Writing A Biographical Narrative

Writing a Biographical Narrative A biographical narrative is a nonfiction account of life. In this type of writing, another person is described through the eyes of the writer. It is one of many types of narrative writing that relies on concrete details, images, spoken words, sensory description, and actions. Through these narrative elements, writer’s illuminate or chronicle perceptions of a memorable person. Find someone of interest that was or is currently in your life. 1st Paragraph Write about the significance of this person in your life. Who is it? What relation, if any? Explain the usual information about them so the reader gets a good well-rounded picture of them. 2nd Paragraph Why did you choose this person? What did this person do that makes him/her a significant person in your life? You’ll need to provide the information and/or incident that illustrates and describes why you chose them. 3rd Paragraph What sort of impact has this person had on your life? Again, you may use an incident/event that helps you illustrate a particular point. 4th Paragraph Conclusion Consider point of view, voice, and tone to communicate scenes that illustrate the subject’s importance. Your essay may be written in first person, third person, or from an omniscient point of view. The narrative conveys the significance of the person, place, or event. Characterization • • • • • •

Strategies for Developing a Narrative Incident (s) to Support Characterization

Concrete details that create visual imagery. Description of subject’s immediate environment, workplace, or living place. Description of subject’s routines, habits, or typical activities. Use of dialogue, sayings, or verbal expressions. Comparison or contrast to other people. Assertions or generalizations about the subject’s character based on his or her actions.

Significance •

Stating the significance explicitly.

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Orienting reader to the incident (time, place, and context). Using dialogue that moves the action. Naming people, objects, quantities, or numbers. Describing specific narrative action (movement, gestures, or expressions). Building tension through surprise or suspense.

Tone •

Using language that evokes a sense

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Giving a history of the relationship between the writer and the subject. Describing incidents that implicitly reveal the importance of that person. Presenting details about the subject in such a way that the significance is clearly conveyed.

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of the writer’s attitude toward the subject. Selecting details that convey a sense of the person’s significance.

Organization • •

Developing the incident chronologically. Developing through a sequence of related anecdotes.