Narrative Structure - BOA Digital

Narrative Structure Narrative structure The way in which a storyline or tread is put together. Each media product, whether it be fictional or non-fictional is organised according to one of the following narrative structures, depending on the arrangement of content or in the case of a story, the order in which it unfolds:  Open  Closed  Multi-strand  Linear  Non-linear Open Narratives An open narrative structure leaves matters unresolved at the end, with more content to follow. For example:   

A cliff hanger on a TV series episode. A football match that has ended in a draw and needs a replay. A news article with the suggestion that there will be more to report after more events have unfolded.

Which adverts fit into this category Closed Narratives A closed narrative is one in which the key issues are solved at the end. For example:   

A film that ends with all the issues that were set up throughout the narrative brought to a close with some kind of result. A criminal brought to justice in a news story The end of a football match and there is a final score and a definitive win.

Which adverts fit into this category

Multi-strand Narratives This is typically used by soap operas and long running serials, which do not use the more conventional approach of beginning/middle/ending, because several storylines run at the same time, some ending whilst others are just beginning. The most important thing to understand is that there is no obvious end point to the story (where audiences could stop following without missing anything). This keeps people coming back to see what happens next. Which adverts fit into this category

Linear Narratives This is organised in a simple sequence of: Beginning Middle Ending The story is usually chronological (following the actual sequence of events in time, not moving around with flashbacks and flash forwards). This type of narrative could be plotted on paper along a straight line (hence linear). Which adverts fit into this category

Non-linear Narratives This is more complicated than just beginning, middle, end. A story with flashbacks and/or flashforwards such as TV series Lost is classed as non-linear as it will break from the current timeline to show something in the past/future. There are some media products that are simply not meant to be followed from start to finish. For example:    

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These products are designed for dipping into from any chosen point. There are also video games that have a non-linear structure. The Grand Theft Auto series have been slightly non-linear by the way that you can choose to do some tasks and missions in the order of your choosing. Fallout 3 also sports a non-linear structure as you may choose from a number of different outcomes constantly throughout the game, affecting the storyline and attitudes of game characters towards your own character. What adverts are in this category

Key Terms Enigma - Something in the story is unknown to the cast, audience or both. When a film ends with the audience having to guess what happens next. Or some great mystery that goes unexplained. Climax - A point in the narrative, usually near the end, when everything comes together. In fiction, all the interest and action appears to be building towards this point. Equilibrium - The point in the narrative where the story is more or less over and all the disruption caused by the enigma and the climax has been resolved.