This document discusses narrative structure in films. It explains that narratives typically have a beginning, middle, and end, but not always in that order. Linear narratives progress chronologically from equilibrium to disequilibrium to a new equilibrium, while circular narratives begin and end in the same place. Non-linear narratives are less ordered but scenes gradually reveal the sequence of events. The narrative is shaped by story elements like characters, plot, and time structure as well as production elements such as camerawork, editing, and sound. Together with the audience's expectations and experiences, these elements form a narrative equation.

1. Narrative
“I like a film to have a beginning, a
middle and an end, but not
necessarily in that order”
Jean-Luc Godard

2. Narrative
• This area of study is about stories and how
the films tells them.
• The narrative vision is inspired through story
elements, and production elements
• Film narrative relies on
•
•
•
•
Setting being established.
Characters being developed.
An engaging plot
A beginning, middle and end (equilibrium and
disequilibrium)
• Climaxes in the story

3. Narrative Structures:
LINEAR
• The Simplest narrative form is the linear narrative:
Equilibrium
Disequilibrium
New
Equilibrium
• The linear narrative structure runs chronologically,
with events happening in order in which the
characters experience them.

4. Narrative Structure:
CIRCULAR
• In a circular narrative, the action begins and ends at the same
point.
Equilibrium
(text begins here)
Climax resolution
Trigger
Disequilibrium
• A popular variation of this narrative structure is the flashback
where the narrative begins at the climax and then seeks to
illustrate how this point was reached.

5. Narrative Structure: NON-
LINEAR
• Non-linear narratives are structured seemingly
randomly, but as each scene unfolds it will gradually
order the events.
equilibrium
‘zone of disequilibrium’
equilibrium
• Flash forward and even reverse telling of events are
methods of structuring story time.
• Note: Not all narratives end in equilibrium.

6. The Narrative Equation
• In the media, the term narrative is understood to
include the story, it’s construction and the
relationship between the audience and the text.
Story
Elements
Production
Elements
Audience
• All of the elements that create a narrative are as
important as each other.
• It is important to think of the elements both
individually and in conjunction with each other.

7. Story Elements
Non-technical elements that contribute to the structure of the film.
• Setting
• Time Period
• Characters
– Establishment
– Development
– Relationships
• Narrative possibilities
• Multiple storylines
– Links between
– Effects on each other
• Narrative progression
• Structuring of time
– Order, duration,
frequency
– Contraction and
expansion
– Linear and non-linear
• Cause and Effect
– Character motivation
• Point(s) of view
– Character
– Other
• Genre

8. Production Elements
Technical elements that contribute to the construction of the film.
• Camera
– Shot types
– Movement
– focus
• Film stock/ Video
• Lighting
– Naturalistic
– Expressive
– Types
• Visual Composition
• Acting
• Sound
– Diegetic and nondiegetic
– Dialogue
– Music
– Sound effects
• Editing
–
–
–
–
Vision
Sound
Design
Styles
• Special effects

9. Audience Elements
The audience’s role in the narrative experience.
• Expectation
– Advertising
– Reviews
– Word of mouth
• Experience and knowledge of:
–
–
–
–
Genre
Director
Actors
Production Values
• Reception context
– Location
– Purpose for seeing text
– Cost