Introduction to the conventional narrative structure

1. Introduction to the conventional narrative structure

2.  You Must – be able to explain the meaning of
the key concept narrative.
 You Should – be able to consider different
uses of the conventional narrative structure.
 Amazing If - you can provide examples to
demonstrate how narrative is used and its
relationship with other media concepts
(genre, audience, representation)

3.  Narrative refers to the formal aspects used in order to
tell a story.
 A story is the narration of a series of events
conveniently organised in a timeline, in order to make
sense.

4.  A conventional narrative
is divided in three acts:
beginning, middle and
end)
 The most conventional
narrative structure is
that of a linear narrative
(chronological order)
with a closed ending
(resolution of the
conflict/end)

5. Beginning Middle End

6.  Plot
 Story
 Narrative The way in which the story is actually told. The
formal aspects of the storytelling.
A form of text, regardless of medium, describing a
sequence of events, caused and experienced by
characters, conveniently structured into a time
sequence in order to make sense.
Elements and generic conventions from which the
story will be made.

7.  Plot
 Story
 Narrative The way in which the story is actually told. The
formal aspects of the storytelling.
A form of text, regardless of medium, describing a
sequence of events, caused and experienced by
characters, conveniently structured into a time
sequence in order to make sense.
Elements and generic conventions from which the
story will be made.

8.  Plot
 Story
 Narrative The way in which the story is actually told. The
formal aspects of the storytelling.
A form of text, regardless of medium, describing a
sequence of events, caused and experienced by
characters, conveniently structured into a time
sequence in order to make sense.
Elements and generic conventions from which the
story will be made.

9.  Plot
 Story
 Narrative The way in which the story is actually told. The
formal aspects of the storytelling.
A form of text, regardless of medium, describing a
sequence of events, caused and experienced by
characters, conveniently structured into a time
sequence in order to make sense.
Elements and generic conventions from which the
story will be made.

10.  What is an engaging narrative?
 How does a narrative engage the interest of
the target audience?

11. One of the things that makes a narrative engaging is its STRUCTURE :
 Conventional narratives are usually linear (every thing happens in
chronological order)-This makes a narrative understandable
 Usually have a closed ending (end)-This provides closure and a sense of
satisfaction (relief) in the audience.
 The problems in a narrative stem from a conflict between binary opposites
–This makes the audience interested in finding out how the characters solve
the problem.
 These binary oppositions are represented through archetypical characters
(hero/villain inAction films; man/woman in rom-coms; etc.)-This helps the
audience to identify with recognisable characters.

12. On a PowerPoint presentation, analyse a story (film, novel book or tale) of your
choice, explaining each one of the three acts in its structure narrative theory.
Answer the questions below:
Act 1:
 What is introduced in the introduction?
 What is presented in the set up?
Act 2:
 What is the conflict?
 What happens in the build-up?
Act 3:
 What happens in the climax?
 What is the resolution?
See next slide for a graphic depiction of a conventional narrative structure.

13. Beginning Middle End
Build-up

14. Effort Level: Description:
1 Excellent – all work completed, with great detail,
description.
2 Good – most work completed but more detail required.
3 Satisfactory – some work completed.
4 Unsatisfactory – some work incomplete.
5 Poor – most work incomplete.

15. Progress Bar:
Circle your effort level for today’s lesson.
1 2 3 4 5
Progress Bar:
• Circle your effort level for today’s lesson.
1 2 3 4 5
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