Narrative writing tells a story and gradually reveals information through the story's characters. Narrative can be defined as a sequential pattern of fictional or nonfictional events that are presented to the reader. Non-narrative writing, on the other hand, deals with a certain idea. It brings forward an opinion and organizes its material and evidence in a way that this opinion is clearly expressed and convincingly presented. Although narrative writing aims to make the reader think about a series of events, actions and consequences as they occur in the story, non-narrative writing pushes the reader to think about the topic.
Narrative writing uses language creatively and, as a consequence, it often breaks grammatical rules to please the reader. Spelling, grammar and punctuation usage is free and the writer may at times choose to use exclamation marks to show enthusiasm, capital letters to show loudness or ellipses to leave something to the reader's imagination. Non-narrative writing, however, follows all grammatical conventions, as well as spelling, syntax and punctuation rules. It uses language formally and approaches it in the most appropriate way possible to serve a specific purpose or address a particular audience.
Narrative writing includes an introduction, a series of events that raise the action, a climax, and a resolution. Conflict is the writing's main ingredient, driving the story forward and giving the plot a reason. The presentation of narrative is generally more inventive and relaxed than non-narrative writing, and the use of descriptive language and dialogue is essential for the writing to evoke emotion in the reader. In the case of non-narrative writing, the writer uses direct speech to present his argument, the layout is proper and consistent, and the different sections are linked with connecting words. Adverbs and adjectives are not used to tell a story, but to put forth relevant arguments and ideas. Non-narrative writing includes an introduction, in which the main idea is stated; a few paragraphs, each focusing on proving a part of the central topic; and a conclusion, in which the subpoints are summarized and the final point is made.
While narrative writing engages the reader by evoking his imagination and allowing him to escape, non-narrative writing communicates meaning through structured, informed arguments and reasoning. As a consequence, narrative and non-narrative writing are distinguished by a different tone. Clear, precise, persuasive and formal, the tone of non-narrative writing aims towards informing, explaining, raising awareness and providing evidence. On the other hand, narrative writing is more personal, informal, creative and emotional.