Narrative Structure

Edie Pullen

Narrative Structure
The narrative and the story can get confused. The story is the plot (a
series of events that link together to make sense). The narrative is the
way those events are organised to the viewer.
Linear A linear narrative follows a straight line (beginning, middle, end)
Non Linear The order of events arent chronological. Could start at the
height of conflict and often uses peoples psychological state of minds to
decide how to structure the film
Flashback takes the story back in time,
can be used to fill in crucial
parts of the story
Realist Believable by audience, possibly because it is based on true
events
Anti Realist Unbelievable storylines, based of fictional situations

Endings
Open Unresolved endings
Closed Resolved endings

Example of a linear film

James Bond films go in chronological order
Most romance films go in chronological for example the
film Clueless

Example of non linear film

Pulp Fiction
Forrest Gump

Example of flashback film

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump at present

time

Examples of flashbacks in Forrest

Gump

Forrest Gump has multiple flashbacks throughout as it is him telling the story of his life.
The flashbacks are a crucial part of the film as they are what tells the story
Spider Man

Example of realist film

Love Actually
Boyhood

Example of a non realist film

Star Wars
The Hobbit

Example of an open ending film

The Italian Job
Insidious

Example of a closed ending film

10 Things I Hate About You
Mean Girls