Question about definitions for Tenses in Narrative

[learning54]

Hi Teachers,
Could you tell me if they are appropriate definitions? Could they be better or easier?
I don't know if in the definition below the bold word 'present' is appropriate.

Using the Simple Present in Narrative
a) The simple present is used to narrate present events that happen one after another. In other words, we use the simple present to narrate the principal events of the story.
Could this one be better?
b) The simple present is used to narrate habits, facts, preferences, and schedules in chronological order. In other words, we use the simple present to narrate the principal events of the story.

Using the Present Progressive in Narrative
The present progressive is used to narrate a situation that is in progress now.

Thanks in advance

[English Freak]

Yes, the word "present" is ok.
Retelling a story, it's better to use present tense because it makes it (the story) more realistic. Even if the story happens in the past, it's better to use present. For example, while retelling Animal Farm by George Orwell:
It was about a farm on which some animals lived .... and it symbolized the Soviet Union ... (NOT NATURAL)
Much better to say:
It is about a farm on which some animals live .... and it symbolizes the Soviet Union ...

[5jj]

a) The simple present is used to narrate present events that happen one after another. In other words, we use the simple present to narrate the principal events of the story.
Could this one be better?
b) The simple present is used to narrate habits, facts, preferences, and schedules in chronological order. In other words, we use the simple present to narrate the principal events of the story.

Actually, the simple present is sometimes used to narrate past events vividy. It is rarely used for present events, except in commentary on sports matches or ceremonial occasions.

[learning54]

Hi English Freak,
Thank you for your reply and examples.

Best,
Learning

[learning54]

Hi 5jj,
Thank you for your reply. Yes, you are right. What about these new definitions then? Are they more appropriate?

Using the Simple Present in Narrative
The simple present is also used to narrate past habits, facts, preferences, and schedules. We use this tense to make the story more interesting, more emphatic, and more vivid.


Using the present Progressive
The present progressive is also used to narrate a situation that was in progress in the past. We also use this tense to make the story more interesting, more emphatic, and more vivid, like it is occurring now.