Narrative texts possess an artistic style. Flowery language, rich metaphors and deep symbolism are all common to literary texts. Expository texts often have a neutral tone, such as you would find in a newspaper article. The reader of an expository text should never feel confused about what they have read. Although an expository text goes out of its way to make a point, a narrative text may have many layers of meaning that reveal themselves in subtle ways. Readers often react differently to the same narrative. However, underneath the literary richness, great narrative texts do require a skilled hand and careful attention to detail.
Narrative texts include elements common to all forms of fiction writing. A narrative text usually has a main character and supporting characters. Narrative texts often describe a vibrant setting with rich details. Expository texts consist of an introduction, body and conclusion. Within the body, the reader finds facts and figures and a logically developed argument. Lists and examples are both common to expository texts. Narratives describe action that rises to a climax in which a central conflict is resolved. Within those basic principles, the writer of narrative has a lot of freedom to express himself.
Readers typically encounter narrative text in different places than expository text. A novel, short story or creative nonfiction are the normal contexts for narrative style writing. Expository text belongs to textbooks, essays, instruction manuals and other contexts which rely on fact more so than style. Both narrative and expository texts may be accompanied by illustration. However, illustrations found with narrative text are more artful and not intended to be instructive.
The goal of narrative text is usually to entertain the reader, while expository text is meant to communicate information. Although a narrative does contain information, that information has less immediate, practical use for the reader. An accomplished writer of narratives can capture the imagination of her readers, transporting them out of their current situations. Narrative texts often, but not always, contain some nugget of wisdom that is revealed in the end.