What is Narrative?

Narrative is storytelling, a way of communicating, and a way of conveying one's feelings and beliefs. It's used from day to day in today's society. According to Abbott, "Narrative is so much a part of the way we apprehend the world in time that it is virtually built in to the way we see" (Abbott 6). As he explains, it is our way of comprehending and analyzing what's going around one another. This concept is necessary due to the fact that every instance that occurs has a meaning or a reason.

Herman's thoughts parallel Abbott's when he states that "most narratologists agree that narrative consists of material signs, the discourse, which convey a certain meaning (or content), the story, and fulfill a certain social function" (Herman 24). All ways of perceiving involve telling a story to do so. One understands in his or her own way, all while conjuring up a belief as to what the context or situation may mean. A story unfolds, leading to further explanation. This perceiving, understanding, and eventually storytelling is narrative.

Abbott, H. Porter. The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Print.

Herman, David. The Cambridge Companion to Narrative. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Print.