Narrative Theories

What is narrative in media terms?

Narrative is a way in which a story is told in both fictional and non-fictional media texts.

 Types of narratives in films-

Linear Narratives

Linear narratives are the most common form of narratives. This means we see an event of the story unfolding in the order which they occurred.For example, in Toy Story we follow Woody and Buzz’s adventure in a linear order, starting at the beginning and ending with the conclusion of the story.

Non-linear Narratives 

A non-linear narrative may be used to withhold information from the audience  In a mystery, such as a detective drama, a non-linear structure might be used so that we will are surprised when a piece of withheld information is finally revealed. For example in Batman Begins (2005) the first half of the film follows a non-linear pattern, using flashbacks to the main character's childhood. This shows us how and why he transforms himself into a superhero. 

Single Strand Narrative 

A single strand narrative is where there is one main character as the focus if the story. There is only one plot that follows the main character but usually  be surrounding characters that doesn't really focus much on and the audience won't care about as much. For example, Wonder Woman 

Multi-strand Narratives 

A multi-strand narrative is where there are more central characters and will have multiple plots. The audience will care about more than just the one character and not all of the focus is on one character at a time. In Harry Potter, though Harry ca be classed as the main character , the focus on the other characters and the audience does build as strong relation ship with the likes of Ron Hermione as they Harry.

Narrative Theories

Theory of “Narratology”

 Narratology, in literary theory, the study of narrative structure. Narratology looks at what narratives have in common and what makes one different from another. This theory suggests that most narratives start with a state of an equilibrium in which life is normal and the protagonists is happy. The state of normality is disrupted  by an outside of force, which has to fought against in order to return to a state of new equilibrium. This model can be applied to a wide range of films. 

Narrative Structural Theory 

Vladimir found certain ideas that certain types of character was to be used in every narrative structure. Vladimir's theory influenced many film markers to writing and producing successful narratives. Vladimir also believed that fairy tales followed a particular narrative structure. The typical characters are- The  villain, The dispatcher, The helper, The princess or the prize, The hero/ victim and The false hero.

Claude Levi-Strauss's Theory 

Strauss came up with the idea that binary opposite and the idea that objects and qualities are directly parallel and opposite to help understand and fuel each other. This is shown within media through as Strong VS Week, Good VS Evil etc.