Narrative, n.
That which is narrated; the recital of a story; a continuous account of the particulars of an event or transaction; a story. Cyntio was much taken with my narrative. Tatler.
Syn. -- Account; recital; rehearsal; relation; narration; story; tale. See Account.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Narrative, a.
1. Of or pertaining to narration; relating to the particulars of an event or transaction.
2. Apt or inclined to relate stories, or to tell particulars of events; story-telling; garrulous. But wise through time, and narrative with age. Pope.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for narrative; he lists it under history, report, story.
Where he writes about it:
A narrative is a somewhat extended and embellished account of events in order of time, ordinarily with a view to please or entertain. — from report
If it passes close limits of brevity, it ceases to be an anecdote, and becomes a narrative or narration. — from story