One of the key differences between narrative and persuasive essays is their goals. The goal of a narrative essay is to tell a story. The story told in a narrative essay should convey a message to the audience. Although the message can be inspirational, thought-provoking or shocking, the genre is tied together by the simple goal of telling a story. A persuasive essay has the goal of inspiring the audience to think a certain way. The author uses strong arguments and main points in an attempt to convince the audience members to change their way of thinking.
Although the structure of narrative and persuasive essays can be similar, the formats are usually different. A persuasive essay generally consists of five paragraphs. Three of these paragraphs are main body paragraphs, with each focusing on one argument. The other two paragraphs are the introduction and conclusion. A narrative essay does not require as much structure. A narrative essay usually has an introduction and conclusion as well, but because it is written in story form, the main body of the essay flows together more easily.
The tone and voice of a narrative essay is drastically different from a persuasive essay. A persuasive essay requires the writer to use a formal voice and serious tone most of the time. A persuasive essay should use the third person and refrain from using words such as "I" and "you," which are first person. A narrative essay can freely use the first person because it is telling a story. It may also use a more relaxed and personal tone than a persuasive essay.
The use of opinion is different in a narrative essay and persuasive essay. In a narrative essay, a writer can use his opinion and write from his point of view because he is attempting to convey a story to his audience. Although a persuasive essay involves the opinion of the author, the opinion of the author should never be used as fact in the essay. Persuasive essays need to use facts, not opinions, in order to convey their messages.