What is the Difference Between Narrative and Recount?

The main difference between narrative and recount lies in their structure and purpose. Here are the key differences:

1. Structure: A recount retells an event based on facts (nonfiction) and has a structure that includes orientation, series of events, and reorientation. In contrast, a narrative tells a story that may not be real (fiction) and has a structure that includes orientation, complication, resolution, and coda.
2. Purpose: The purpose of a recount is to inform and entertain the reader. On the other hand, the purpose of a narrative is mainly to entertain the reader.
3. Complication and Resolution: Recounts do not have complication and resolution, but narratives do, often with moral value.
4. Suspense: Recounts do not have suspense, as they mainly describe events. In contrast, narratives have elements of suspense, complication, and resolution.
5. Type of Events: Recounts retell events based on facts, such as news stories, biographies, and autobiographies. Narratives, on the other hand, often involve fictional or imaginative stories, such as fables, myths, legends, detective stories, adventure stories, and thrillers.

In summary, narratives are more focused on storytelling, entertainment, and a deeper exploration of characters and their experiences, while recounts are more focused on providing a factual account of events that have taken place.

Comparative Table: Narrative vs Recount

Here is a table comparing the differences between narrative and recount:

Both narrative and recount involve sharing events or stories, but they differ in terms of creativity, emotional depth, and adherence to factual accuracy.