9th Class English Grammar Direct & Indirect Narrations

         Direct & Indirect Narrations

Introduction: Narration means something that is narrated, an account of, detailing an event, etc. The word 'narration' is taken from the word 'narrate', which means 'to give an account or tell something'.

There are two types of narration:

(i)  Direct

(ii) Indirect

Direct narration states the statement of person, exactly the same, spoken by him or her. This statement is put within inverted commas (" ").

Sita said, "I have seen Hanuman."

The sentence contains the statement as said by Sita - "I have seen Hanuman", which in direct narration.

Indirect Narration states the statement of a person, which we analyze or interpret in our own words; or just narrate or summaries the principal motive of the speaker.

Sonia said that she was late for the meeting.

The sentence focuses the statement of Sonia, which we expressed in our own words. This sentence is said to be in indirect narration.  

Kinds of Narration

When a speech is quoted in the actual words used by the speaker, it is called the Direct Speech. But when the speech is reported in the form of a narrative, giving the substance or meaning or the words used by the speaker, without quoting his actual words, it is called the Indirect Speech.  

Rahul says, "I want to visit Mumbai." - Direct Speech

Rahul says that he wants to visit Mumbai. - Indirect Speech