Choose a theme around which you will format your narrative. Begin with an explanation of the narrator's view of the theme and close with a confirmation or a contradiction of the original belief or observation.
Create an outline that contains information on your opening scene, characters, setting, plot, climax and conclusion. An outline will help you write a cohesive narrative with a clear format that will not be confusing to readers.
Present your setting and characters in the introduction as if you were writing a book report. Familiarize the readers with the people and places they will be reading about. This prepares readers to interpret the plot.
Develop your characters and advance the plot. Introduce activity that is significant to the progression of your narrative. Give readers a reason to be invested in the lives of your characters to cultivate their interest in the plot.
Write the climax. In the plot's climax, elements you have been preparing throughout the narrative come together. These elements might be relationships between characters, mysteries that may not have yet been solved or events the reader has been anticipating. The climax may be an actual event such as a car accident or an acceptance to college, or it could be emotional, such as a character reaching a new level of maturity.
Bring all components of your narrative together with a conclusion. A conclusion should satisfy anything readers may wonder about the plot or characters, unless your goal is to leave certain questions unanswered. Imbibe your conclusion with the tone you wish your readers to take away from your narrative, whether this is upbeat, morose or ponderous.