Narrative Structures

1. In TV and film there are a couple of narrative structures that help follow what is going on there are six main narrative styles that are used. These are: • Linear • Non-linear • Flashback • Realist • Anti-Realist • Endings (if there open or closed) • There are three narrative theorists that have different views on narrative these are Barthes, Propp, Todorov). They all have their own theory's on how a narrative is structured and what is in a structure. Narrative Structures

2. Linear Narrative In a linear structure the storyline that flows from start to finish. A good example of this type of structure could be found in a soap. The plan for a linear is a beginning a middle/climax then the ending. Most linear structures follow a equilibrium. The benefit of this type of structure is that it is easy to follow and that you can always come up with new stories. The disadvantage is that some people may find it quite boring they might want a bit of confusing to keep them guessing and they don’t get this with a linear narrative.

3. Non-Linear Structure A non-linear structure is a storyline that doesn’t flow from beginning to end. With these structures the story can be quite confusing as it can start in the middle or the end flashback a few days ago and reveal hat happened and end again. This type of narrative is used in most films an example of one of these films is The Hangover. In this the film starts with one of the characters ringing another character saying something has happened and has gone bad. This is then faded and the film starts near to the end of the film the phone call scene comes back on. An advantage of this narrative is that it makes people watch as they want to find out what is going to happen but a disadvantage is that it can be quite confusing.

4. Flashback Technique The flashback technique is usually used to break up a linear structured storyline to make it non-linear. A flashback is usually used to show when someone is having a past memory. An example of a film were flashbacks are used is The Butterfly Effect. In this Aston Kutcher has flashbacks this is due to a medical condition he suffers from causing blackouts where he thinks he is somewhere else. The advantage of the flashback technique is that it can reveal hidden things that people may have missed in the film or if it is in a crime scene scenario it can help to figure out what happened and help put the crime together. The disadvantage of them though is that they can be quite confusing if they are coming thick and fast you can lose track of what is actually happening.

5. Realist A Realist narrative is a story that is based on real life events and things that the viewing public can relate too. This means that a lot of the public can relate to what happens on these programmes. The advantage of realist narratives is that they are so easy to relate too. A disadvantage to these types of progrmmes is that they can offend people. An example of this disadvantage occurred in the programme Eastenders in which the plot consisted of a woman giving another woman her baby child after her own died at birth. This caused havoc for the TV programme gaining over 6,000 complaints towards the story plot.

6. Anti-Realist An Anti-Realist programme/film is were the narrative or plot is not meant to be easy to relate to and is normally something out of the ordinary. The convention now a days for an Anti-realist films and programmes revolve around space and inter galactic travel and dinosaurs. An example of an Anti-realist film is the well known Star Wars film series. Star wars is set in another galaxy far far away and set in the very far future. Nothing in star wars is real they have made up galaxy's, planets, vehicles and weapons. The advantage of an Anti-realist films/programmes is that they can bring people out of the reality and bring them into the new one for example the star wars universe people do this if they have problems with there actual life so it can be quite helpful. A disadvantage with them is that some people can get to caught up in these fake realist worlds and some people have become quite obsessed with the fake reality’s. Another disadvantage is that not everyone likes these fake reality programmes so the target audience is not as big as other programmes.

7. Endings (Open\Closed) Open Endings – An open ending is were the story is left wide open so the viewer has to guess what happened at the end. It usually happens if there is a sequel to be made for or a film, or it a programme is in two parts. They are also used in crime programmes to keep the audience guessing what happened and who committed the crime. The advantage with open endings is that they can be a great way to keep the audience hooked as they return to watch it as they want to know who did the crime/ or what is going to happen next. The disadvantage is that when they find out in the next one if it is not what they expected it to be they might not watch the programme anymore. Closed Endings – A closed ending is were the story is all wrapped up at the ending. Were as some crime programmes leave an open ending some like to wrap the story up and point out who committed the main crimes. Closed endings are also primarily used in soaps to wrap up what has happened that episode and lead the viewers on the the next new storyline in the next episode. The advantage with closed endings is that people who maybe watch the programme for a one off can sit and enjoy that one episode and know what happened in it without having to watch the next episode next week. The disadvantage is that they don’t lead on to anything so if you watch the programme and are up for it leading on to another one it would disappoint you as it would just end that episode.