We commonly use the present simple to refer to the past when we want to make events sound as if they are happening now. For example, news headlines are commonly written in the present simple:
Rebelsattackgovernment buildings.
German Finance ministerresigns.
In formal writing the present simple is also used to refer to important events in the past:
In spring 1984 the governmentisdefeated and an electiontakesplace. By the end of the year the strikesend.
We also use the present simple when we tell stories or jokes. It makes them sound more immediate:
It’sseven o’clock in the evening and an old womanwalksslowly out of her garden and towards the bus stop. The soldierwatchesher and after a few minutesfollowsher.
A manwalksinto a restaurant with a monkey on his shoulder. The monkeysays, ‘I’d like soup please.’
We also use the present simple when we report what people say as part of a story:
It was only eleven o’clock and my mumsays, ‘You’re late again.’ And Isay, ‘No, I’m not.’ Then my dadstartsto shout.
See also:
Present simple (I work)
Newspaper headlines
Commentaries
Reported speech