Let’s start with what a narrative essay is. A narrative essay tells a story. It is often told from the author’s point of view, and it always has a point or lesson that the reader will take away at the end of the story.

Question

Let’s look at the prompt together. When you analyze a writing prompt, you need to figure out what the prompt is asking you to do. Start by identifying the most important words in the prompt, and then think about what feelings and ideas you associate with these words.

Write a narrative about a character who is not who they appear to be. Watch this video for help.
You can either create your OWN original character, OR if you choose to write about an already existing character, then the PLOT details and story must be ORIGINAL. For example, if you are a gamer and play Fortnite, you could create an original story about something that happens with the character from the game.

What kinds of characters should you think about? Have you read any stories lately that include characters like this?
PROMPT: Write a narrative about a character who is not who they seem to be.

Use the template below to start jotting down your ideas! You can add rows if you need to. This will help you gather your notes to decide who you want to write about. Fill out the chart below as part of your prewriting. You need to complete both sections below.
Watch this video about character traits.

Character
Who do they “appear” to be? What traits are they showing to people?
Who are they really? What kind of person are they when no one else is looking, or that they hide from everyone?

Follow these steps and then fill out the chart below.

Determine the Elements of Your Narrative

Characters
Who is the main character? Who are important minor characters? What is the relationship between the characters like?

Setting
When and where does the story take place? Will the setting change throughout the story? What is the characters’ connection to the setting?

Point of View
Who is the narrator of your story? Is the narrator a character in your story or an outside voice? Will there be more than one narrator?

Conflict
What is the problem the main character faces? How does the character feel about this problem? How will the problem drive the story?

Events
What happens in the story as the main character tries to solve the problem? What additional challenges or events will the character face?

Ending/Conclusion
How is the conflict resolved? What happens after the resolution? What important lessons does the main character learn? How has the character changed?

Since your narrative will be about a character who is not who they appear to be, look at the chart below for examples of how the prompt could be used in various genres:

Genre
Distinguishing features
Story idea connected to prompt
Science fiction
Takes place in space, the future, or in an alternate reality
Characters include aliens or other beings
Technology plays an important role
A pet dog who is actually an alien sent to Earth to study human life
Folktale
Teaches a lesson or explains how something came to be
Includes animal characters
A peasant who is a prince in disguise
Adventure
Characters often face dangers on journeys in the natural world
A risk-taking mountain climber who seems hungry for fame but is actually driven by the death of a childhood friend
Realistic Fiction
Features characters and events like those in real life
A pushy businessman who regrets how far he strayed from his childhood dream of becoming an artist
Historical Fiction
Some characters are made up, while others are historical figures
Historical events are central to the action
A U.S. soldier during World War II who was actually a Nazi spy
Fantasy
Features highly imaginative settings, characters, and events
Often includes supernatural elements and beings
A princess who dreams of a more common life
Mystery
Often features detectives or law enforcement characters
Often focuses on a crime
A popular political leader who is part of an underground crime ring

Now that you have some notes down, it is time to write your thesis statement. Review the definition of a thesis statement below.

Let’s look at the prompt again and make sure we have all of our points ready. Write a narrative (essay) about a character who is not who they appear to be.
Here is a sentence starter if you would like to use it.

THESIS Examples:

Option A: A character who is not who they appear to be is _____________, because on the outside they seem to be________________, but in reality they are ______________ .

Option B: (character) appears to be _______________on the outside, but in reality they are ______________ .

Final Draft Essay Portfolio Instructions
Now you are ready to complete your essay. Remember that your final draft should be in MLA format, with a check my work link. Open a separate Google doc or Word document. You will turn in THIS planning sheet AND your final draft essay. (2 FILES) Your formatting should be MLA. Font can be Arial or Times New Roman, 12 point size. Be sure your spacing is set at “Double” Remember that you need a proper heading. Check out the example below.

Your Name

English 3A

Your Teacher’s Name

Date in this format Day Month Year 27 June 2024

Your Title Should Be Centered Here

Be sure you indent! Start with a hook to get the reader interested in your topic. Include any general background information about your topic in the introduction paragraph. You will want to be sure you have a good foundation for your essay. This intro paragraph should be a minimum of 5 sentences, including your thesis. Once you have included all of the introductory information, then you will type your thesis statement. The thesis statement should be the last sentence in your introduction and include your three main points.
Each paragraph needs a topic sentence telling the reader what the paragraph will be about. The first sentence should include the first point you are making from your thesis statement. This is your opportunity to provide your reason and also support your thoughts with evidence. In some cases your evidence might be from your own experience, and other times you may have brought in research or other facts that support your position on the prompt. Once you have provided all of your reasons and support for your first point, include a final sentence to wrap up your thoughts on this section.
It is a good idea to start your body paragraphs with topic sentences that include transition words. For example, you could have used the word “Next” or “Secondly” or “Another” or any other transition word you think is appropriate. The main thing to keep in mind is every body paragraph must start with a topic sentence. For this paragraph your first sentence should include the second point you are making from your thesis statement. Be sure to follow with your reason and support your thoughts with whatever type of evidence you have to prove what you are saying is accurate and true. Once you have provided all of your reasons and explained the connection to your second point, include a final sentence to wrap up your thoughts on this section.
Lastly, you have one final body paragraph to cover. The first sentence should include the final point you are making from your thesis. Don’t forget to provide your reason and explain the connection, supported by relevant evidence. By this point in your paper, you are further showing that you have a strongly supported essay that not only gives the reader an explanation of your thoughts on the matter, but you have also supported your claims with proof that your reasoning is solid and supported. Once you have added all of your remaining evidence, include a final sentence to wrap up your thoughts on this section.
In conclusion, it might seem obvious to state that you are wrapping up your essay, however, by using the transition phrase “In conclusion,” you are clearly stating to the reader that you are coming to the end of your ideas and thoughts. Remember you can summarize your thoughts here and refer back to the thesis. If there is any other information that you haven’t included yet, or that you have “saved for last”, now is a good time to include it. You want to leave your reader with a sense of finality and purpose.

Check My Work Link
Follow the instructions HERE to submit your work to generate a check my work link. Paste the link on the bottom of your essay as verification that you are confident your writing is authentic and free of plagiarism.

Answer 1

Character Chart

| Character | Who do they “appear” to be? | Who are they really? | |-------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Emily Parker | A shy, studious high school student | A talented hacker using her skills for good | | Jason Lee | The popular athlete | Struggling with self-esteem and academic pressure | | Ms. Thompson | A strict and unfriendly teacher | A caring mentor who hides her struggles |

---

Narrative Planning Template

Determine the Elements of Your Narrative

Characters

• Main Character: Emily Parker
• Important Minor Characters: Jason Lee (classmate), Ms. Thompson (teacher)
• Relationship Dynamics: Emily admires Jason but feels inferior. She is unaware that Jason shares her struggles. Ms. Thompson is strict but becomes a supportive figure as the story unfolds.

Setting

• Time: Present day, high school setting
• Location: Urban school, home, and a local café
• Setting Changes: Story begins at school, transitions to home where Emily hacks to alleviate school stress, then the café where she finds unexpected support.

Point of View

• The narrator is Emily Parker (first-person perspective) throughout the narrative, showcasing her thoughts and feelings.

Conflict

• Main Conflict: Emily faces the challenge of being overlooked and underestimated due to her shy demeanor while struggling with deeper personal issues (her hacking skills and the pressure of school life).
• Emotional Reaction: She feels isolated, anxious, and frustrated by her circumstances.
• Drive of the Story: Emily's journey towards self-acceptance and revealing her true self motivates the plot.

Events

• Emily is bullied for her shyness, leading her to retreat into her online persona as a hacker.
• She discovers that Jason, whom she admires, is struggling with pressures as well and surprises him with her skills.
• A school project requires collaboration, leading Emily to work with Jason, revealing her true talents.
• Emily must navigate a situation where her identity is almost exposed, pushing her to confront her fears.

Ending/Conclusion

• Conflict Resolved: Emily stands up to bullies, showcases her talents in front of her classmates, and earns their respect.
• Aftermath: She builds a friendship with Jason and starts to feel more confident.
• Lesson Learned: Emily learns that being herself and showing her strengths can lead to acceptance and even friendship; she realizes vulnerability is also a strength.

---

Thesis Statement A character who is not who they appear to be is Emily Parker, because on the outside she seems to be a shy, studious high school student, but in reality, she is a talented hacker who uses her skills to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

---

Final Draft Essay Portfolio Instructions Once the planning sheet is complete and the draft is formulated, follow MLA formatting requirements, including:

---

[Your Name]

English 3A

[Your Teacher’s Name]

[Date in this format: Day Month Year] 27 June 2024

Title: The Hidden Code of Emily Parker

Introduction Paragraph
In high school, appearances can be deceiving. Every student dons a mask, shaping how others perceive them and often hiding the true self beneath. The case of Emily Parker exemplifies this notion perfectly. To her peers, she is merely the shy girl who sits in the back of the classroom, blending into the fabric of everyday school life. However, behind her timid facade lies a brilliant mind, skilled in the art of hacking. Emily navigates the duality of her existence, battling societal expectations while yearning for acceptance. Through her journey of self-discovery, Emily demonstrates that true strength often resides in showing one’s authentic self, even when masked by the shadows of doubt. A character who is not who they appear to be is Emily Parker, because on the outside she seems to be a shy, studious high school student, but in reality, she is a talented hacker who uses her skills to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Body Paragraph 1
Emily Parker appears to be the quintessential shy student. She is the girl who quietly assists her teachers while her classmates engage in boisterous laughter and distractions. Always buried in books, she is perceived as disinterested in social interactions, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Emily craves connection and friendship but finds herself overshadowed by her peers' more outgoing personalities. However, Emily uses her computer skills to escape her reality, exploring the digital realm where she feels empowered. This online world is where she can connect with others without the social pressures of the physical world, hiding not only from her classmates but also from her own insecurities.

Body Paragraph 2
As the narrative unfolds, Emily’s journey propels her into an unexpected partnership with Jason Lee, the school's star athlete. At first glance, Jason embodies confidence and charm, the epitome of high school success. However, beneath the surface, he grapples with immense pressure to perform academically while maintaining his status as a popular athlete. When Emily and Jason are paired for a school project, he inadvertently discovers her talents. This shared experience marks a turning point in Emily’s journey, as it not only brings them closer but also challenges her to reveal her true self. Through Jason’s encouragement, she begins to shed her insecurities, demonstrating that everyone, no matter how seemingly perfect, has their own battles.

Body Paragraph 3
The climax of Emily’s story culminates during a moment of vulnerability when her hacking skills inadvertently draw unwanted attention. With her identity threatened, Emily must decide whether to continue hiding her true self or stand firm in her convictions. In a bold move, she chooses to confront the bullies who seek to belittle her talents. This pivotal moment not only serves to redefine her perspective on self-acceptance but also solidifies her friendship with Jason, who supports her through this struggle. By daring to show her true self, she earns respect from her peers, and her newfound confidence propels her into a brighter future.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Parker’s story teaches us the importance of embracing one’s authentic self despite societal pressures. Throughout her journey, she learns that vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a pathway to genuine connections and understanding. Ultimately, Emily’s transformation reflects a broader truth: when we reveal our true selves, we not only find acceptance but also inspire others to do the same. By the end of her journey, Emily has not only discovered the power of her own voice but has also built lasting friendships that stem from authentic connections, proving that who we are inside can indeed triumph over how we appear on the outside.

---

[Check My Work Link]
Paste check link here after using plagiarism checker.