Narrative structure

1. Narrative structure

2. Open and closed narrative structures
• Open structure- This is where the documentary has no clear
ending, for example the Breadline Kids documentary is open
ended and does not explain what happens to the numerous
families that are lacking in money.
• Closed structure- This is where an ending is resolved in the
documentary and is not left open ended to where you are
not aware of what happens next when it is about to end.

3. Singular and multi structures
• Singular structure- This is where a documentary only covers one
topic and does not expand further than that.
• Multi structure- This is where a documentary covers numerous
topics and themes for example the Kenny Rogers documentary
(Cards on the table) Discusses his early life and the progression
of his music career and family life

4. Linear and non linear structures
• Linear- The documentary is organised and portrayed in a
chronological order. For example the Kenny Rogers documentary
(Cards on the table) Focuses on his early life then gradually builds up
to his current life
• Non Linear- This is where the documentary is not organised in
chronological order and is randomized

5. Circular and segmented structured
• Circular structure- This is where a documentary starts at the
end point and then goes to the start again which progresses
through the timeline to the end point again, We see this
used in Breadline Kids where the camera is pointed at
someone outside of the breakfast club and this ends taking
us back to this shot and interviewing her.
• Segmented structure- This is were a single subject is
discussed however multiple topics are shown throughout.
For example with Plus sized wars, it focuses on