What is a defining feature of narrative writing?

Narrative writing is characterized by its inherent purpose to tell a story. This genre typically includes elements such as characters, a setting, a plot, and a sequence of events, which work together to convey a narrative arc. By focusing on storytelling, narrative writing engages the reader's imagination and emotions, allowing them to become invested in the characters' journeys and experiences.

The presence of characters is essential, as they drive the plot forward and are central to the conflicts and resolutions within the story. Additionally, a clearly defined plot structure, which includes the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, is a key aspect of effective narrative writing. This structure helps to organize the events around a central theme or conflict, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for the reader.

In contrast, solely relying on dialogue would not constitute a comprehensive narrative, as other components like action and description are necessary to create an immersive story. Furthermore, focusing purely on factual information would categorize it as expository writing, rather than narrative. Likewise, writing that aims to persuade is typically classified as persuasive writing, distinct from the storytelling aim of narratives. Therefore, the defining feature of narrative writing is its storytelling nature, comprising characters and a plot.