A narrative poem or ballad told through letters, messages, or epistolary structure, allowing stories to unfold through written correspondence between characters or from single correspondent. This format enables multiple perspectives through different writers' voices while maintaining verse form. Samuel Richardson's influence on epistolary narrative extended to poetry through verse letters telling stories. The form allows revelation of character through writing style and content while advancing plot through correspondence. Related to verse epistles but specifically emphasizing narrative progression rather than meditative letter-writing.

A narrative poem told through letters or messages. Samuel Richardson influenced verse letters with his epistolary novels. Robert Browning's dramatic monologues sometimes take letter form. Allows multiple perspectives through different correspondents. Creates narrative distance while maintaining intimacy through direct address.