Narrative structure

Understanding Narrative Structure

• Narrative structure refers to the sequential arrangement of plot elements in a story or film.
• It’s a vital tool that helps directors organise events, build tension, reveal characters, and convey themes.
• Knowing how narrative structure works is crucial for analysing films, understanding genres, and creating your own moving images.

Components of Narrative Structure

• Every story usually consists of five key elements: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.
• The exposition introduces the characters, setting, and initial situation of the story.
• The rising action includes conflicts or problems faced by the characters that lead to the climax.
• The climax represents a turning point that is usually the most exciting part of the story.
• The falling action unfolds the results of the climax, leading to the story’s resolution.
• The denouement or resolution marks the end of the story where all the loose ends are tied up.

Classic Narrative Structure

• The classical Hollywood narrative structure is a standard that is widely used in most commercial films.
• It follows a linear structure where events are organised chronologically.
• It often involves a goal-oriented protagonist who faces obstacles that need to be overcome to achieve their goal.
• This structure tends to utilize a cause-and-effect logic, meaning each scene or event in the story is a reaction to the event before it.

Alternative Narrative Structures

• Some genres or independent films may employ non-linear narratives, where the events aren’t necessarily presented in chronological order.
• Non-linear narratives can include techniques like flashbacks, flash-forwards, or may be structured around multiple storylines or perspectives.
• Another alternative is the circular narrative, where the story ends where it began, often providing a greater sense of meaning or understanding at the end.

Narrative Structure and Representation

• Narrative structure also plays a role in representation as it determines how characters and situations are revealed to the audience.
• Varied narrative structures allow for diverse representations of characters, themes or ideas, offering multiple points of view or interpretations.

Narrative Structure as a Creative Tool

• Understanding narrative structure not only aids in interpreting and analysing films but also serves as a fundamental tool when creating your own moving image pieces.
• Experimenting with different narrative structures can offer refreshing ways to convey a story or message, contributing to the richness and diversity of moving image arts.