Narrative essays are a popular type of academic writing. They are usually written in the first person, which means that the writer is telling a story from their own perspective. In a narrative essay, the writer is typically the protagonist, or main character, in the story. The purpose of a narrative essay is to tell a story that has a point, or lesson, to be learned.
A good narrative essay should have a clear introduction that sets the scene for the story to come. The introduction should include some background information about the topic, as well as a thesis statement that clearly states the main point or lesson of the essay. The introduction should also engage the reader and encourage them to keep reading.
Here are a few examples of narrative essay introductions to give you an idea of how to get started:
Example 1:
"I never thought I would be the one to get lost in the woods, but that's exactly what happened one summer when I was twelve years old. My friends and I had decided to go on a camping trip in the nearby state park, and we were all excited to spend a few days roughing it in the wilderness. But as we hiked deeper into the forest, I realized that I had no idea where we were. The trees all looked the same, and there were no landmarks to guide us. I was terrified, but I knew I had to stay calm and find a way to get help."
In this introduction, the writer sets the scene by describing the setting and the situation. The reader can immediately relate to the protagonist's fear and confusion, and is likely to want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
Example 2:
"It was a cold and blustery winter day when I first met Mr. Jenkins, my high school English teacher. I had been dreading his class all semester, because I had heard that he was strict and unforgiving. But as I walked into his classroom on the first day of the new year, I was surprised to see a kind and gentle man standing at the front of the room. Mr. Jenkins would go on to become one of the most influential people in my life, and I will always be grateful for the lessons he taught me."
In this introduction, the writer sets the scene by describing the setting and the protagonist's initial impressions of the main character. The reader is likely to be intrigued by the contrast between the protagonist's expectations and reality, and may be curious to find out more about Mr. Jenkins and the lessons he teaches.
Example 3:
"The day my grandmother died was one of the worst days of my life. I was only nine years old, and I didn't understand what was happening. All I knew was that my grandma, who had always been a constant presence in my life, was suddenly gone. As I sat in the hospital waiting room, surrounded by my crying family, I realized that life is fragile and unpredictable. I learned that day that we never know when our time on earth will be up, and we must make the most of every moment we have."
In this introduction, the writer sets the scene by describing the setting and the protagonist's emotions. The reader is likely to be moved by the protagonist's sadness and confusion, and may be curious to find out more about the protagonist's relationship with their grandmother and how they cope with her loss.
