Narrative Text

What exactly is a narrative

text?
Let’s start with the basics.
A narrative text is a kind of text that tells a story. It can be based on true events, completely made
up, or even a mix of both. The main purpose of a narrative text is to entertain and sometimes to
inform or teach a moral lesson.
A narrative text usually presents a sequence of events that are connected by characters, conflict,
and a meaningful resolution. When done right, it pulls the reader into another world—one where
they can feel, think, and imagine right alongside the [Link] of your favorite stories,
whether it’s Harry Potter, The Lion King, or a childhood tale told by your grandparents. They’re all
narrative texts!
 What is the purpose and social function of the narrative text?

The main purpose of a narrative text is to tell a story in an

interesting and engaging way. But it doesn’t stop there—narrative
texts can also:
Teach moral lessons (like in fables)
Share personal experiences
Preserve cultural traditions and history
Entertain readers with creative plots and exciting twists
Narrative texts also serve a social function—they help people
connect through shared stories, understand different perspectives,
and learn about values and traditions from different cultures.
 Characteristics

1. Using past tenses

Narrative texts are typically written in the past tense because
they talk about events that already happened. This helps to give
the story a clear sense of time and progression.
Example:
“Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a kind,
generous old man. One day, as he was walking through the
forest, he stumbled upon a giant squash. Amazed, he inched
closer.”
In this example, you can spot the past tense verbs: lived, was
walking, stumbled, amazed, and inched. These help place the
story in the past and give it a traditional storytelling tone.
 Characteristics

2. Using adverbials of time

Adverbials of time are expressions that show when something happened.
They’re used a lot in narrative texts to help guide the reader through the
sequence of events.
These could be specific: last week, yesterday morning, in 2001, or more
general and story-like: long ago, one day, suddenly, later that evening.
Example:
“Early one morning, Sarah decided to go for a jog in the park. As she
jogged, the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the trees. Later
that day, she met her friends for lunch and shared her morning
adventure with them.”
Using time markers like early one morning and later that day helps the
reader understand the timeline of the story.
 Characteristics

3. Using adjectives
Adjectives help describe nouns—they add detail, emotion, and
flavor to the story.
They answer questions like:
What kind?
How many?
Which one?
Example:
“The brave knight entered the dark, mysterious forest, ready to
face any challenges that lay ahead.”
In this sentence, the adjectives brave, dark,
and mysterious create a vivid image and set the mood.
 Characteristics

4. Using noun phrases

A noun phrase is a group of words that acts like a noun and gives
more detail about a person, place, or thing. In narrative texts,
these make descriptions richer and more engaging.
Example:
“The bright morning sun cast a golden glow on the calm waters
of the lake, creating a breathtaking view.”
Here, the bright morning sun and the calm waters of the lake are
both noun phrases that enhance the visual imagery of the scene.
 What does the structure of the narrative text?
Orientation Complication
This is where the story starts to get
The orientation sets the stage for interesting!
the story. This is where the The complication introduces the problem or
characters, setting (time and conflict. It’s what makes the story exciting
place), and background and gives the characters a challenge to
information are introduced. overcome.
When reading the orientation, we This part usually includes:
should be able to answer: 1. Rising action – tension builds as the
 Who is involved in the story? problem grows
 Where and when does the 2. Climax – the peak or most dramatic part
story take place? 3. Falling action – the problem begins to
resolve
 What does the structure of the narrative text?
Resolution Re-orientation / Evolution
( Optional )
In this part, the problem or This is an additional (but helpful) part
conflict is solved. The that reflects on the story. It might
resolution shows how the explain the lesson, theme, or moral of
characters respond to the the story.
situation and what happens Think of it like the author stepping in
as a result. to say, “And here’s why that
Sometimes, the resolution mattered.”
may be happy, other times it Not all narrative texts include this
might be sad or even open- section, but when they do, it helps
ended. reinforce the message or takeaway.
Text of Narrative text
Narrative texts come in many forms. Here are some common types you’ll likely encounter:
Fictional Narrative
These are imaginary stories, often created purely for entertainment. They
can be fairy tales, fables, fantasy, or adventure stories.

Autobiography
An autobiography is a narrative written by a person about their own life,
from a first-person perspective.

Biography
A biography is a narrative about someone else’s life, written by another
person.
Text of Narrative text
Narrative texts come in many forms. Here are some common types you’ll likely encounter:
Memoir

A memoir is similar to an autobiography but focuses on specific moments or

experiences in a person’s life.

Legend

A legend is a traditional story passed down through generations. It often

contains elements of truth mixed with imagination and explains cultural
origins or heroic deeds.
Example:
The Legend of Toba Lake

ORIENTATION

In the past, there lived a young orphan farm in the

northern part of the island of Sumatra. Syahdan, the
young man made his life from farming and fishing.
One day while he was fishing he got a fish which was
so beautiful in golden brown. While he was holding it,
the fish turned into a beautiful princess. The princess
was a woman who was condemned for violating the
prohibitions and it would turn into a kind of creature
who first touched it. Because at that time the human
touched it, then it turned into a princess.
COMPLICATION

Fascinated by her beauty, the young man asked her to

be his wife. The application was accepted on condition
that the young man was not allowed to tell the origin
of the princess who came originally from fish. The
young man agreed to this requirement. Having got
married for a year, the couple got a boy but he had a
bad habit that he never felt satisfied while he was
eating. He ate all the food. One day the boy ate all the
food that should be given to his father. The young man
then so angrily said: "basically you are the offspring of
fish!" That statement by itself unlocked the secrets of
his wife and broke his promise.
RESOLUTION

Shortly afterwards, his wife and son magically

disappeared. Suddenly in the land of their former
footsteps went out the springs which were very heavy.
The water flew from these springs continuously and
the longer it happened the larger it would be. Finally,
these springs became a vast lake. The lake is now
called Toba Lake
MORAL VALUE OF THE STORY
The legend of Lake Toba carries
several important moral lessons,
primarily centered around the
consequences of broken promises,
the importance of forgiveness, and
the need to respect nature
 TASK
LUNA AND THE BEAST
In a magical forest lived a gentle deer named Luna, known for her kindness and healing
touch. The forest was peaceful—until one morning, a terrifying beast arrived, shaking
the earth with every step. Fear spread among the animals, and the forest fell into
chaos.
Seeking answers, the animals turned to Luna. Calmly, she said, “Let me speak with the
beast.” Though others warned her, Luna believed that anger often hides pain.
At dawn, she followed the beast’s trail and found it wounded, a thorn lodged in its paw.
Gently, Luna removed the thorn and soothed the injury. The beast, no longer angry,
sighed with relief.
From then on, the beast changed. It helped rebuild the forest and protected its
creatures. The animals, once fearful, grew to trust it.
Luna’s compassion became a legend, teaching all that empathy can transform fear into
friendship, and that true strength comes from kindness.
THANK YOU