Task 3 Narrative Structure

Linear (Sequential) Narrative is a story in which its events happen in Chronological order from the start to the finish. The plot is usually told without flashbacks.

Examples:

Drive

Of Mice and Men

Now You See Me

Non-linear (Non-sequential) Narrative is a disjointed narrative; these are sometimes used in literature, films. It’s not always in order; it’s never in a sequence.

Examples:

500 days of summer

Pulp Fiction

The Curious case of Benjamin button

Flashback is a scene that takes the narrative back in time from the current point of the story.

Examples:

Titanic

Lost

How I met your mother

Realist Narratives are story lines that are believable by the audience, it appears real, and it’s believable because it could happen. A good example is horror films, soap operas or a drama.

Examples:

Downtown Abbey

Shameless

Skins

Anti-Realist Narrative opposite to Realist Narrative, things that aren’t real

Examples:

In the Night Garden

Marvel Avengers

Superman

Hop

Open Narrative is where the story is left wide open; the viewer has to guess what happens. Usually it happens if there is a sequel to a programme or film.

Examples:

Coronation Street

Criminal Minds

The Walking Dead

Closed Narrative has a beginning, middle and end. Basically like a story.

The audiences are aware that they are watching a story and they will expect an ending.

The characters are usually in a hierarchy of importance.

Any type of film that doesn’t leave any questions, it has an ending.

Examples:

Sweeney Todd

Titanic

Limitless

Of Mice and Men

Calamity Jane