This document discusses different types of narrative structures for documentaries. A closed narrative structure provides resolution and answers all questions, while an open structure leaves the viewer wondering by not concluding storylines. A single strand documentary focuses on one plot, whereas a multi-strand incorporates multiple storylines. A linear structure presents events chronologically, in contrast to a non-linear approach that is not time-based. Additionally, a circular narrative loops back to the starting point to avoid loose ends.

1. NARRATIVE STRUCTURE Samantha Fairclough

2. OPEN AND CLOSED
A closed narrative structure is when
there are no loose ends and the
documentary has a clear finish and
has left no unanswered questions
which could be asked. Meaning the
narrative has a structured ending.
An open narrative structure is when the
documentary ends with a cliff hanger. Where
all questions which may have been asked are
left unanswered and all the ends are loose as
they haven’t been concluded, so the viewer,
listener or reader is left wondering what
happened.

3. SINGLE STRAND AND MULTI-STRAND
•A single Strand is where there is one set
storyline/plot in the documentary.
•A multi-strand narrative is where there is more
than one narrative strand being told in the
documentary. So there is several storylines
within one documentary.

4. LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR
• Linear Structure is when the story plays out in
a chronological order. This means the
documentary will follow a timeline of events
these will be shown chronologically, in an order
of time.
• Non- linear structure means that it is not in
chronological order, meaning that the
documentary will not follow a timeline.

5. CIRCULAR NARRATIVE STRAND
A circular narrative strand is where the end and
beginning of a documentary are the same point.
This can bring quick closure to a documentary
and not leave loose ends.