Task 3-Narrative Structure

Linear Narrative
A linear narrative is a story in which the events happen in chronological order from the start to finish. The plot of the narrative is usually told without using things such as flashbacks or flash-forwards, this means the narrative has a clear beginning to end story and is easy to understand the order of events in the story. For example, Bridesmaids.
Non-linear Narrative
Non-linear narratives don’t run in chronological order and can often include flash forward and flashback through the film. It is known as a disjointed narrative, it is sometimes difficult to understand as there is no real clear structure to the narrative. For example, Shaun Of The Dead.
Flashback
Flashback is a scene that takes the narrative back in time from the current events to give a better view of the narrative from earlier points in the story or later in the story. In television and film, camera techniques and special effects are used to show the viewer when a flashback has taken place to avoid any confusion, however sometimes it is difficult to understand what is flashback and what is the story, if it isnt made clear. For example, the TV show Friends uses flashbacks a lot to show when they were younger.
Realist Narrative
This is a storyline that is believed to be true, this is because they appear real, or they are based on a true story that has happened in the past. This is a good way of captivating the audience as they can relate to the storylines. Soap operas are a good example of this as the storylines include events that would normally happen, such as Eastenders.
Anti-Realist Narrative
An anti-realist narrative is something that doesn’t happen in real life. This is a good way of helping the audience escape from reality and give them a feeling of escapism and sometimes that is what audiences want in tv programmes. This is shown in Sci-Fi films and some adverts. An example could be Monsters University.
Open Narrative
An open narrative is where the story is left open to the viewer’s imagination. They are often used to keep the audience on their seats and guessing what will happen in the next episode. This is used for when the movie or tv show plans to have a sequal, to leave the audience wondering what will happen and keep them waiting for the sequal. This is also used in soap operas such as Eastenders.
Closed Narrative
A closed narrative has a beginning, middle and ends much like a story. The audience are aware that they are watching a story and they will expect a clear ending, much like a book. This is clear in most movies and is a good way of structuring a narrative as the audience arent left disappointed or wondering what is going to happen next. Finding Nemo could be an example of this too.