Narrative Codes and Convention What are the particular codes and conventions that Sitcoms use to tell stories?

Introduction This usually occupies the credits, clues you into the main characters and their world. Think of what the opening credits of Friends is and what this tell us about the show How have the opening credits changed?

This usually occupies the credits, clues you into the main characters and their world.

Think of what the opening credits of Friends is and what this tell us about the show

How have the opening credits changed?

Establishing the Problem In each episode there is usually some problem or difficulty the characters have to face. These are mistakes, misunderstandings, attempts to influence others. This problem disrupts the “normal” world. This sets off a chain of events, that make up the rest of the show. What are some examples that Friends have used in the episodes you have seen?

In each episode there is usually some problem or difficulty the characters have to face. These are mistakes, misunderstandings, attempts to influence others. This problem disrupts the “normal” world. This sets off a chain of events, that make up the rest of the show.

What are some examples that Friends have used in the episodes you have seen?

Complication and Confusion Complications come as there are mistakes or errors by people - people misunderstand what others say or do. The humour builds up. There is a “snowballing” effect that becomes more and more ridiculous and impossible. There is appoint or climax where it gets to the most ridiculous or the most extreme point of the misunderstanding What ridiculous moments have there been in Friends?

Complications come as there are mistakes or errors by people - people misunderstand what others say or do. The humour builds up. There is a “snowballing” effect that becomes more and more ridiculous and impossible.

There is appoint or climax where it gets to the most ridiculous or the most extreme point of the misunderstanding

What ridiculous moments have there been in Friends?

Resolution Everything is put right everyone gets back to “normal” It is clear what the correct social values are at the end. Everyone is glad it is resolved but no one has changed! Can have a “tag” at the end. Its often a visual joke, some sort of final joke.

Everything is put right everyone gets back to “normal” It is clear what the correct social values are at the end. Everyone is glad it is resolved but no one has changed!

Can have a “tag” at the end. Its often a visual joke, some sort of final joke.