Narrative: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the structured presentation of a story or a sequence of events, often with a particular viewpoint or theme. It is common in academic, literary, or formal contexts.

• The narrative of the novel intricately weaves the past and present together
• The documentary provides a compelling narrative of the historical events

A general term for any count of events, whether fictional or true, formal or informal. It is highly versatile and can be used in everyday conversations.

• She told a funny story about her trip to Italy
• Children love listening to bedtime stories

Often used for imaginative, fictional, or whimsical recountings of events, frequently found in folklore or moral lessons. It often carries a sense of enchantment or exaggeration.

• The old man shared a captivating tale of dragons and knights
• This tale of adventure is perfect for a summer read

Appropriate for describing a factual retelling or report of events, often used in contexts like news, history, or personal experiences. It emphasizes accuracy and detail.

• His account of the incident was straightforward and detailed
• The historian provided an account of the war based on numerous primary sources

Typically used for describing the overall structure or story of a literary work, a detailed account of connected events in written or spoken form.

• The novel's narrative moved seamlessly between the past and the present
• The politician's speech had a compelling narrative that captivated the audience

Refers to the act of telling a story orally or through creative writing, often emphasizing engagement and creativity.

• Grandpa was always the best at storytelling during family gatherings
• The author's talent for storytelling kept readers hooked from start to finish

Focused on providing a detailed description of scenes, people, and objects, often used to create vivid imagery.

• Her descriptive essay painted a beautiful picture of the countryside
• The reporter's descriptive language made the story come alive for the readers

Used for documenting events in chronological order, like recording historical events or personal experiences over time.

• The historian spent years chronicling the events of World War II
• His blog is dedicated to chronicling his travels around the world