Have you ever heard of a personal narrative? It’s a story that a person writes about their own life. Personal narratives are like little windows into someone’s world, and they can be a lot of fun to read and write.
In this informative blog, we’re going to explain how can a writer best highlight the qualities of the subject in a personal narrative. The subject can be anyone – a family member, a friend, a teacher, or even yourself!
How Can a Writer Best Highlight the Qualities of the Subject in a Personal Narrative?
1. Choosing the Subject
First things first, you need to choose who you’re going to write about. This is your subject. Think about someone who has made an impact on your life or someone you admire. It could be your mom, your best friend, or even your pet. Once you have chosen your subject, it’s time to think about what makes them special. What are their best qualities? Are they kind, brave, funny, or smart?
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2. Describing the Subject
To highlight the qualities of your subject, you need to describe them in a way that makes your readers feel like they know this person. Use simple words and phrases to paint a picture in your reader’s mind.
For example, if you are writing about your grandmother, you might say:
“My grandmother is the kindest person I know. She has soft, silver hair and warm, brown eyes that always sparkle with kindness. She makes the best cookies, and she always has a big smile on her face.”
See how this description helps you imagine what the grandmother looks like and what makes her kind?
3. Using Stories to Show Qualities
One of the best ways to highlight someone’s qualities is by telling stories about them. Stories help readers see those qualities in action. Let’s say your subject is your best friend who is very brave. Instead of just saying, “My friend is brave,” you could tell a story about a time they showed bravery:
“Last summer, my best friend, Alex, showed me what it means to be brave. We were at the park, and we saw a little kitten stuck in a tree. The kitten was scared and meowing loudly. While everyone else just watched, Alex climbed the tree, even though he was scared of heights. He gently rescued the kitten and brought it down safely. Alex’s bravery saved the kitten, and I was so proud of him.”
This story helps readers see how Alex is brave through his actions.
4. Adding Details
Details are important in a personal narrative. They make the story more interesting and help the reader understand the subject better. When adding details, think about the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
For example, if you’re writing about a day you spent with your dad, you could add details like:
“We went fishing by the lake. The sun was shining brightly, and the water sparkled like diamonds. I could hear the birds singing and the gentle splash of the waves. Dad taught me how to cast my fishing line, and I felt the cool breeze on my face. We caught a big fish, and later, we cooked it for dinner. It tasted so fresh and delicious.”
These details help bring the story to life and make it more vivid for the reader.
5. Showing Emotions
Emotions are a big part of personal narratives. They help readers connect with the story on a deeper level. When writing about your subject, think about how they make you feel and how they feel in different situations.
For instance, if you’re writing about your sister who is very supportive, you could write:
“My sister, Emma, always knows how to make me feel better when I’m sad. Last week, I was upset because I didn’t do well on a test. Emma sat with me and listened to me talk about it. She gave me a big hug and said, ‘It’s okay. You’ll do better next time. I believe in you.’ Her words made me feel so much better, and I knew I could count on her support.”
Showing emotions like this helps readers understand the relationship between you and your subject and highlights the subject’s qualities.
6. Using Dialogue
Dialogue is when characters in your story talk to each other. Including dialogue in your personal narrative can make it more interesting and realistic. It helps show the personality and qualities of your subject through their words. For example, if you’re writing about a funny moment with your friend, you could include dialogue like this:
“During recess, my friend Lily told the funniest joke. She said, ‘Why don’t scientists trust atoms?’ I shrugged and asked, ‘Why?’ Lily grinned and replied, ‘Because they make up everything!’ We both burst into laughter, and I couldn’t stop giggling for the rest of the day. Lily always knows how to make me laugh.”
Dialogue like this helps bring the story to life and shows Lily’s sense of humor.
7. Reflecting on the Subject
At the end of your personal narrative, it’s a good idea to reflect on your subject and what you’ve learned from them. This reflection helps to summarize their qualities and why they are important to you.
For example:
“Thinking back on all the times my grandmother has been there for me, I realize how lucky I am to have her in my life. Her kindness and warmth have taught me to always be kind to others. She’s my role model, and I hope to be as kind and loving as she is one day.”
This reflection helps to wrap up your story and leaves the reader with a strong understanding of your subject’s qualities.
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Conclusion
Writing a personal narrative is a wonderful way to share stories about the people who matter most to you. By choosing your subject carefully, describing them vividly, using stories to show their qualities, adding details, showing emotions, including dialogue, and reflecting on their impact, you can highlight the best qualities of your subject. Remember, the most important thing is to write from the heart and enjoy the process of storytelling.
