Narrative Structures

Linear

A linear storyline is one that involves presenting the characters, plot, climax, setting and resolution in a straightforward manner without the use of flashbacks, flashforwards, time jumps and the plot goes from point A to point B without jumping in between. Typical mainstream films follow this narrative structure such as Mechanic Resurrection or Bad Genius (A Thai language film). Both films have a straightforward storyline with no flashbacks just going from A to B.

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Non-Linear

A non-linear storyline is not a straightforward narrative. The narrative structure often involves flashbacks, flashforwards and changes in time. The plot goes from point A to C to D back to B. Basically, it jumps all over the place rather than follow the A to B narrative structure. Examples of films that follow this structure are Pulp Fiction, with its multiple storylines and jumping through time over the film and Deadpool which starts with the character in costume and flashes back to his early days.

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Flashbacks/Flashforwards

A flashback is a scene in a film or show that takes the narrative backwards from the current point in the narrative. Another name for it is analepsis. Often or not, flashbacks play an important part in a character, or multiple characters backstory. It helps the viewer understand more about the character than they would have before or helps them understand why they might be feeling a certain way about an event. The opposite of this is a flashforward which is used to show events that may occur further on in the narrative (a prolepsis). An example of a film that uses flashbacks is T2 Trainspotting which has a flashback scene with two characters discussing their youth days while showing the scene being described (in this case, two people visiting the Banana Flats for heroin). An example of a flashforward is in Terminator 2: Judgement Day which shows a character dreaming of a future nuclear destruction several times throughout the film.

 

Realist/Anti realist

A realist narrative is one that is catered and set into our reality with little distinction to show otherwise. These tend to be films or shows that have been based off true events or fictional dramas with a sense of realism to them. An example of a film with a realist narrative is 12 Years A Slave which is a film based on true events regarding a freed slave. Bits of the film would have been exaggerated for entertainment purposes but it follows the basis of a realist narrative. An anti realist narrative is one that is set in a different world or reality than our own though there may still be relatable elements in it. Common features include, talking animals, different universes or futuristic weapons. An example of a film with an anti realist narrative is Star Wars which is set in space, on different planets with both humans and aliens or creatures as well as transportation not seen on earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Endings, open and closed

An open ending is an ending which allows the audience to have their own interpretation as to how the show or film finished. It is often ambiguous and mainstream audiences don’t tend to favour these types of endings such as with the film Only God Forgives, it was reportedly ‘booed’ at Cannes Film Festival as well as received a low score critically and with audiences. Another example of a film with an open ending is the film The Shining which ends on an old photo of Jack Torrance with the hotel which makes you question the film you just watched. A closed ending is an ending which is straightforward, with no hidden meaning or interpretation. This type of ending is one that audiences tend to favour more as it closes the narrative that they just watched. An example of a film with a closed ending is Mean Girls. The film ends with Cady making up with her friends and finally being at peace in ‘girl world’. Although it did spawn a sequel, Mean Girls 2 was its own separate film with no tie in to the original other than the title and premise.