describe and talk about things in your life that impacted you. Take a look at the narrative essay topics below for inspiration.Ā Ā 

Your first memory
Your first meaningful memory
Your first day of school
Your relationship with your grandparents
Finding out a shocking family secret
Your proudest achievement as a child
Your favorite childhood hobby
The best day of middle school
A time when you lost something important
How you dealt with losing someone close to you
Discovering your favorite musician
Your first kiss, date, or relationship
The worst day of your lifeĀ 
Why certain things are so meaningful to you
Which people have influenced your life significantly?

Fictional narrative essay topics

Fictional narrative essay topics are an opportunity to flex your creativity. Put yourself in the shoes of someone else, or in a fantastic situation and write a story! These are some narrative essay topics to choose from down below.

What it would be like traveling to Mars
What you would do with a million dollars
Describe a particularly vivid dreamĀ 
A day in your life if you woke up as the opposite sex
What it would be like to be a professional gamer
What it would be like to have 100,000 Instagram followers
A day at the zoo from the perspective of an animal
A day in the life of a child from a very wealthy family
A day in the life of a child from a war-torn country
What it would be like to have your own talk show
What would you do if you were president?
What would you do if you were a dictator?
What it would be like to be a superhero
Tell a story based on your favorite work of art
A hypothetical dinner with your favorite celebrity

Best narrative essay topics - our choice

The best narrative essay topic ideas are going to be different for every individual. This section is going to choose some topics that offer the most space for creativity, are interesting to write about, or offer a broad chance for self-reflection.Ā 

Your earliest sad memory
How you realized someone had become a role model
A day in the life of your favorite fictional character
The thrill of winning
The heartbreak of loss
Understanding gender identity
A clash of culture
A new discovery
Finding your favorite hobbyĀ 
Performing beyond expectation
Overcoming personal trauma
Helping someone in need
A life-changing tripĀ 
Enjoying nature
Questioning the status quo

More interesting narrative essay topics

Think about these situations and ask yourself if any of these or something similar happened to you and makes for a good story. Enjoy these interesting narrative essay topics!

The best way to win at a particular video game
The process of creating a good TikTokĀ 
Why binging a show is the best way to consume media
What itā€™s like being lost in a virtual world
A time you were convinced to try something new
Discovering a new favorite foodĀ 
What dancing means to youĀ 
The saddest scene in media
The funniest babysitting moment
Your first day at a job
A time you asked for help
What it feels like to end a good book
A time where you panickedĀ 
A time you were kind to someoneĀ 

Final thoughts

A narrative writing is unlike most other forms of academic writing. This can make it challenging for students, but as long as you think about it as writing a story and choose the right topic for a narrative essay, they are actually a joy to write! Here are a few key things to remember as you write your essay.Ā 

A narrative essay uses the story structure - beginning, middle, and end, as well as plot, climax, setting, and characters

Spend time on the prewriting phase to gather your thoughts and plan an outline

Donā€™t lose track of the main purpose of the story

Generally, write in the first person, but the third person can be used as well

Use vivid words and explain sensory details

Above all, have fun and engage the reader as much as you can

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100+ Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas You Can Write About

Narrative essay topics are commonly used across all education levels. Fictional or realistic, they can take on the form of many genres, as long as there is a coherent story told in the first person.

Whether you’re in elementary school, high school, or college, narrative essay tasks will always keep popping up throughout your academic journey as they’re one of the best ways for students to practice their writing and storytelling skills.

If you still haven’t mastered the craft of writing a flawless narrative essay or don’t have enough time to dedicate to this task, essay writing help might come in handy.

However, if your teacher gave you the freedom to write about whatever you like, you’re probably struggling with finding the ideal topic for your paper. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place.

Narrative Essay Topics

How to Choose a Topic for a Narrative Essay

Choosing a topic for your narrative essay isn’t an easy task. A lot goes into finding the perfect topic, and you should think about several topics before making the decision. As the topic you go with can determine the quality of your essay and the grade you receive, you should carefully consider your options.

Although narrative essay topics don’t sound too remarkable or inspiring by themselves, it’s up to the writer to make a good story out of a generic title. The best way is to go with something relatable, such as a childhood memory or something you’re passionate and knowledgeable about.

Once you find a topic you’re happy with, pay attention to the style and word choice throughout your essay. Since how you tell the story is much more important than the story itself, an inspiring topic can help you achieve desired quality results much more easily.

After you complete your essay, don’t forget to run the text through an online plagiarism checker . It’ll catch any plagiarized content if you used some sources for inspiration and ensure you end up with a fully unique essay.

Narrative Essay Topic Ideas

A teacher giving you complete freedom to write about anything you like has both its pros and cons. While it allows all students to write something they’re passionate about, it also leaves many struggling with choosing a single topic from all the different options.

If that’s something you’re currently experiencing, don’t worry – here you’ll find everything you have been looking for. Choose from 100+ good narrative essay topics for your upcoming writing project and create the most inspiring piece of narrative writing yet.

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

Among the ultimate favorites among students are personal narrative topics. These topics are typically based on some personal experience. Even if you don’t feel comfortable writing a personal essay, your work can still be personal if you decide to include some points of view or experiences you drew upon.

Because most students can easily relate to personal essays, they offer some of the best results. Here are 15 topics if you decide to write a personal narrative essay:

  • The first concert I went to
  • A scary experience that put me in real danger
  • My first trip abroad
  • How I lost my best friend
  • What getting lost as a child taught me about people 
  • The best moment of my life
  • How I spent the whole day taking in the sites of the big city
  • The time I helped someone in need
  • An embarrassing story that helped me grow
  • Moving from one place to another as a child
  • The most challenging decision I ever had to make
  • Why discovering a big family secret changed me completely
  • My favorite story from my childhood
  • The family member I bonded with the most
  • The most inspirational class of my life

Narrative Essay Topics for High School Students

Most narrative topics created for high school students are closely connected to personal narrative essay ideas. The reason for this is that many students struggle with sharing their experiences, problems, and emotions during their high school education, as they often feel alone and misunderstood by the people they’re surrounded with.

Although one essay can’t make these issues go away, it’s certainly helpful to share them with someone, even in written form. Narrative essays for high schoolers are one of the best ways to motivate students to say something more about their private life and confide in their teachers.

Here are 15 examples of excellent narrative essay topics that all high school students will enjoy writing about:

  • What do students usually feel by being caught cheating on a test
  • How I felt after failing a class
  • A bad experience with an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend
  • My first experience with alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs and how I felt afterward
  • The most memorable experience in my digital life
  • A typical evening after school and a not so typical acquaintance
  • The craziest thing that happened at a party
  • Why I’m nervous about prom night
  • The time when math saved your life
  • My version of a perfect day if the school got canceled
  • The time I got into big trouble
  • The most shocking incident that happened at school
  • My emotions when I win and lose a sports match
  • The struggles of balancing schoolwork and social life
  • How bad weather affects my motivation to go to school

Narrative Argument Essay Topics

The good thing about narrative essays is that they can implement just about any story or situation. Therefore, it’s also possible to combine narrative storytelling with argumentative writing. As a result, you can simultaneously tell a story and share your point of view on a given topic. Intertwining your thoughts and executing such a complex task isn’t simple, but it’s certainly rewarding.

For those interested in sharing their opinion or side of a story while writing their narrative essay, narrative argument essay topics are a perfect choice. Here are our top 10 topic ideas:

  • The biggest conflict I participated in and did it worth it
  • My experience with bullying
  • The time I was in a car accident
  • The time I felt extremely humiliated
  • My most valuable life experiences so far
  • Is it right to eavesdrop?
  • The choice I regret making
  • Learning about the right and the wrong
  • Doing a good thing even if it’s against the rules
  • How serious can taking and shifting the blame be?

Interesting Narrative Essay Topics

If you made it up to this point and still haven’t found a topic that caught your eye, it’s probably because you still haven’t stumbled upon a narrative topic that’s interesting enough. If you’re looking for an exciting topic for a narrative essay you’ll enjoy researching and writing about, make sure to check out the following 15 topic suggestions:

  • The most impactful person in my life
  • A day I wish to go back to
  • My first encounter with the authorities
  • The toughest decision I ever had to make
  • Returning home after being abroad for an extended period
  • The first time I won a prize
  • My first experience in the emergency room
  • How I saved someone’s life
  • The first time traveling by myself
  • The experiences from my first job
  • The struggles of the first day at a new school
  • Cooking my first meal by myself
  • Things I like to do when I’m home alone
  • The time I got my first flat tire
  • The most memorable incident on a holiday

Cultural Narrative Essay Topics

As many places around the world are considered multicultural, people of all ages have many questions related to culture. Some people tend to forget about their cultural traditions, while others take great pride in maintaining them.

Whatever the case may be for you, one thing is certain – cultural narrative essay ideas are favorite among many students.

Whether they’d like to use this opportunity to recollect their most memorable cultural experiences or tackle some of the questions about culture that have been bothering them, here’s our pick of the top 10 cultural narrative essay suggestions:

  • The unique traditions of my family
  • My cultural identity and why it’s important
  • A tradition that never stops surprising me
  • How can a culture define a person?
  • My most meaningful holiday
  • Working during a holiday
  • Spending a holiday by myself
  • Attending a foreign cultural event
  • Celebrating holidays with friends instead of family
  • How cultures and traditions change through time

40 Best Narrative Essay Topics

Finally, you’ll certainly find a great topic among these 40 best narrative essay topic ideas. The suggestions used in this part of the post cover various topics, so they’re best for students who don’t have a predetermined category and are free to write about whatever topic they choose.

Even if you don’t find a topic that suits you here, going through and reading these titles will surely inspire you and help you come up with the ideal title for your upcoming writing project. Check them out:

  • How being treated unfairly helped me build resilience
  • Confronting my fears after years of letting them control me 
  • The first time seeing snow in person
  • The time I was called to the dean’s office
  • My favorite day at the beach
  • How I met my best friend
  • The time I helped a stranger
  • How I lost something valuable
  • The tragic event that changed my life forever
  • A life lesson I’ll never forget
  • My experience facing racial prejudice
  • Experiencing a natural disaster and its consequences
  • My first time riding a bicycle
  • My first time sitting behind the steering wheel
  • The worst punishment I received
  • The story behind getting my pet
  • My favorite vacation I’ve been on
  • A trip I’ll always remember and cherish
  • My most random way of making a friend
  • The best birthday party I’ve had
  • The best day of my life so far
  • The time I misjudged someone
  • Receiving the help I didn’t know I needed
  • My story of helping someone in need
  • My first plane ride
  • Entering a new relationship
  • Ending a relationship
  • My worst injury
  • The present I’ll never throw away
  • My most enjoyable family holiday
  • My experience going to a summer camp for the first time
  • The most serious argument between my best friend and me
  • The moment I felt depression overwhelm me
  • How I cope with my anxiety
  • Life lessons I learned from getting in an accident
  • The time I got very sick
  • The time I ignored something bad happening
  • Being at the wrong place at the wrong time
  • The scariest Halloween of my life
  • Maintaining a long-distance friendship

Narrative essay topics are flexible and can take many forms, which is why they’re so loved by teachers and students equally. If you’re struggling with finding the ideal topic for your essay, these 100+ ideas will surely help you out.

We can also assist you in writing your essays and give you detailed feedback on your writing. Now, you can also buy college essays . It’s an excellent alternative for students who want to ensure they get top-quality essays and submit them before the deadline.

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Home / Book Writing / Narrative Writing Prompts: 50+ Ideas for Your Literary Masterpiece

Narrative Writing Prompts: 50+ Ideas for Your Literary Masterpiece

Narrative writing is the style of writing used in fiction and creative nonfiction, such as memoirs. It's the telling of a story, with a beginning, middle, and end. As such, becoming proficient at narrative writing is essential if you want to make a living writing.

Even if you want to write only as a hobby, you'll need to be more than passingly familiar with this kind of writing. Luckily, this article will help you do just that. First, we'll discuss a bit more about narrative writing, then dive into some narrative writing prompts to get the ideas flowing.

  • Kinds of narrative writing.
  • Who narrative writing prompts are for.
  • List of narrative writing prompts.

Table of contents

  • Different Types of Narrative Writing
  • Who Should Use Narrative Writing Prompts?
  • Linear Narrative Prompts
  • Non-Linear Narrative Prompts
  • Viewpoint Narrative
  • Descriptive Narrative
  • Finding Your Market Niche

There are several types of narrative writing that are used in fiction and some nonfiction books. The most common type is the linear narrative, in which the story progresses in a logical manner. Most fiction is of the linear narrative type .

There's also the non-linear narrative, in which the story jumps around through time. A couple of well-known non-linear story examples include movies such as Pulp Fiction , Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , and Memento .

Then you have the viewpoint narrative, in which the story is written from the narrator's point of view. Memoirs are examples of viewpoint narrative works, but there are also many first-person point-of-view works of fiction.

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Finally, you have the descriptive narrative, in which a scene, person, place, or thing is described with detailed description using the five senses. A good story will contain enough description to immerse the reader in the story.

We've grouped the creative writing prompts below according to these narrative types. You can pick a prompt from each and get writing, or you can choose only ones that are interesting/pertinent to whatever work-in-progress you're currently involved with.

But before we get to the prompts, do you really need to practice narrative writing?

Whether you're a middle school or high school student, a young writer or an old hand, practicing your craft can only help your writing. While it's true you may remember narrative writing exercises from your elementary school days (no matter how long ago they were), that doesn't mean these exercises can't help you today.

The best writers work on their craft constantly. Like anything else, writing skills need to be sharpened and honed. And one of the best ways to do that is through the various types of narrative writing.

Narrative writing prompts can also help you overcome writer's block so you can get back to writing, whether it's a horror story or a narrative essay. Getting the creative gears turning is great for overcoming creative blocks.

So it doesn't matter where you are in your writing career, narrative writing prompts can help!

Narrative Writing Prompts

These prompts provide a fun way to sharpen your writing skills. You can choose one narrative prompt at a time, or work on multiple to really make things interesting.

Make sure to include a beginning, middle, and end for these linear prompts. They should tell a story in which the main character has to solve a problem or overcome some obstacle , whether physically, emotionally, or both.

1. Write a short story about a fantasy character who gets stuck in our world and has to find their way back home.

2. Write a scene in which a kid has to get home for dinner across a treacherous landscape and through a gauntlet of imaginary monsters and evil sorcerers.

3. Pick three tropes from your favorite writing genre and use them to inform your story. (Example: Horror story (genre), vampires, mad scientist, and a questionable ally.)

4. Write about a character who goes on a blind date that either goes really well or really poorly.

5. Write about a character who wants nothing more than to ride a Ferris wheel, but has a phobia of balloons.

6. Write about an art thief going to great lengths to steal a piece of art.

7. Write about a police officer who must talk someone out of doing something drastic and terrible.

8. Write a scene about a woman meeting a date at a coffee shop and running into her ex.

9. Write about a woman who must brave a violent storm to get home to her children.

10. Write a story detailing a harrowing visit to another country.

Get creative with these prompt ideas. Non-linear narrative prompts are often told from multiple perspectives and/or through the use of epistolary means (i.e. letters, journal entries, news reports, etc.).

11. Write about a fictional character through ripped-out pages from a journal that another character finds.

12. Write a story about a group of friends who go camping and end up getting assaulted by strange creatures. But piece the story together from the point of view of two or more characters.

13. Recount the end of a relationship from the POV of the two participants. Is there a misunderstanding at work, or do both people have the exact same story about why the relationship ended?

14. Write about a family who experiences an earthquake in different parts of the city.

15. Write a scene in which a cop and a criminal are matching wits in an interview room.

16. Start with the end of a story you know well, and then write it backward.

17. Write a story about a character with amnesia who remembers events out of order.

18. Explore a major historical event through the eyes of fictional characters who were “there.”

19. Start in the middle of a story about a long journey, then use flashbacks to fill in essential plot elements.

20. Using an unreliable narrator , tell the story of a disastrous music festival.

Viewpoint narrative can be completely made up or a product of your own personal experience. You can always combine fiction and personal narrative for a great writing exercise . If you're having trouble with writer's block , then the following prompts may be the easiest way to get your writing back on track.

21. What's your favorite memory from childhood? Write it down in as much detail as possible.

22. What's the proudest moment of your life so far? Use it as a starting point to craft a scene in which the moment gets even better.

23. What drew you to creative writing? Describe what inspired you to become a writer.

24. Think back to a day in 7th grade when you had a great day. Describe the day and what made it so great.

25. Write a comedic scene about your family on vacation.

26. Have you ever broken the law? Don't answer that. Instead, write a fictional story in which you do break the law.

27. Think of a famous person who gives you inspiration. Write about what you would do if you ever met them.

28. Write about what you would do on your dream vacation.

29. Write a short story about becoming a superhero.

30. Write a story from the viewpoint of a fictional character planning something nefarious.

31. Write a romantic story about meeting the love of your life.

32. Write a journal entry from the viewpoint of a character who has just accomplished their biggest goal.

33. Write a story about a day in the life of someone from a different cultural background.

34. Write a personal narrative in which you become a professional athlete in your favorite sport.

35. Write a story in which you're a rock star or a movie star.

36. Write a story from the POV of a character struggling to change the world for the better.

37. Write a first-person story about a police officer cracking the big case.

38. Write about a time you tried and failed at something. Explore your feelings and the aftermath.

39. Write about the weirdest thing that's ever happened to you.

40. Write about a near-death experience you've had.

In descriptive narrative, plot is secondary. It's more about getting the details down using all five senses . This can really help strengthen your fiction writing by helping readers feel immersed in the world of your story.

41. Describe a haunted house in detail.

42. Describe a fantasy creature you've made up or one from existing lore.

43. Write about the neighborhood park, including people who frequent it.

44. Write about a breathtaking building you've always liked.

45. Write about a landfill.

46. Write about a fantasy world in which dragons, demons, and elves exist.

47. Write about a building you're intimately familiar with.

48. Write about a spooky forest.

49. Write about a person (either real or fictional) without leaving any details out.

50. Describe the most beautiful sunset or vista you've ever seen.

While most of these writing prompts are mere exercises to strengthen your writing, you may find that they result in a story idea or two. So whether you use them as journal prompts for creative, stream-of-consciousness writing or as a way to come up with stories doesn't really matter. What matters is the writing activity you get out of them. Each hour you spend writing (and not just staring at the screen or surfing social media) adds to the 10,000 hours it takes to become an expert at something.

But what do you do when you want to put your writing out into the world? Well, if you want to make some money from your craft, you'll need to find the right market for your work.

Just as getting to know your characters is important for writing a good story, getting to know your market niche is essential for getting your story in front of readers . There are a couple of ways to do this, but only one that leaves you more time for actual writing. And that means using Publisher Rocket , made by the team here at Kindlepreneur.

With Publisher Rocket, you can get data in seconds that would otherwise take you hours if you were to comb through Amazon yourself. The main PR tools allow you to:

  • Learn what keywords Amazon customers use to search for books like yours ā€” and how many searches a given keyword (or phrase) receives per month.
  • See what's working for other authors in your genre with data on book price, monthly sales, ranking, and book cover styles.
  • Find niche categories with the right amount of demand and competition for your books.
  • Gather keywords to use in your Amazon Ad campaigns.

Check out Publisher Rocket here to learn more.

Dave Chesson

When Iā€™m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, Iā€™m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. Iā€™ve even been called ā€œThe Kindlepreneurā€ by Amazon publicly, and Iā€™m here to help you with your author journey.

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How to Write a Narrative Essay in 5 Steps

Lindsay Kramer

When you have a personal story to tell and donā€™t want to write an entire book, a narrative essay may be the perfect fit. Unlike other types of essays, narrative essays donā€™t need to stick to certain requirements or include a bibliography. They have a looser structure, more creative language, and just one requirement: to tell a story.

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What is a narrative essay?

A narrative essay typically tells a true story that may have a few elements changed for clarity or dramatic purposes. However, this isnā€™t a requirement. You can format a fictional story as a narrative essay.

Narrative essays, perhaps unsurprisingly, are defined by the presence of a narrative in the text. Rather than presenting and defending a position, as in an argumentative essay , or analyzing another text, like in an analytical essay , a narrative essay tells a coherent story. Theyā€™re often personal essays that detail specific episodes in their authorsā€™ lives, which is why theyā€™re popular for college essays .

Unlike most other types of essays , narrative essays have room for literary devices , such as metaphor and onomatopoeia . You can be creative in a narrative essay because youā€™re writing a story rather than presenting and dissecting othersā€™ statements or work.

5 steps to writing a narrative essay

Step 1: topic choice (or prompt given).

The first step in writing a narrative essay is to determine the topic. Sometimes, your topic is chosen for you in the form of a prompt. You might map out the topics you want to mention in the essay or think through each point youā€™d like to make to see how each will fit into the allotted word count (if youā€™re given one).

At this stage, you can also start thinking about the tone youā€™ll use in your essay and any stylistic choices youā€™d like to incorporate, such as starting each paragraph with the same phrase to create anaphora or leaving the reader with a cliffhanger ending. You can change these later if they donā€™t mesh with your first draft, but playing with these ideas in the idea-generating stage can help you craft multiple drafts.

Step 2: Make an outline

After youā€™ve explored your ideas and gotten a clear sense of what youā€™ll write, make an outline. An outline is a bare-bones precursor to your essay that gives a high-level view of the topics it will cover. When youā€™re writing, your essay outline can act as a map to follow when youā€™re not sure how to start or help you transition between topics once youā€™ve started.

Step 3: Write your narrative essay

Next, itā€™s time to write ! With your outline as a guide, flesh out the sections youā€™ve listed with clear, engaging language. A narrative essay doesnā€™tā€”and shouldnā€™tā€”stick to the same requirements as an academic essay, so donā€™t feel a need to use formal language or summarize your essay in its introductory paragraph.

Tip: Use a first-person point of view

Most narrative essays are written from a first-person point of view . That means using pronouns such as I and me when describing the experiences you explore in your essay.

Tip: Use storytelling or creative language

If youā€™ve ever written fiction or creative nonfiction, use the same kind of language and conventions in your narrative essay. By this, we mean using storytelling techniques, such as dialogue , flashbacks, and symbolism , to engage readers and communicate your essayā€™s themes.

Step 4: Revise your narrative essay

If you can, wait at least a few hoursā€”or if possible, a day or soā€”before rereading your essay and making changes. By doing this, youā€™ll have an easier time spotting mistakes and catching places where the narrative could be smoothed out or enhanced. As you read your draft, think back to the goals you identified when you approached your topic:

  • Does the draft address the points you planned to address?
  • Does it fit the tone you decided you would use?
  • If you had a prompt, does it sufficiently answer the prompt?

With these points in mind, make any changes you think will improve your narrative essay. Tools such as the Grammarly Editor can help you with this stage by flagging mistakes and making suggestions.

Step 5: Proofread and publish your narrative essay

Give your second draft another read-through to catch any grammatical mistakes you may have missed. At this stage, youā€™re done making substantial changes to the narrativeā€”youā€™re polishing it to make sure youā€™re submitting the best version of your essay.

Once youā€™ve done your read-through and made any necessary changes, hit ā€œsend,ā€ ā€œsubmit,ā€ or ā€œpublishā€ and congratulate yourself for finishing a narrative essay.

Narrative essay vs. descriptive essay

Both narrative essays and descriptive essays incorporate vivid figurative language to help readers visualize their subjects. However, in a descriptive essay, vividly describing the subject is the goal. In a narrative essay, the goal is to tell a story. In-depth descriptions may be part of the essay, but they need to support the narrative.

Narrative essay outline example

Title: Careful, You Might End Up in My Book!

Introduction: Real-life characters make the best subjects.

Body paragraph: Weā€™re all characters in countless stories.

Body paragraph: Itā€™s possible to be both the protagonist and the antagonist.

Body paragraph: Recognize yourself? Donā€™t worry, itā€™s our little secret.

Conclusion: Write whom you know.

Narrative essay FAQs

A narrative essay is an essay that tells a story. Typically, itā€™s nonfiction but may include some enhanced language to clarify or heighten the dramatic effect.

What are the steps to writing a narrative essay?

1 Choose a topic and generate ideas for your essay.

2 Write an outline.

3 Write a first draft.

4 Edit the draft.

5 Proofread and submit your final draft.

Whatā€™s the difference between a narrative essay and a descriptive essay?

While a narrative essay tells a story, a descriptive essay provides a vivid description of a place, person, object, or feeling. In a descriptive essay, the text focuses on exploring its subject, whereas a narrative essay tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

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50 Engaging Narrative Essay Topics for High Schoolers

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Whatā€™s Covered:

Narrative essays vs. analytical essays, how to pick the right narrative essay topic, elements of a strong narrative essay, engaging narrative essay topics for high schoolers, where to get your narrative essay edited for free.

Narrative essays are an extensive form of writing that gives readers the opportunity to follow along as a person goes through a journey or sets of experiences. Rather than providing analytic insight, narrative essays simply share a story and offer a first-person account. These essays may seem easy to write at first, but it takes a certain finesse to write a narrative essay that is interesting, cohesive, and well-researched. Whether youā€™re looking for a unique topic to write about, or just want some new inspiration, CollegeVine is here to help! These 50 narrative essay topics are engaging, unique and will have you writing in no time.

A narrative essay is a great way to express your personal experiences and opinions, but it is important to remember that this type of essay is different from an analytical paper. In a narrative essay, you do not need to provide background information or explain your thoughts and feelings; instead, you simply tell a story. Itā€™s important to avoid too much telling in your writing; instead, use creative details and vivid imagery to make readers feel as if they are actually right there with you.

Where You Will Encounter Narrative Essays

This type of essay is typically encountered in high school, where students may be required to write personal statements to prepare for their Common App essay . Narrative essays are also commonly seen in AP Language and Composition. Therefore, itā€™s important you are aware of the style because you are bound to have a narrative essay assignment.Ā Ā 

Of course, before you start writing, it is important to pick the right essay topic. There are many factors involved in the process of picking the perfect narrative essay topic for your story.

You should always choose a topic that you are passionate about, since writing on something you care about will make the process much easier. Not only will it be more interesting to create your paper around something that truly interests you, but it will also allow you to fully express yourself in your essay. You also want to be sure that the topic has enough material to work with. If your chosen topic is too short, you will not have enough content to write a complete paper. For example, if you are writing about your experience getting lost at the mall, make sure that you have enough information to work with to craft an engaging narrative.Ā 

The best topic for an engaging narrative essay is one that focuses on showing versus telling, has a clear structure, and provides a dialogue. These elements come together to form an engaging narrative essay. Regardless of what subject you pick, any topic may be turned into a fascinating, A+ worthy narrative using the tips below.

Show, Donā€™t Tell

To write a good narrative essay, itā€™s important to show, not tell. Instead of simply informing your audience, show them what you mean. For example, instead of saying ā€œI was nervous,ā€ you could say ā€œMy heart began to race and my stomach filled with butterflies.ā€ Also make sure to use sensory details, such as sights, sounds and tastes, and include a personal reflection at the end of your narrative.Ā 

Begin with a Strong Opening Line

A good narrative essay will begin with an attention-grabbing opening line. But make sure to avoid common clichĆ©s, such as ā€œIt was the best of times, it was the worst of times.ā€ Instead, come up with something original and specific to you and your situation. For example: ā€œMy pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles. I mean, he even used circular note cards.ā€ Or, ā€œIt all started the day my mom brought home a guinea pig.ā€

Follows a Three-Act Structure

A strong narrative essay follows the same three-act structure as other essays. But in order to make it interesting, youā€™ll need to come up with a creative way to break things down into sections. For example, using the guinea pig example from above, you could write the following:

  • Act 1 ā€“ Introduction: The day my mom brought home a guinea pig.
  • Act 2 ā€“ Conflict: The day I had to say goodbye to my beloved pet.
  • Act 3 ā€“ Conclusion: Looking back at how much I miss him now that heā€™s gone.

Conclude with Personal Reflection

To conclude your narrative essay, youā€™ll want to explain what this specific experience taught you or how youā€™ve changed. For example, upon realizing that her pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles, the writer of the previous example begins to notice circular shapes everywhere. Another way to conclude your narrative essay is by touching on how this experience impacted you emotionally. For example, after losing his guinea pig, the writer explains how much he missed it.

Use Dialogue

Include a conversation in your essay to make it come alive. For example, instead of simply saying that you met a new friend, talk about how you introduced yourselves or what they were wearing when you met them.

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The following list of 50 narrative essay topics is divided into categories. This will make it easier to find a topic that fits your writing style.

1. What is a childhood song that still sticks with you today?

2. Your first day of Kindergarten

3. Talk about a time when youā€™re siblings looked up to you

4. Describe the best birthday party youā€™ve ever had

5. Talk about the best day you ever spent with a childhood friend

6. Explain your first childhood hobby

7. Describe your first halloween costume

8. A family vacation gone wrong

9. Your first family reunion

10. Describe a tradition that is unique to your family

11. Describe your family to a person whoā€™s never met them before

12. What frustrates you most about your family

13. If you could only keep one memory of your family, what would it be and why?

14. Describe a time your family embarrassed you in public

15. The most beautiful place in the world

16. Your favorite season and why

17. If you were a part of nature, what element would you be? Why?

18. When you go outside, which of your senses are you most thankful to have?

19. Describe the first time you witnessed a tornadoĀ 

20. Write a poem about your favorite season

21. Describe yourself as one of the four seasons

22. Describe a time in which you felt connected with nature

23. Describe the first time you played an instrument and how you felt

24. What major event would be much worse if music was removed, and why?

25. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

26. What would a life without music look like?

27. If you could master one instrument, what would it be and why?

Relationships

28. What if you had never met your best friend?

29. Describe a time when you fixed a broken relationship

30. Talk about a movie that defined a relationship for you

31. Describe your first date

32. Describe the first time you made a friend

33. Describe your relationship with your parents

Self Reflection

34. Have you ever fooled someone? If so, describe what happened and how you felt about it

35. What is the worst thing youā€™ve done to someone else?

36. Write about the difference between how things seem and how they really are.Ā 

37. Have you ever been embarrassed in some way? If so, describe the situation and how it affected you as well as those around you

38. Have you ever witnessed something really beautiful? Describe it

39. Is your glass half empty or half full?

Overcoming AdversityĀ 

40. Have you ever been very afraid of something but tried your hardest to appear fearless? If so, describe that experience

41. When have you ever succeeded when you thought you might fail

42. What are your secret survival strategies?

43. Describe the last time you were stressed and why?

44. Describe a time when you were discriminated against

45. The most memorable class youā€™ve had and why

46. Your favorite study abroad memory

47. Describe your kindergarten classroom

48. Describe your first teacher

49. The first time you experienced detention

50. Your first field trip

Hopefully these topics will get you thinking about a personal experience that could make for a thoughtful and engaging narrative essay. Remember, a strong narrative essay must contain relatable details and a clear flow that keeps the reader entertained and engaged to read all the way to the end.

If you need some additional guidance on your narrative essay, use CollegeVineā€™s free peer review essay tool to get feedback for free!

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75 Of The Best Fiction Writing Prompts For All Writers

What separates the casual fiction writer from the professional one is the commitment to daily writing. But sometimes itā€™s more of a challenge to get the words flowing.

If nothing triggered you today, and if your mind is playing hopscotch with ideas, fiction writing prompts can get you past the brain block into full writing mode.

The following lists are fiction writing prompts for adults and realistic fiction writing prompts, and while thereā€™s nothing NSFW ahead, the fiction writing ideas are best suited to books written for mature readers.

Here’s how to use these writing prompts:

  • Choose a prompt that inspires you to write.
  • Feel free to alter the writing idea to suit your creative writing needs.
  • View the prompt as an idea to kickstart your writing .
  • Begin writing and allow your ideas to flow and lead your writing wherever it might go.
  • Write as little or as much as you wish to prime your imaginative juices.
  • Don’t judge or critique what you’ve written — just enjoy the process.
  • Once you’ve completed the novel prompt writing, move on to your book writing , or use the prompt writing as part of a book you might decide to write.

75 Fiction Writing Prompts and Realistic Fiction Writing Prompts

Try one of these 75 fiction writing prompts to improve your creative writing . Some of these are realistic fiction writing prompts, while others have a more fantasy or mystery bent to them.

Choose the prompt that most inspires you, and start writing!

1. This superhero lives on the streets. While the people she saves are safe and warm, she wanders alone, exposed to the elements. Sheā€™s asexual, so sheā€™s not looking for a mate, but she wouldnā€™t mind having someone to watch her back.

2. An unknown spacecraft has sent a rain of unknown elements into the atmosphere, and soon every flower that blooms releases a new, sentient being into the air. And theyā€™re all connected — except for one, whose connection to the hive mind is severed somehow before the opening of his flower. All his fellow, winged warriors have a plan for the people of Earth; heā€™s the only one looking for a way to save them.

3. He promised me becoming a zombie wouldnā€™t change him. He had a solution that would preserve his personality and make it possible for him to protect those he loved..

4. A new modern apartment complex is now open, and youā€™re one of the first to apply for one of its one-bedroom luxury apartments. Less than a week after you move in, tenants start disappearing. Then someone leaves a gift basket at your door….

5. Someone leaves a package with a new, loaded smartphone and a cryptic note in your mailbox. That night, you get a call on that phone, and you answer it. A voice on the other end asks, ā€œReady to change your life?ā€

6. You get a chill from something while standing in a grocery store checkout line, and someone cries out and points a finger at you, backing away. ā€œDid anyone else see that?ā€ she asks in a panicky voice, grabbing her baby and heading out the door without her groceries.

7. You left the windows open last night to cool the house after a 90 degree summer day. You wake up to an icy chill and snow blowing in. You soon learn that a catastrophic event has brought on a new ice age. It just so happens you know something that could reverse the freeze before humans become extinct from exposure and starvation.

8. You love how you get when a creative idea takes hold of you, but your loved ones do not. In fact, one by one, they write you off, though you canā€™t remember why. Then, one evening, the unthinkable happens, and your latest creative idea takes on a life of its own.

9. Your friend just committed suicide, and soon after the funeral, the letters start coming, sent by someone who knew your friend and who (apparently) knows where you live. This someone blames you for your friendā€™s death, and she wonā€™t stop until you pay for it.

10. Your best friend is suffering from a life-threatening allergic reaction, and thereā€™s no epi pen. As his airways swell shut and his heart stops, thereā€™s no one around to help, and you scream in desperation. Thatā€™s when you hear a sound in your own voice that youā€™ve never heard before. Seconds later, your friend gasps and scrambles to his feet, all signs of swelling gone.

11. Your fianceā€™s family has staged an intervention to bully you into changing your beliefs and teaching your children to embrace their way of life — and your fiance says nothing in your defense.

12. Your supermodel-thin friend barely survives a terrible car accident, but it changes her. The happy-go-lucky girl with the racecar metabolism and the hot boyfriend has morphed into a moody but more empathetic girl who quickly grows out of her wardrobe and becomes the target of cruel jokes.

13. A predatory classmate ends up dead in your backyard just hours after making unwanted advances to you in the school library. Part of him is missing.

14. Write a story from the point of view of the villain, but donā€™t reveal the narrator as the villain until the end.

Related: 15 Tips To Help You Write Better And Attract More Readers

15. On Valentineā€™s Day (which you never celebrate), you receive a surprise anonymous package with a box of licorice all-sorts. The slogan on the side of the box reads, ā€œEveryone is somebodyā€™s favorite.ā€ The last person who called you his favorite died a year ago.

16. You go to sleep one night in an immaculate, luxury apartment and wake up in a small, dingy loft apartment that is full of stacks of newspapers and magazines, elaborately arranged to form the walls of a labyrinth.

17. Youā€™re given the chance to go back in time to save the life of your best friend, but the price is a mission only you can carry out as the doppelganger of a mass murdererā€™s close confidant. Your mission is to make sure he takes a trip that will lead him into a trap.

18. You write a novel with a main character who has telepathic abilities. You start having dreams about this character, who wants you all to himself. His first token of affection is to punish your neighbor, who has openly criticized your book.

19. Your quirky, potty-mouthed Aunt Em has come to live with you, and the first thing she does is rearrange the kitchen and claim the role of chef and home renovator. Youā€™re fine with it until she hires an assistant, who just happens to be the apartment managerā€™s recently fired son.

20. You inherit a house from an uncle but decide to rent it out rather than living in it. After interviewing several applicants, you agree to rent it to two brothers…

21. For as long as you can remember, every time you feel panicked, youā€™ve found yourself quietly singing ā€œJingle Bells.ā€ Youā€™re about to find out why, and it will change everything.

22. A homeless man is attacked in your neighborhood and sustains a serious head injury. You get him to the hospital, and they save his life, but upon his discharge from the hospital, he starts making money more quickly than you thought was even possible.

23. A stray animal shows up at your door — no tags or anything — and after feeding it, you decide to adopt it. That night, when a stranger comes to your door, you find out the animal is not what it appears to be.

24. You start taking a new dietary supplement you learned about from a late-night commercial, and it does everything it promised — and more.

25. Youā€™re on your way home after work, and you see a strange light up ahead. You get closer, and you see what looks like a black hole about to swallow up your apartment complex. You look up to see your roommate on the balcony taking pictures of it.

26. You go to sleep alone and wake up very pregnant. After checking the calendar and vomiting a few times, you call in sick and schedule an appointment for an ultrasound. Then your boyfriend shows up.

27. A strange plant appears in your window planter, and when its solitary bloom opens, impossible things start happening.

28. You wake up a different gender but with similar facial features.

29. You visit your estranged father and learn some things about him that change the way you see yourself — and everyone else. Turns out, he keeps a low profile for a reason.

30. Your kid starts manifesting a strange, new ability (or no longer hiding it from you), and you know itā€™s just a matter of time before he attracts unwanted attention. And youā€™re afraid of what he can do to protect you both — and how it could change him.

31. Youā€™ve always had freakishly good night vision, but with that comes an extreme sensitivity to light. You live like a mole, working overnight shifts and keeping the windows of your apartment covered in blackout curtains. Youā€™ve even disabled the light switches. So, when a thief breaks in, you make him regret it. And it starts something.

32. Your eyes are brown with flecks of green that intensify when you get a sudden chill or come close to remembering something that changed you as a child. Someone notices the intense green in your eyes one day and calls you a freak. He looks familiar.

33. You discover an ability that puts you (more) at odds with your in-laws, and you learn of their plan to get your husband to divorce you and get full custody of your two children.

34. You sign up for a wine delivery service, and while the cases are always left at your door, things start changing in your house. Though you never drink to excess, you start losing chunks of time. And the wine is better than anything youā€™ve ever tasted.

35. You come home one day and find someone else living there who swears sheā€™s lived there for years. When you look for proof that sheā€™s lying, you find proof to the contrary.

36. Youā€™re making your usual breakfast when you suddenly find you canā€™t stomach the thought of eating it. When you put a name to your new craving, it scares you. But it wonā€™t go away.

Related: How to Outline A Nonfiction Book

37. You find a ring while walking in the park. The stones arenā€™t diamonds, and you at first suspect itā€™s a piece of junk jewelry from the previous nightā€™s Halloween revels. But you like it enough to keep it. No one is more surprised than you when it saves your life.

38. An unknown relative shows up and tells you something you didnā€™t know about your motherā€™s family history — and the power that went with it.

39. Youā€™ve started your NaNoWriMo project, and itā€™s off to a decent start. But when you open the file the next day, you see much more written for it, and the writing is terrible. Then you see that the story is still developing, and while the writing makes your head hurt, the story is drawing you in. Literally.

40. You go to your closet to get a change of clothes for the day before taking a shower, and you find a huge selection of designer clothes (tags still attached) that werenā€™t there before.

41. You sign up for a class at a local gym, and when you meet the instructor, she seems familiar — and not in a good way.

42. Your kid takes home a Chromebook from school, and one evening you see him staring at the screen, looking entranced. He takes a sudden interest in keeping his room immaculate and volunteering as a member of a new political candidateā€™s campaign staff.

43. Youā€™ve just given birth to a surprisingly healthy baby two months before the due date, but your husband has inexplicably abandoned you both, and a generous stranger has learned of your situation and offered to help you out and fill the void.

44. Your mother shows up at your door asking for help. Something has taken residence at her home, and she doesnā€™t feel safe there anymore. You visit the house on your own, and find someone living there who asks, ā€œWhere did Mom go?ā€

45. You finally find a responsible roommate to share the cost of a new luxury apartment. The problem? He knows everything about you — and thereā€™s no reason why he should.

46. You donā€™t remember the last time you slept for longer than an hour at a time, and you see things others donā€™t. The things you see that others donā€™t are causing accidents, and when you try to prevent one, you end up getting blamed for it.

47. Your 12-year-old daughter goes to use the bathroom at the hospital while youā€™re both visiting her older sister. When she comes back, she seems visibly unsettled, but that gives way to an eery calm and unshakable confidence that her sister will make a full recovery.

48. After experiencing your first nighttime paralysis, you start to see changes in your body. Soon, those changes will be impossible to hide, and a new acquaintance surprises you by making accurate guesses about what youā€™ve been going through.

49. When youā€™re about to kill a spider, your kid stops you, catches it, and runs outside to free it. You think maybe killing the non-native spider would have been kinder than putting it outside in the frost-covered grass, but your kid knows something you donā€™t.

50. Itā€™s Halloween, and your neighbor dresses up as the president and tries to repair his reputation by volunteering at a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, the costume takes over, and he starts firing the other volunteers, one of whom decides to give their homeless guests a Halloween spectacle they wonā€™t forget.

51. Your routine doctor appointment takes a sinister turn when your doc tells you he could put you higher on the waiting list for a liver transplant if youā€™d pay his ex a visit and help him set a trap for her.

52. Your new smartphone is so much faster than your old one — much faster than you expected from a discounted return. Then you start getting messages made up of symbols you donā€™t recognize. They resemble hieroglyphs.

53. Youā€™re a high schooler, and todayā€™s lunch is unexpectedly delicious — so delicious that you go back for the seconds. Someone in the kitchen is watching and writing in a notebook.

54. Youā€™re constantly attracting unwanted attention, and you meet someone who knows why. Itā€™s not just your looks that make you unignorable. Youā€™re actually sending out a signal that those around you canā€™t help responding to. Your new acquaintance offers to train you, so youā€™ll make better use of your power.

55. Youā€™re sick to death of the clutter in your house, and through a magazine ad, you meet someone who says he can give you the power to instantly transform any room to match a picture you can see in front of you or in your mindā€™s eye. The only price is one minute of memory from each day.

56. You win a two-week vacation in a real castle (somewhere overseas) with airfare, transportation, and meals, included — along with other surprises. One of them wants to make sure you never leave.

57. You move into a house that has a treehouse out back in one of the tallest, oldest trees. You donā€™t know until you explore it that the treehouse changes to better suit its occupant. The tree and its house have accepted you. But what does it expect of you?

58. You find an abandoned cabin that is perfect for use as a writerā€™s getaway, and after some preparations, you settle in for a two-weekā€™ reprieve from city life. The animals arenā€™t as shy as you expect them to be, though, and they seem to know something about the cabin that you donā€™t.

59. Your car goes over the edge and down a steep hill. All you remember is the flash of light and the sound of glass breaking before you open your eyes. You check your kids, but none of them answer, and your phone, which had half a charge just minutes ago, is completely dead and unresponsive.

60. Youā€™re shopping for a new computer, and you find one on eBay that the owner says was a gift that he used only briefly before he upgraded to a MacBook. You buy it and revel in its blinding speed and special features. It wakes you that night with a loud beep and prompts you with a single sentence on the screen, ā€œWill you play with me?ā€

61. Chocolate and wine have gotten you through many a break-up, but this one is harder than most. You wonder why, and a gift from this SO stares you in the face, reminding you of how different your relationship was from those youā€™ve had with others..

62. Your neighbor has ordered furniture for you from IKEA, and youā€™re not sure how to deal with it. You love the couch, but you donā€™t have the budget for it, and you barely know your new neighbor, who seems to have unlimited funds but spends it unpredictably.

63. One of your aunts has died leaving you her pet ______, who helps you cut the toxic people out of your life by scaring them away. One of the few visitors this pet will tolerate is someone youā€™ve barely noticed but who intuitively knows about and anonymously meets the needs of others in the apartment building.

64. You go fishing in the lake behind your house, and when your hook catches on something, you pull it up. It turns out to be the body of a murder victim, and when the lake is further searched, other bodies are found. Twelve other houses surround the lake, and the police suspect you as much as any of the other residents.

65. Youā€™re renovating your basement and remove a wall that was put in place by one of the previous owners. Behind it is a garbage bag full of cash, and when you examine it, you find it to be genuine.

66. Your spouse tells other Catholics that he knew you were the one when he found out your confirmation saint was the same saint he prayed to for a good Catholic wife. Meanwhile, youā€™re questioning beliefs you used to take for granted.

67. You wake up to the burglar alarm, and before you can see who has broken in, someone puts a pillowcase over your head and forces you up and out the door.

68. You get a job at your favorite coffee shop, and you meet some local authors, one of whom learns of your book and invites you to their group. They meet in what used to be the living room of a house rumored to be haunted.

69. You can barely make out how many fingers youā€™re holding up until an elderly neighbor with perfect eyesight shares a secret with you. But thereā€™s a price to pay.

70. You go to sleep listening to static on your radio, which canā€™t pick up any AM stations. You find out one night, when your bladder wakes you up, that itā€™s picking up something other than static.

71. You bid on and win an old record player and record collection at an auction. You donā€™t expect the music to affect you as profoundly as it does and your family thinks youā€™re just trying to make up for the amount you spent on it. Youā€™re not.

72. You get new glasses at the new eye clinic in town, and they allow you to see better than ever. In fact, when you want to, you can see minute detail from a great distance and microscopic detail up close. This is how you find out your sisterā€™s mole is a malignant melanoma. You also avoid being poisoned by a spiteful coworker. Your fascination with frogs and your large collection of them has made close relationships a challenge.

73. You listen to an audio file designed to make you more creative, and you go into a trance and write a book that people the world over canā€™t get enough of. Then a visitor asks you if you listened to the entire recording. When you admit to having stopped the recording before it was finished, the visitor smiles in relief and tells you not to listen to the end and to delete the file.

74. When a favorite aunt dies, you inherit a bookstore with an apartment on the upper floor. You look at the finances and realize you have to let go of one of your three employees.

75. You check out a house you like and find moths in every room. The realtor tells you it shouldnā€™t be a problem to get rid of them but that the house is completely free of other pests — including spiders (which are a huge problem in the area). You buy the house.

Did you enjoy these realistic fiction writing prompts?

Keep this list handy whenever you need a writing prompt to unlock your creativity and kickstart your daily writing.

In fact, you may find ideas for several novels or stories that you can write down the road. Take one of these ideas and begin to flesh out an outline and characters for your story. Let your imagination take you on a journey that may lead to your bestselling book!

Here are 75 Writing Prompts to Inspire Your Book Ideas. fantasy writing prompts | daily writing prompts | fiction writing prompts | creative writing prompts | #writing #writingtips #writingcommunity #writingprompts #writinginspiration #author #amwriting #selfpublishing

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Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay Topics

Caleb S.

Best Narrative Essay Topics 2023 for Students

Published on: Jun 19, 2018

Last updated on: Nov 16, 2023

Narrative Essay Topics

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Are you a student in 2023, looking for some awesome narrative essay topics that are easy to grasp and fun to write about? 

You're in luck! Narrative essays let you share your stories, making them a perfect choice for students. 

In this guide, we've put together a list of the best narrative essay topics for 2023. 

Whether you're an experienced writer searching for fresh ideas or a student hunting for an exciting topic for your next assignment, we've got your back. These topics will ignite your imagination and captivate your readers. 

So, let's dive in!

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Narrative Essay Topics for Students

If you're a student looking for a diverse range of topics, we've got you covered with a diverse selection of narrative essay topics. 

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 5

  • My First Day at a New School
  • The Time I Learned to Ride a Bike
  • A Visit to a Haunted House
  • The Day I Met a Real-Life Superhero
  • My Most Memorable Family Vacation
  • A Surprising Encounter with an Animal
  • The Mystery of the Missing Homework
  • The Best Birthday Party I Ever Had
  • When I Lost a Tooth
  • My Adventure in a Fantasy World

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 6

  • An Unforgettable Camping Trip
  • The Day I Discovered a Hidden Talent
  • A Mysterious Letter and Its Consequences
  • A Time I Had to Stand Up for What's Right
  • The Thrilling Mystery of a Forgotten Diary
  • A Memorable Encounter with a Famous Person
  • My Journey Through a Fantasy Land
  • The Day I Learned a Valuable Life Lesson
  • An Unexpected Act of Kindness
  • A Secret Adventure in an Abandoned Place

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 7

  • The Most Exciting Adventure of My Life
  • The Day I Overcame a Fear
  • A Memorable School Field Trip
  • The Strangest Mystery I Ever Encountered
  • An Unforgettable Encounter with Wildlife
  • A Life-Changing Decision I Had to Make
  • The Best Book I Ever Read and Why
  • A Day in the Life of a Time Traveler
  • The Importance of Friendship in My Life
  • A Valuable Lesson Learned from a Mistake

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 8 

  • A Time I Faced a Difficult Moral Dilemma
  • The Most Memorable Summer Vacation
  • The Impact of a Life-Altering Decision
  • An Unexpected Act of Kindness I Received
  • The Day I Stepped Out of My Comfort Zone
  • A Historical Event I Would Like to Witness
  • A Special Family Tradition and Its Significance
  • A Personal Achievement I'm Proud Of
  • A Challenging Obstacle I Overcame
  • A Journey Through My Creative Imagination

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 9

  • The Transition to High School: Challenges and Triumphs
  • A Life-Changing Encounter with an Inspiring Mentor
  • My First Part-Time Job and What I Learned
  • The Day I Realized the Power of Empathy
  • The Impact of a Personal Passion or Hobby
  • An Unforgettable Travel Experience Abroad
  • A Meaningful Community Service Project I Participated In
  • The Role of Technology in My Life
  • A Defining Moment in My Cultural Identity
  • My Vision for the Future: Dreams and Aspirations

Narrative Essay Topics for O-Levels 

  • The Day I Took a Leap of Faith
  • An Unforgettable Journey into the Unknown
  • A Life-Altering Decision I Made in High School
  • An Encounter with a Stranger That Changed My Perspective
  • The Role of Resilience in Overcoming a Personal Challenge
  • The Impact of a Cultural Exchange Experience
  • A Lesson Learned from a Unique Life Experience
  • The Importance of Perseverance in Achieving a Goal
  • My Most Memorable Academic Achievement
  • A Glimpse into My Future: Aspirations and Ambitions

Narrative Essay Topics for Highschool

  • The Moment I Discovered My Passion
  • A Life-Changing Journey Abroad
  • A Challenging Decision That Shaped My Future
  • An Unexpected Act of Kindness That Touched My Heart
  • The Role of Resilience in Overcoming Adversity
  • A Personal Experience That Shaped My Values
  • The Impact of Technology on My Generation
  • A Time I Took a Stand for a Cause I Believe In
  • A Memorable Leadership Role I Assumed
  • A Glimpse into My Ideal Future: Aspirations and Goals

Narrative Essay Topics for College

  • The Journey to Finding My Academic Passion
  • A Life-Altering Study Abroad Experience
  • The Transformational Impact of a Challenging Decision
  • Navigating the Transition from College to the Professional World
  • An Unforgettable Encounter with a Mentor or Role Model
  • The Role of Adversity in Shaping My Personal Growth
  • A Significant Ethical Dilemma I Faced in College
  • How My College Experiences Have Shaped My Worldview
  • The Impact of Technology on My College Education
  • A Personal Reflection on My Career Aspirations and Goals

Narrative Essay Topics for University

  • The Evolution of My Academic and Career Goals at University
  • An Eye-Opening Internship Experience That Impacted My Future
  • A Transformative Study Abroad Journey
  • Navigating the Complexities of Balancing Work, Academics, and Social Life at University
  • The Role of a Unique Research Project in My Academic Growth
  • A Personal Account of Overcoming a Significant Academic Challenge
  • A Meaningful Leadership Role in a University Organization
  • The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Elective Courses at University
  • The Impact of Peer Relationships and Networking at University
  • How My University Education Has Shaped My Perspective on Global Issues

Unique Narrative Essay Topics for Students

We've gathered distinct narrative topic ideas to fuel your creativity. Letā€™s look at some personal narrative ideas to inspire your narrative writing.

Descriptive Narrative Essay Topics

  • A Peaceful Day by the Riverside
  • Exploring a Haunted House
  • My Favorite Childhood Memory
  • A Walk Through an Ancient Forest
  • The Perfect Winter Wonderland
  • An Evening at a Carnival
  • A Visit to a Vibrant Art Gallery
  • The Spectacular Colors of Autumn
  • A Day in the Life of a Beach
  • An Exciting Night in the City

Personal Narrative Essay Topics

  • A Life-Changing Decision I Made
  • A Moment of Personal Triumph
  • Overcoming My Greatest Fear
  • A Meaningful Lesson from a Personal Challenge
  • The Role of a Special Friend in My Life
  • A Time When I Broke a Personal Record
  • The Impact of a Mentor on My Life
  • My Journey to Self-Discovery

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics

  • My Earliest Memory of Learning to Read
  • The Book That Sparked My Love for Reading
  • A Life-Changing Experience in a Library
  • The Impact of a Special Teacher on My Writing Skills
  • How Technology Has Shaped My Writing Habits
  • A Personal Reflection on My Writing Journey
  • The Role of Literature in Shaping My Perspective
  • Writing as a Tool for Self-Expression and Healing
  • How I Overcame Writer's Block
  • The Significance of Storytelling in My Life

Engaging Narrative Essay Topics

  • The Mystery of a Lost Treasure Map
  • An Unlikely Friendship That Changed My Life
  • A Day in the Life of a Professional Athlete
  • The Journey of Starting My Own Business
  • A Haunting Experience in a Historic Place
  • A Memorable Road Trip with Friends
  • My Encounter with a Famous Celebrity
  • The Day I Conquered My Greatest Fear
  • An Adventure in a Foreign Land
  • A Life-Altering Decision at a Crossroads

How to Choose a Topic for a Narrative Essay?

Choosing the right topic for your narrative essay can be a daunting task. Before you start writing, it is important to invest some time in researching and brainstorming. 

Here are a few tips to help guide you in selecting an interesting and engaging narrative essay topic: 

  • Reflect on Your Personal Experiences: If you are writing about a personal narrative topic, consider the impactful moments in your life and think about experiences that have left a strong impression on you.
  • Identify a Clear Message or Theme: Determine the central idea or theme of your narrative. Decide what lesson, insight, or emotion you want to convey.
  • Engage Your Audience: Consider your target audience and what will resonate with them. Choose a topic that captures their interest and keeps them engaged.
  • Play with Different Perspectives: Explore the option of incorporating different viewpoints. Combining personal and external perspectives can add depth to your narrative.
  • Test Your Idea: Get feedback from a friend or classmate. Assess if your chosen topic is likely to resonate with your audience.
  • Stay True to Your Voice: Balance considering your audience with being authentic. Let your unique voice and storytelling style shine through in your writing

Tips for Writing Narrative Essays

Once you have selected a topic for your narrative essay, it is time to start writing. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you write your story: 

  • Start with a Strong Hook: Begin your narrative essay with a captivating hook, such as an engaging anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a vivid description. 
  • Follow a Clear Structure: Organize your narrative essay outline with a clear structure. Most narratives follow a chronological order, but you can also use flashbacks or nonlinear storytelling when it serves your narrative. 
  • Build Tension and Conflict:  Create tension and conflict in your narrative to add depth and maintain reader engagement. Whether it's a personal struggle, a moral dilemma, or an external challenge, these obstacles will keep readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.
  • Revise and Edit:  After completing your first draft, take the time to revise and edit your work. Review it for grammar and spelling errors, but also examine the overall structure and flow of your narrative.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice:  Like any form of writing, improving your narrative essay skills takes practice. Keep writing and experimenting with different topics, styles, and approaches to develop your storytelling abilities.

Before you start writing, make sure you read some narrative essay examples to learn how to organize your thoughts and structure your story.

In summary, no matter the type of essay you are writing about, you need a topic to start with. Our collection of narrative essay topics offers fresh, distinct ideas. 

These topics are crafted to ignite your creativity and captivate your audience. They cover a diverse range of experiences, making it easier for you to connect with your readers on a personal level.

Still, struggling to write a compelling narrative essay? Our narrative essay writing service is here to help you out!

MyPerfectWords.com stands as a legitimate essay writing service with a specialized focus on crafting exceptional essays designed for high school and college students. Our customer support team is also available 24/7, so don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are narrative essay topics different from other essay types.

Narrative essay topics are usually based on personal experiences, so they are more emotional and creative than other types of essays. Also, they are often more open-ended, so you have more freedom to choose what to write about. 

Where can I find good narrative essay topics?

There are a few ways to find good topics for your narrative essay. You can look through books or magazines for ideas, or search online for inspiration. You can also brainstorm with friends or family members to come up with ideas. 

What do I write a narrative essay about?

You can write a narrative essay about anything, but it is usually based on personal experience. Try to recall interesting incidents from your life to develop a narrative about. 

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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Fiction Prompts - Ideas for Stories

Three elements.

Choose a set of three elements, and imagine a story that includes all three of them.

  • a hitchhiker, an allergy, and a mistake in a map.
  • a cemetery, a missing dog, and a joke that goes too far.
  • a Halloween costume, a stapler, and a complaint between neighbors.
  • a stolen phone, a love song, and a bet.
  • a dance competition, an engagement ring, and a worried parent.
  • insomnia, a birthday card, and an encounter with someone famous.
  • an eavesdropper, a secret kiss, and a fire in the kitchen.
  • a stuck elevator, a pickpocket, and a promise.
  • a babysitter, a pet snake, and a tow truck.
  • a lit window, a stamp collection, and someone pretending to be angry.
  • a dream come true, inappropriate laughter, and something buried.
  • an abandoned house, false eyelashes, and a lump in the bed.

Character Ideas

Here are 3 ideas you can use to create fictional characters and stories:

  • Write about a character who pretends to be cool and tough, but is actually shy and sensitive.
  • Write about a character who is obsessed with certain colors.
  • Write about a character who secretly plans to leave home and start a new life.

Now, YOU complete the sentences to get even more character ideas:

  • Write about a character who pretends to be ________, but is actually ________.
  • Write about a character who is obsessed with ________.
  • Write about a character who secretly ________.

fictional narrative essay topics

First Lines

Here are some beginnings for stories or poems. Start with one of these and see where your imagination takes you.

  • He wasn't at all what I was expecting...
  • How would we ever get rid of...
  • She was a wonderful liar...
  • He hurled the phone against the wall...
  • The fortuneteller was mistaken...
  • I crouched behind the sofa...
  • It was wrapped like a present, but...
  • I should never have come here...

Twist Endings

Here are some twist endings you can use in your own fiction. See what story ideas they give you...

  • The detective turns out to be the killer.
  • The vampire hunter turns out to be another vampire.
  • It turns out that your character's lover has only pretending to be married as an excuse to avoid a commitment to your character.
  • The jewel everyone has been fighting over turns out to be a fake.
  • Your character's main enemy turns out to have been on your character's side the whole time. Your character has been misinterpreting his/her attempts to help him/her.
  • The murder victim turns out to have faked her own death. She's still alive and playing games with the detective!
  • Your narrator has been lying to the reader to make himself or herself look better.

Creative Writing Recipes

Just follow these recipes, and see what comes out of your imagination.

SHORT STORY RECIPE Beginning of the story: Your character's mother wants your character to do something, and your character doesn't want to do it. They argue about it. Next part: The argument is interrupted by a surprising sight which startles both of them. Next: The surprising sight brings back a memory from your character's childhood involving his/her mother. Flash back to this memory. Next: Return to the present. Your character and his/her mother continue their conversation, but the tone of it is changed by the surprise and by your character's thoughts about the past.

POEM RECIPE Line 1: Give the reader an instruction. Line 2: Refer to a smell. Line 3: Use the word "ghostly". Line 4: Mention a childhood toy. Line 5: Quote a proverb or saying. Line 6: Refer to an animal. Line 7: Repeat a phrase from earlier in this poem. Line 8: Ask the reader a question.

Ideas for Stories - Next Steps

Sign up for our free e-mail group to receive fiction prompts, writing tips , and Creative Writing Now news.

You can find hundreds of ideas for stories on our website. Here are some links to start with:

  • Story beginnings and "What If" story ideas
  • "The Evil Roommate" and other story ideas
  • 44 fiction writing prompts
  • See a complete list of Creative Writing Now pages with ideas for stories.

Click here to go back to the Creative Writing Ideas Blog .

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Best Narrative Essay Topics: Funny, Personal, Literacy and Fictional Ideas

Researching on best narrative essay topics? Deadline approaching, but you havenā€™t started yet? Worried because of such a mess? Want a better and more timely solution to your problems? Well! Continue reading this if you want to seek an answer to these questions.

Selecting a suitable narrative essay topic can present a daunting challenge during oneā€™s academic journey, as these topics are often elusive. The process hinges on an individualā€™s life experiences, with impactful encounters naturally suggesting engaging themes. Nonetheless, certain experiences may defy translation into compelling written pieces. This is precisely where our essay writing service comes into play, offering assistance in overcoming such hurdles. Now, letā€™s delve into the specifics of your quest:

Table of Contents

What Is a Narrative Essay?

A narrative essay is a form of essay in which the writer tells a story or narrates it in a way that appeals to the audience. This can involve an adventure, an incident, a life story, etc. Not always, but a narrative essay is usually about personal stories and life experiences.

But do you think anyone can write in this style? Of course, sometimes writer faces a block in the middle, start or even before start of narrative essays. In that particular time, they can take a help from an  AI essay writer , which gives a freedom to choose any good topic that suits the writer. Now letā€™s come back to key points of narration-based essays; if assigned by the teacher, he/she might set strict criteria or boundaries to make the roadway a bit difficult. Similarly, choosing a topic involving personal experiences might be difficult because some experiences cannot be narrated in a presentable manner. Personal topics can be used when writing a personal essay. That is why we are here to help you out choosing such topics.

Choosing a Topic for a Narrative Essay

Choosing a topic for such an essay requires some good steps. These steps are as follows:

Remember to tell a story

Choose an idea worthy of discussion.

Planning and brainstorming ideas

Structuring for the essay

Letā€™s discuss these in detail:

Make sure that the topic chosen for the essay must connect with the audience. The story the writer is telling should be such that the experiences, life lessons, skills etc., connect with the audience. Otherwise, it will spoil the whole writing and result in boredom.

One might have read the story of some famous writer. How do you feel when you read it? Of course, we develop a connection with that story; even some people cry reading it because they feel itā€™s their own. This is the art of narration. And you know whatā€™s the main thing that hits the writer and develop the connection? It is those short chunks, main lines of 2-3 sentences. Remember when you last time highlighted something while reading? Yes those lines are topic or thesis sentences, donā€™t worry you can also use  thesis statement generator  to add main points within essays or stories.

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Choose an idea worthy of discussion

Do not randomly choose an idea for the essay; rather, choose the best one on which a good discussion would be made. Boring ideas not involving the writerā€™s interest make it an ambiguous essay and, in turn, make it a bad piece of writing. To make sure the idea is useful, ask yourself:

What are my associations with the chosen idea?

Would I be able to convey it to the readers the way I have an association with it?

If yes, how am I going to convey it?

Do I have enough information or memories related to the idea?

Questions like these will make the essay rigorous. However, one can always change the topic or idea of an essay if he feels at any point that the above questions are not answered.

Plan the structure of the essay. Brainstorming is a good session to start with. Do brainstorming and write good ideas and information regarding the chosen topic to give a fine structure to the essay from this stage. Make sure to plan how one will structure the essay properly at this stage. This step can also help you to make your essay longer.

Throughout, the writer needs to mix different life memories to check whether it is a good idea to mess up. The subject should be such that it hits the audienceā€™s emotions and guarantees that the story is narrated so that it develops the same association with the audience as with the writer.

Structuring For the Essay

The structure of the essay is always standard and is followed in every essay writing. Whatever idea or topic the writer chooses from his experiences, it should be such that it develops a logical order starting from a good introduction, passing through the body and ending with the conclusion. The standard for body paragraphs is three. So whenever choosing the topic or opting for an experience, memory or lesson, ensure enough information is available to make three paragraphs out of it. The paragraphs for the body should also have enough information to support the thesis, as will be stated in the introduction part.

40 Best Narrative Essay Topics

A narrative essay should be such that it presents a picture of the writerā€™s life experiences. Since the reader cannot see the picture, the writer can show him through the power of words.

Some 40 best narrative essay topics for college are as follows:

The first flight I made

My memories of the school time

My first day of school

My memorable trip

A friend in disguise

The accident I have gone through

An eye-opening event of my life

Experiencing a crash

A realization to the new world

  • My favorite movie

A row with my peers

The first time I drive

A time when I faced unequal employment opportunity

  • My memorable vacation
  • My favorite dish

Realization of the double-faced people

betrayer friends

Going through psychological trauma in my life

  • My mental health
  • The diet I follow

How do I maintain a work-life balance?

The people I love the most

How do I survive shark attack?

The help that I will never forget

My favorite place in my house

How have I learned decoration?

The first time I danced

How do I manage a high workload?

If I were an HR officer

My achievements

A proud moment in my life

Changes in my body after vaccination

How do I enter into good bonding?

Why do I sometimes judge?

The biggest punishment I ever had

My shortcomings that kills me

The first time I appeared in a show

Personal Narrative Essay Ideas

The best moment of my entire life

The toughest decision I ever made

My favorite place to visit

Reason why I love my best friend

What I do in my entire day: a complete schedule of my full day routine

The most perfect decision I have ever made in my life

The story of racism I faced in a foreign country as a Muslim

The reason why I hate going to the college

How do I overcome fears and turn them into my strength?

Most embarrassing moment of my life

The moment I had to lose my best friend

The disease I have fought and defeated in my life

The memorable debate competition in the school

My first ever pet

The perfect sunset Iā€™ve ever seen

The day I had to say good bye to my best friend

My experience with receiving my first ever degree

The most horrible food I have ever tried

My favorite fruit juice

My most liked music playlist

How do I connect with the people?

Why do I always take the blame and become bad in the picture?

The unforgettable fight with the bully in college

The most horrible and annoying teacher at school

The race I have been trying to complete since many years

My experience of university life

The perfect wedding I ever attended

The most valuable life experience I ever had

Exploring a new city in my Summer vacations

The moment I met a car accident

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Fictional Narrative Essay Ideas

The incident of our friendā€™s day out going wrong

A dark night, and my car ran out of Petrol

The worst scenario ever happened during exams

A horrible dream that turned into reality

The story of vampires and their exact origin, a place no lesser than hell

How I felt like Cinderella once but it ended up like a nightmare

The dream I saw about myself rotting in hell

The most fierce monster I saw in a famous park in the dark

The story of my town about to suffer a hurricane

I met a person who lost his memory and I had no way to remind him anything

The story of a teen who creates a viral video and becomes famous

The story of a click that ticks 13 too

A tale of a 10 year old kid who became the President of the country

The most horrible thing happened on the island where no human existed

An art character that comes to life

A strange creature coming to life straight out of a story book

A pink hill that looks like an ice cream

A parallel world where all parents support their kidā€™s decisions

A world free of racism and discrimination

A tale of zero hatred in the world

The haunted place and my visit to it

A bully victim who turned into a bully himself

A wild gorilla broke into the house

A giant tree came to life

A giant candy house with chocolate doors

A normal girl got superhero powers

The paper money got replaced with digital currency

The world turned into metaverse

Time started passing backwards

A town where can read minds

Narrative Essay Topics for College Students

Most memorable incident in my life

The best college memory

The most important day of my life

My favorite course in college

My favorite book

My favorite professor

A note to my old self

A note to my future self

A research project I can never forget

The best classmate I had in college

The best teammate I had in college project

Most interesting party I attended in college

The dangerous trip we all friends had in college life

The best adventurous trip I had in college life

My most favorite dish I loved eating in college days

My hostel room in college

The tale of meeting my life mate in college

The most epic drama rehearsal in my college

How one mass bunk changed everything in my college

How hard the life of college students is

My last day at college

Narrative Essay Topics for High School Students

We agree that coming up with narrative writing topics is not easy as it sounds. But it gets convenient when you have lists of such amazing topics. Hereā€™s another one! 

The story of my first day at high school

A bad experience with the rude teacher

My favorite subject

The most special lunch I had in school

Most memorable farewell party

The most amazing welcome party in high school

My favorite teacher at high school

My best friend at high school

The perfect friendship I saw at high school

The worst mistake I made

The best decision I took being a high school student

The best street food I tried in high schooling days

The best thing I learned in high school

The best classmate I got in high school

The worst team mate I had in high school

The most boring subjects and itā€™s lectures

A high school teacher that changed the way of teaching

An extremely boring day in high school

A perfect friend I made in high school

The last exam in high school

The story of my last day at high school

Literacy Narrative Essay Topics

Hereā€™s another list of 30 unique literacy narrative topics. We have tried our best to give you some of the best literacy narrative ideas you can consider. 

The most useless book I have ever read

My most favorite subject at school

The first short story I ever wrote

My favorite novel based on real life incident

The best poem I have ever read

The worst piece of literature I have ever read and felt disappointed

The worst book I studied in my college

A large collection of books my favorite teacher recommended to me

A letter to myself that I should keep secret

The last letter I wrote to my best friend

Why did I start writing?

How writing makes me feel like?

Why I always wanted to be a writer?

Is becoming a freelance writer good career choice?

The worst writing mistakes that you should avoid

Best marketing email I have ever read

Best essay writing guide I always recommend to everyone

The most satisfying writing piece I have ever read

The poorly written writing guide I still laugh at

Best novel I read about realism

The only book that made sense to me

The best author I have ever read

Can I become an author myself?

The best writing guide my friend gave me

A collection of beautiful poems I can never forget

A list of my favorite poets and what I like about them

A list of my favorite writers and what I like about them

The best book collection my friend owns

10 ideal methods I use to write a good essay

The favorite short story of mine

Note: These are just a few literacy narrative topic ideas to get you started with this essay picked from going through hundreds of literacy narrative examples. Plus you can blend two or more subjects for a unique topic. 

First Person Narrative Essay Ideas

If you are searching for the best narrative paragraph topics, you are in luck! As this list has 30 personal narrative topics for you to consider. 

A day in my everyday life

The best thing I have done in my life

A note to myself

The scariest thing I have ever done

The first and best short story I wrote

How do I overcoming my fears and keep going in life

The right things I have ever done that turned my life upside down

My favorite ice cream parlor in the city

My go-to place for lunch and dinner

My personal tips on how to look good casually

How I turned my own life upside down

The most horrible moment of my life

Why did I decide to leave my house at 18?

The best career choice I have ever come across

Why do I hate my parents

Why donā€™t I have any friends

How was my experience with flipping burgers at McDonaldā€™s?

My first adventure ever

The first mistake of my life

Why did I drop out of college?

The best decision of my life

My first best friend

My most favorite dish

The right thing I did that saved someoneā€™s life

The day I was about to get into jail

Most embarrassing question I ever got asked

My life in my village

The best book I have ever read

The best city I have even been to

Most expensive thing I bought with my own salary

As you have finished going through the list, you must have learned that personal narrative ideas are a lot more easier to write on as compared to the others. 

Funny narrative essay topics

Writing a funny narrative essay is a great way to engage your audience and make them laugh. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our blogs . There, you’ll find a variety of funny narrative essays on topics such as:

Choosing to sleep over workout

A girl or boy? Who is more intelligent?

Traditional photos Vs selfie clicks

How to relate lion with a cat

If I were a grapefruit

Farming or billionaire; the choice is yours

How to enjoy during exams

Food or workout? Which to prefer?

What to choose: internet or study?

How to survive scolding by parents.

Best narrative stories

Examples of some all-time famous and best narrative stories are:

The tell-tale heart

The lottery

The metamorphosis

The lady with the dog

The gift of the Magi

Story of your life

The yellow wallpaper

The monkeyā€™s paw

To build a fire

Perfect essay writers hope that they clarify your queries when you land on our page. We also hope that a decent explanation and good essay topics are provided to make your writing journey much more enjoyable and easier.

Are you still asking yourself ā€œdo I still need help?ā€ Well, donā€™t bother yourself and let our expert essay writers help you out.

A good topic for a story is the one involving personal as well as the connection of the audience with it. Such topics can be:

  • How do people change?
  • Losing friends
  • The double-faced world
  • A friend in need is a friend indeed

A narrative essay is a form of essay in which the writer tells a story or narrates it in a way that is appealing to the audience. This can involve an adventure, an incident, a life story, etc. Not always, but a narrative essay is usually about personal stories and life experiences.

A personal narrative topic is the one that involves narration of personal experiences, life lessons, skills etc. It is the major form of narrative essay and most of them are written on such topics. These can be as follows:

Some of the examples of narrative writing are:

  • Narrative essay
  • Personal essays
  • Biographies

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81 Fiction Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

šŸ† best fiction topic ideas & essay examples, šŸ‘ good essay topics on fiction, šŸ’” most interesting fiction topics to write about.

  • Flannery O’Connor: Grandmother’s Act in “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” The most dominant opinion though is that the grandmother’s final deed was graceful, thereby implying that “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” was penned by the author to depict a gradual change in the […]
  • Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama: Article Review He notes that denial is very prominent in the story of” A Rose for Emily” and in the play “Death of a Salesman” and in the poem “The Raven”. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
  • A Scholarly Study of Two Different Literary Genres Fiction and Poetry, Using the Works of Alexie, Kincaid, and Hughes In the Seventh and Eight Grade he discovered that villains are not only found in schools and the school playground but they can also be the unknown force called discrimination and this is a debilitating […]
  • Pulp Fiction: Moral Development of American Life and Interests Quentin Tarantino introduces his Pulp Fiction by means of several scenes which have a certain sequence: proper enlightenment, strong and certain camera movements and shots, focus on some details and complete ignorance of the others, […]
  • The Science Fiction Movie “Inception” The first half of the film attempted to explain to the audience the meaning and purpose of a technique that allows for the extraction of information as well as the planting of the same.
  • Elements of Modern Fiction Time and realism is a crucial element of modern literature.”Time, in Modernist literature, may take the reader through a day in the life of a narrator, whereas in Realism, the reader is taken into a […]
  • Coming-of-Age Fiction: “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath In the opening chapters of the novel, the author introduces the initial situation by illustrating the life of Esther, a college student, working as an intern at a women’s magazine in New York together with […]
  • Analysis and Interpretation of Short Fiction Her anger is symbolizes that she is ready to fight for her rights and that of the minority people in the society.
  • British Empire Adventure Fiction – Cosmopolitanism/Citizenship The Boys’ Literature and the Idea of Empire, 1870- 1914, one of the adventures literatures tried to argue that; boys as the role model of Britons “are you proud to be a Briton?”. Overtime, the […]
  • The Use of Puzzle Game Elements in Detective Fiction Story This gives a logical scene of the murder to the reader, making the reader to have familiar settings that are helpful in interpreting the rhymes correctly.
  • Global Warming: Facts and Arguments In fact, the argument is that human activities are not substantial to cause global warming. They believe that changing human economic activities to reduce the impact of global warming is very expensive and is not […]
  • Global Warming: Fact or Fiction According to, global warming is the average persistent increase in the atmospheric temperature near the earth’s surface leading to changes in global climate patterns over a given period of time.
  • Representation of Women in History As Opposed To Fiction The omission of women in history has been the cause of fictionalization that misrepresents the female gender. The ancient history of women is seen to suggest that the only role they played was in the […]
  • Fiction-Narrative Story Reflecting the Claims in The Queen and The Philosopher According to Descartes, the supporter of the rationalist perspective and the author of the phrase “I think, therefore I am”, declined the importance of emotional and sensuous perception of the world because it does not […]
  • Demystifying the Fiction Movie “The Matrix” The second world is a generic world created by the machines in order to pacify the human being as the machines siphon energy from people by plugging the human beings into an artificial intelligence system […]
  • Imagery of Rural Injustices in Literature Therefore, the author of the short story has managed to show various rural injustices in the Chinese rural society through the use of themes, styles and characters as discussed in this paper.
  • To Live: a true story or biased fiction? The third episode from the novel to support that Yu Hua is not biased against the nationalist period is that the civil war ended in the victory of the communist ideology.
  • Growing popularity of science fiction films in 1950s Most of the science fiction films reflect the socio-political environment in both the US and the rest of the world. Science fiction has presented not only some of the greatest stories in the contemporary literature, […]
  • The Influence of Realism and Naturalism on 20th Century American Fiction. The aim of the modernist writers was not only depiction of life “as it is”, but search of solutions to dilemmas and problems of the society of the 20th century.
  • Pain, Cyber Punk and Science Fiction in the Moon is a Harsh Mistress In the last part of the book, the federation warships come to the moon. This is evident in the book as the people on the moon are being controlled by the governments of the earth.
  • The Fragmented Self in American Fiction He presents dual identity in; the ability of the white Americans to effectively generalize the blacks by compelling them into not standing up for their people when they know the truth of the situation, the […]
  • Science fiction has less to do with science and more to do with an endless reworking of the human condition Going by the words of Hopkins “science of fiction is a genre of fiction in which the stories often tell about science and technology of the future- these stories involve partially true-partially fictions laws or […]
  • Subversive Literature/ Dystopia in science fiction novels In the endeavor to place a case in support of this line of argument, the paper considers the key traits of dystopian literature then showing how Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep possesses them in […]
  • Witchcraft: Women’s Victimization and Affirmation The three postulations have been nullified in the Malleus Maleficarum as none of them adequately explains the effects of the devil and witches.
  • Concept of Science Fiction Genre in Books ā€œDark They Were, and Golden-Eyedā€ by Ray Bradbury, and ā€œNightfallā€ by Isaac Asimov Science fiction has found its place among the ‘great’ literatures of the word and hence a contribution in the field of literature. Some of the most sales in literature are in the genre of science […]
  • Rural Injustice, the Fiction Thus, the author chooses the technique of reportage to represent the story of Chen-chen, and she relies on the use of the realistic tone in order to describe and emphasize all the details of the […]
  • Genre: Science Fiction Dystopia The western genre is the most common movie genre used to highlight the dominance and development of both American and European cultures and economies to the rest of the world.
  • Social Criticism Work in the Scandinavian Crime Fiction Novels The issue of revenge being a better option in the Swedish society is evident when, at the end of the novel, Blomkvists makes efforts to bring down the executive who worn the lawsuit mentioned at […]
  • Tarantinoā€™s Films Comparison: Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction It is possible to consider a number of thematic and stylistic devices to understand the essence of Tarantino’s surrealism that is manifested in his characters’ inability to live a real life and to be real […]
  • A Science Fiction Movie “Primer” by Shane Carruth I feel that the plot of the movie does not draw in the audience and is the kind of a movie that one may opt to stop watching halfway.
  • Femme Fatale in Hard-boiled Fiction The convention of the femme fatale is of great significance for the noir fiction as far as it can reveal the historical and cultural background of Los Angeles in the 1930s.
  • The Evolution of Dragons in Fantasy Fiction One of the most significant figures among the range of the animals inhabiting the land of fantasy is a dragon, the symbol of wisdom and power.
  • “The Dragonslayers” Kid’s Fiction by Bruce Coville The setting of the novel takes place mainly in a fantastic kingdom, which is ruled by King Mildred, and partially in the Forest of Doom that is terrorized by a fierce dragon.
  • Lucid Dreaming in Science Fiction and Technology The author provides an interesting and intriguing article about the phenomenon of lucid dreaming and its representation in culture and media.
  • Dystopian Fiction for Young Readers First of all, it must be noted that the article of the current analysis is devoted to the impact of dystopian fiction on young people.
  • The Role of Location in Crime Fiction Thus, the paper argues that the representation of crime in nineteenth-century literature was based on disparities between the regions of the city as well as the countryside.
  • Zadie Smith’s Non-Fiction Writing Style This essay is very emblematic of Smith’s work, which is perhaps the reason that she chose to open her book with it.
  • Faster-than-Light Travel in Science and Fiction By the laws of physics that are known today, faster-than-light travel is nothing but science fiction, and up to now, no significant discoveries have been made in this area.
  • Environmental Problems in Literary Fiction While the year is never specified explicitly, it is apparent from the description of the technology that the novel describes the United States of the second half of the twentieth century.
  • The Story of Historical Fiction and Nonfiction for Children According to Rahn, through the stories told to the young children by the old women, the children ended up intermingling the past cultures and forces with the current cultures of the world.
  • Translating Non-Fiction Works Written by Mench , the book is known as The Discourse of the Other: Testimonio and the Fiction of the Maya has as many controversies around it as its author does around her.
  • Science Fiction Films Definition Furthermore, science fiction films can be considered as the sub-class of horror films because both genres depend on the Discovery Plot which focuses on establishing the presence of the specific monster in the film, and […]
  • “Downsizing” Science Fiction Film by A. Payne J rgen Asbj rnsen, who was the inventor of the downsizing technology and one of the first people to undergo the procedure.
  • Solar System Colonization in Science Fiction vs. Reality Mars, also known as the Red Planet, the fourth in the distance from the Sun and the seventh-largest planet in the Solar System, is a favorite destination for colonization of science fiction authors, and the […]
  • The Concept and History of Dystopian Fiction Thus, the goal of this paper is to study the phenomenon of DF based on the examples of Orwell’s and Huxley’s fiction and determine the presence of the themes that overlap with the contemporary social, […]
  • History & Fiction in the ā€Free State of Jonesā€ Film Newton managed to survive until the end of the war, but he was forced to wage the struggle for the civil rights of blacks also in the era of Reconstruction.
  • Poetry v. Prose: Their Differences and Overlaps Fiction can possibly include the happenings of everyday life and is reliant on the person that narrates the happenings, the manner of its narration, and its composition.
  • The Theme of Death in Fiction-Writing Nevertheless, while it is emotional, having to deal with death, the pain of losing a son, and having to deal with the sympathy of people around them, the story disguised the emotion of the individuals […]
  • The Genre of Science Fiction in Movies In this paper we will analyse “The War of the Worlds”, “Star Wars” and “The Fifth Element”, as movies that reflect the genre of science fiction being transformed from something that used to help people […]
  • ā€œScience Fictionā€ by Roger Luckhust The analysis of this genre focuses on the series of fiction works with the purpose of disclosure of unique qualities of fiction theory. The history of technology and science contributes to the formation of contextual […]
  • Unhappy Relationships in Hemingway’s Life and Fiction In “The Short and Happy Life of Francis Macomber”, Hemingway reveals his latent fear of strong women and being dominated as he depicts the story of a middle-aged man who is finally beginning to understand […]
  • American Studies: Fan Culture Around Pulp Fiction This paper aims to draw a profile of the fan culture around Pulp Fiction and the different layers of the same.
  • Psychology of Biomedical Fiction The chances of giving a more correct description of hospital incidents and the weaving of crimes into medical life cater to the fancies of the public.
  • Science Fiction in Literature and the Human Condition Since the publication of Darwin’s science of evolution, mankind has been attempting to solve one of the major problems of our age where will this sort of evolution lead the human race and what implications […]
  • Six-Words Fiction and Memoirs According to Schwarz A six-word fictional story is a work of fiction because it presents unreal facts, while a six-word memoir is a work of non-fiction which presents reality and is able to evoke a certain response in […]
  • ā€œTechnocultureā€ Concept in Modern Fiction The first is changes in the scope and uniqueness of the main sectors technology, information, and industry. In sum, the term and concept of “technoculture” reflect the essence of modern society and its overdependence on […]
  • Elements of Fiction in Coletteā€™s ā€œThe Handā€ The author further takes the point of view of a third person character in narrating the story; as he tells the story from an invisible point of view where he is not one of the […]
  • Empires and Science Fiction In his article “Race, Space and Class: The Politics of the SF Film from Metropolis to Blade Runner”, David Desser had made a perfectly good point while stating: “…the themes and techniques of such films […]
  • Critical Aspects of Film Pulp Fiction The film begins with two small-time thieves in a diner taking breakfast and then they decide to rob the place, the writer then moves to another story where there are two characters involved, Vincent and […]
  • Science Fiction Literary Analysis The story takes the reader through an intriguing encounter of human beings with a variety of extraterrestrial beings with the aim of outlining the theme of life.
  • Greeneā€™s ā€œThe Destructorsā€: Commercial vs. Literary Fiction There is the existence of various obstacles along the chain of events that hamper the processes aligned towards the achievement of the protagonist’s goals. In the whole story, this theme is reflected in the destructors […]
  • Pulp Fiction (1994): Tarantino’s Mesmeric Thriller Many classical tales and more of these outlooks of classic crime films draw ideas from the hard-edged pool of crime fiction that later on invaded the film industry in the farther side of the United […]
  • Reasons of Success of Amateur Detective Fiction Authors The essay will analyze the success of amateur detective fiction authors, paying special attention to the narrative voice and character, as well as the interest and complexity of solving a problem.
  • Fiction in ā€œThe Things They Carriedā€ by Tim Oā€™Brien In the story, the author portrays the inner nature of each of the characters via the symbolic features of the things carried by them.
  • Commercial and Literary Fiction Analysis The marshal is illustrated as a positive person.”He, the town policeman of Yellow Sky, was a man known, liked, and feared in his community”.
  • “Pulp Fiction” , “Out of Sight”, and “Back to the Future” Analysis For example, such famous and successful films as Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino, Out of Sight by Steven Soderbergh and Back to the Future by Robert Zemeckis present a different approach to the story order […]
  • Cinematic Techniques in Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” The producer used Samurai Swords to help audiences understand that criminal activities are not devoid of conduct and order. He used different camera angles to create variation and jiggle the memory of his audiences.
  • The Passenger Is One of the Best Science Fiction Movies This twist is certainly not uncommon to the genre, but the ease with which the story flows, and the plot woven together with the main story in In this case is very interesting.
  • “Pulp Fiction” Film by Tarantino In Pulp Fiction, Tarantino introduces postmodernism into cinema, a form of art in which it will probably get its best manifestation, and one of the main characteristics of postmodern fiction, in general, is the lack […]
  • Opening Scene in Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino The purpose of this paper is to discuss the formal, aesthetic, and narrative elements of this scene to make an argument about the significance of the movie as a whole.
  • The Fiction Character`s PTSD Diagnosis: Rambo According to the American Psychiatric Association, experiencing traumatic events, witnessing the events, learning that a traumatic event occurred to a close person, and is exposed to aversive details of events are the triggers of PTSD.
  • 20th Century Dystopian Fiction and Todayā€™s Society The author considers the fiction works of that era as an attempt to convey the destructive nature of violence and everything related to injustice.”The tone of dystopia is of despair and the feel it gives […]
  • Temporal Perspective in Fiction This paper focuses on the perspectives of time in the following books Cat’s Eye by Margaret Atwood, Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, The Time and the Conways by JB Priestley, and The Dragon by Ray […]
  • The Accuracy of “The Machine Stops” Fiction The machine is a metaphor that represents those at the top of a hierarchy or the government who control people and run all the activities within the system.
  • Technology and Cyberculture in ā€˜The Machine Stopsā€™ Fiction The research interprets Edward Forster’s science fiction story, ‘The Machine Stops’, and its relationship with the current overreliance on technology and the increasingly growing cyberculture.
  • Use of Strangers as Symbolism in American Fiction Symbolism reflects in the stories “Young Goodman Brown,” “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” and “A&P” through the use of strangers in their plots.
  • Domestic and Adventure Fiction Domestic and adventure fictions have several characteristics that distinguish them from other types of imaginative writing.”One Crazy Summer” and “Hoot” are some of the most intriguing novels that show the features of domestic and adventure […]
  • A Comic Science Fiction Film ā€œBack to the Futureā€ In addition to the fact that the plot is exciting and adventurous throughout the whole film, the film’s creators raise acute societal problems. In addition, the film is full of references to political and social […]
  • The ā€œBang Bang Babyā€ Science Fiction Musical After watching the trailer first, I was surprised by the energetic nature of the music and the characters in the film.
  • Analyzing Science Fiction: ā€œVintage Seasonā€ When We Went to See the End of the World is an incredible story that shows the variety of people’s perceptions about their ends of the world.
  • Science Fiction Elements in Stories by Asimov, Bradbury, and Vonnegut The events illustrated in stories of the science fiction genre occur in a world that is in many ways different from reality.
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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IvyPanda . "81 Fiction Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." September 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/fiction-essay-topics/.

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Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

50 Narrative Essay Topics

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a narrative essay can also tell an exciting story and create vivid pictures in the readerā€™s mind! Weā€™ve got 50 narrative essay topics designed to prompt students to craft memorable written narratives. These can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. Feel free to print the entire narrative essay topics list for plenty of inspiration for your next narrative essay assignment!

Narrative Essay Topics

  • Your first day of school.
  • Your most exciting day of school
  • A field trip that your class took.
  • Your favorite summer vacation.
  • A trip that included something unexpected or surprising.
  • A time that you experienced something spooky.
  • A time that you experienced something truly frightening.
  • A time that you learned something new that changed you in some way.
  • The moment when you met someone who changed your life.
  • The day that you got your first pet.
  • A move from one place to another.
  • Something funny that happened to you.
  • Something funny that happened to one of your family members or friends.
  • Something embarrassing that happened to you.
  • Your favorite birthday party.
  • A birthday that was disappointing.
  • A big storm (rain, snow or even a tornado!).
  • A time that the power went out.
  • A summer day when the temperature got much higher than expected.
  • A time when you went to an amusement park.
  • A time when you got lost somewhere.
  • A memorable experience with a favorite family member.
  • A sad experience with someone about whom you care.
  • Your most exciting moment playing sports.
  • Your most exciting moment performing in a play, singing, playing music or dancing.
  • An experience that left you feeling frustrated.
  • An experience that was hard but ended up being worth it.
  • A time that you experienced rejection.
  • A weird encounter with a stranger.
  • A random act of kindness.
  • A time that you took a stand for someone or for an issue that you care about.
  • A moment when you thought you might get hurt but didnā€™t.
  • Breaking a bone (or otherwise suffering an injury).
  • Your first time away from home for the night (or longer).
  • A time when you experienced a historic event.
  • Where you were when a major event happened. (Note: You donā€™t need to have been at the site of the event; this prompt is about where you were when you found out about the event and how you reacted.)
  • A time when you rebelled against your parents or teacher.
  • A dangerous experience.
  • A misunderstanding between yourself and someone else.
  • A difficult decision that you had to make.
  • The end of a friendship or relationship.
  • The beginning of a friendship or relationship.
  • A time when you judged someone first and then realized that you were wrong about the person.
  • A time when someone judged you first and then realized that he or she was wrong about you.
  • A moment when you felt that you were starting to grow up.
  • A time when you saw one or both of your parents in a different light.
  • A time when you looked up to your older sibling.
  • A time when your younger sibling looked up to you.
  • A time when you were grateful to be an only child.
  • An experience that you think has only ever happened to you!

Looking for more essay topics? Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Descriptive Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

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150 Great Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas: Inspire Your Writing

150 Great Narrative Essay Topics and Ideas: Inspire Your Writing

If you are a high school or college student, you have probably been assigned to write a narrative essay at least once. This type of essay allows you to share your personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings with your readers, captivating them with your storytelling skills. However, coming up with a unique and captivating topic for your narrative essay can sometimes be a challenging task.

In this article, we have compiled a list of 150 great narrative essay topics and ideas to inspire your writing. Whether you are looking for something to write about your favorite memories, life-changing experiences, controversial or ethical situations, relationships with friends or family, or your thoughts on culture and society, you will find plenty of interesting topics to choose from.

When selecting a topic for your narrative essay, it is important to choose one that is personal to you and allows you to express your thoughts and feelings. Think about your interests, experiences, and future goals. What kind of story do you want to tell? What are your favorite memories? How have certain relationships or cultural experiences shaped your life? By narrowing down your interests and experiences, you can ensure that you choose a topic that you are passionate about and will enjoy writing about.

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Now, without further ado, here are 150 great narrative essay topics and ideas to inspire your writing:

Narrative Essay Topics for Grade 5

1. My favorite childhood memory and why itā€™s so special to me.

2. The day I moved to a different city/school and how it affected me.

3. A trip abroad and what I learned about a different culture.

4. The most dangerous situation Iā€™ve ever been in and how I handled it.

5. My plans for the future and what steps I need to take to achieve them.

6. The class or subject that I enjoy the most in school and why.

7. A personal experience that taught me an important life lesson.

8. The cultural event that had the biggest impact on me.

9. How participating in high-quality after-school activities helped me grow as a person.

10. The time when I had to stand up for what I believe in, even if it was difficult.

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11. The effect of social media on my life and relationships with others.

12. My favorite book or movie and why itā€™s so important to me.

13. The importance of healthy eating and how it affects my daily life.

14. The most memorable school project Iā€™ve ever worked on and why.

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15. The role of my family in shaping my values and beliefs.

16. How I overcame a problem or challenge that seemed impossible at first.

17. The first time I realized the importance of helping others.

18. A time when I felt extremely happy and why it was so special.

19. The scariest dream Iā€™ve ever had and how it affected me.

20. The most interesting place Iā€™ve ever visited and what made it so memorable.

21. The best piece of advice Iā€™ve ever received and how it changed my perspective.

22. A time when I felt proud of myself for achieving a goal.

23. The role of art or music in my life and why itā€™s important to me.

24. The most challenging experience Iā€™ve had so far and what I learned from it.

25. The most memorable family gathering or celebration Iā€™ve ever attended.

These narrative essay topics will give you plenty of ideas to come up with an engaging story that reflects your personal experiences and values. Remember to follow the structure of a narrative essay, incorporating a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use examples and vivid descriptions to show your readers what happened and why it was important to you. By choosing an excellent topic and using high-quality sources, you can ensure that your narrative essay stands out and leaves a lasting effect on your audience.

A Collection of Engaging Narrative Essay Ideas

The power of personal experiences.

Your own life is a treasure trove of potential essay ideas. Whether itā€™s a life-changing moment or a childhood memory, the experiences youā€™ve had can provide great material for a narrative essay. Consider writing about situations that shaped your identity or the relationships that had a profound impact on you. Personal experiences can be a powerful source of storytelling.

Exploring Different Cultures and Perspectives

Another interesting area to explore is cultural diversity. Have you ever traveled abroad or participated in exchange programs? What did you learn from these experiences? Discussing the differences and similarities between your own culture and the ones you encountered can make for an engaging narrative essay.

8 A person or a story that has influenced you.

9 A personal success story that is useful or can be persuasive.

6 A dangerous situation you experienced.

8 A person you admire the most;

9 A significant life-changing experience.

6 A lesson you learned from a personal failure.

The Impact of Relationships

Relationships play an important role in shaping our lives. Whether itā€™s a friend, family member, or even a pet, the impact of these relationships can make for compelling narrative essays. Discussing the ups and downs, the joys and challenges of these relationships can provide a deeper insight into who you are as a person.

High-Quality Suggestions for High Grades

When it comes to narrative essay topics, quality matters just as much as the content. To ensure a high-grade essay, consider selecting topics that are both interesting and unique. Itā€™s always better to choose a topic that hasnā€™t been overly discussed in your classes or among your friends. This will make your essay stand out and leave a lasting impression on your readers.

The Importance of Structure and Drafting

Angelina jolie and her impact on humanitarian causes.

Angelina Jolie is not only a talented actress but also a strong advocate for various causes. Writing about her influence and the initiatives she has taken can be an interesting topic for a narrative essay. Explore her work in humanitarian efforts and how it has inspired and influenced others.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a topic that you are passionate about. Writing about something that genuinely interests you will make the process more enjoyable and the final product more compelling. So go ahead, explore the list of narrative essay ideas, and find the perfect topic for your next writing adventure!

Choosing the Perfect Narrative Essay Topic

Know yourself and your audience.

Before you start brainstorming for narrative essay topics, take a moment to think about your own interests and experiences. Consider your future goals, school life, cultural background, and relationships ā€“ these can all be sources of inspiration for your essay. You need to select a topic that not only engages you but also resonates with your audience.

Consider Different Types of Stories

Narrative essays can be about any real-life experience, so think beyond the typical essay topics. Instead of solely focusing on major life-changing moments, think about everyday dilemmas or experiences that have shaped you as a person. These often make for unique and engaging narratives.

Brainstorm and Make a List

When brainstorming for narrative essay topics, start by making a list of potential ideas. Think about personal experiences, friendships, or moments that have helped you grow. Consider using popular or controversial topics as well, as they can make for interesting narratives.

Do Some Research

Once you have a list of potential topics, do some research to ensure that you have enough material to write a compelling narrative. Look for additional sources, examples, or real-life stories that you can incorporate into your essay.

Selecting the Best Topic

After you have compiled your list and done your research, itā€™s time to select the best topic for your narrative essay. Choose a topic that you feel passionate about and can confidently write about. It should be something that not only showcases your writing skills but also allows you to express your thoughts and feelings.

Outline Your Essay

Before you start writing, create an outline for your narrative essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows smoothly. Outlining your essay also allows you to see if your chosen topic has enough substance to develop into a full-length essay.

Selecting the perfect narrative essay topic is crucial for the success of your paper. By following these tips, you can ensure that your topic is inspiring, engaging, and captivating. Remember to choose a topic that resonates with you and your audience, and donā€™t be afraid to think outside the box. With the right topic, your narrative essay will not only be a success but also a reflection of your unique experiences and perspective.

Can you give me some ideas for a personal narrative essay topic?

Sure! Here are some ideas for a personal narrative essay topic: my most embarrassing moment, the day I realized the importance of family, the first time I traveled alone, a life-changing experience, the best lesson Iā€™ve learned, my biggest fear, a time when I had to make a difficult decision, a memorable vacation, an event that changed my perspective, the day I achieved a personal goal.

Alex Koliada, PhD

By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

Home / Essay Samples / Literature / Literary Genres / Fiction

Fiction Essay Examples

The meaning of grotesque in winesburg, ohio.

Sherwood Anderson authors a number of tales from a fictional town in Midwest Ohio known as Winnesburg. He addresses people's way of life and emphasis the word ā€œgrotesqueā€ many times. Anderson defines grotesque as an obsession of oneā€™s truth in life that leads to distortion...

Enif' Book Review: a Precious Knowledge and Life Lessons

The book ā€˜Enifā€™ It is a story which will give you precious knowledge summary and life lessons, all wrapped in wrappers of delectable metaphors. The fine details of the storyline, through science fiction prowess, teaches the way life works and gives insights on the machinery...

Exploring the Depths of Gothic Romantic Fictional Narratives

Gothic romantic fiction is a genre that is characterized by its dark and mysterious themes, often featuring supernatural elements and a brooding, atmospheric setting. In a gothic romantic fictional narrative essay, the writer crafts a story that captures the essence of this genre, immersing the...

Unleashing the Imagination: Exploring Science Fiction

Science fiction can be regarded as the fiction which illustrates an objective or the reason which deals with social or we can say that science fiction is called as future prediction. In writing, it is said to be the subject that deals with the period...

Horror Story: Genre, Understanding and Example

In this horror story essay I will tell you a little bit about horror, and then I will tell a story, and then at the end I will tell you what I have learned and what I think about horror stories. Horror is a genre...

Courage and Heroism in Number the Stars

Number the stars is a historical fiction based in 1943 by an American author, Lois Lowry, about the fleeing of a Jewish family, The Rosens family, from their home in Copenhagen in Denmark, during World War Two. The story is based around a ten-year-old girl,...

Fahrenheit 451 is a Fiction Book

Many people of our generation are being addicted to things that are digital. They are wasting time either watching television or playing video games and they never have time to spare about their feelings with their love or families. Ray Bradbury shows a perfect example...

The Uncanny in Fiction and in Real World

Sigmund Freud, the great founder of psychoanalysis and the famously known father of psychology, made a big realization about the paradoxical deployment of the uncanny, stating that ā€œThe somewhat paradoxical result is that in the first place a great deal that is not uncanny in...

Mortality Salience on Reading the Year of Wonders

A new genre of fiction can be constructed by analysing narratives in a pragmatic level. A literary work can be labelled as ā€œFinitude Narrativeā€ if it is found having two basic requisites. The first of these conditions would be that the syntagm of the narrative...

Analysis of the Major Themes in the Hobbit by J.r.r. Tolkien

Throughout everyday life, people encounter experiences that embark them on a journey like never before. 'The Hobbit' written by J.R.R. Tolkien, Classic Fiction, published 1937, containing 276 pages, portrays the story of a Hobbit who for the most part is found enjoying his peace in...

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About Fiction

Fiction is an integral part of literature, a kind of art of the word that describes reality in artistic images. It's any creative work, chiefly any narrative work, portraying individuals, events, or places in ways that are imaginary or inconsistent with history, fact, or plausibility. In a narrow sense, "fiction" refers to written narratives in prose ā€“ often limited to novels, novellas, and short stories.

Traditionally it's novels, short stories, fables, legends, myths, fairy tales, epic and narrative poetry, plays (including operas, musicals, dramas, puppet plays, and various kinds of theatrical dances). However, fiction may also encompass comic books, and many animated cartoons, stop motions, anime, manga, films, video games, radio programs, television programs (comedies and dramas), etc.

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