This document outlines different narrative structures that can be used in documentaries, including circular narratives that start and end with the same topic, open narratives that leave unanswered questions, and closed narratives where everything is explained. It also discusses single strand narratives that have one storyline versus multi strand narratives with multiple storylines, and linear narratives that follow chronological order versus non-linear narratives that use techniques like flashbacks.

1. Narrative Structure
VICKI KELLY

2. • Circular
 This is when the documentary starts and ends with the same narrative. For
example, the same topic being discussed at the start and then again at
the end.

3. • Open
 This is when the documentary has loose ends or unanswered questions.
 An example of this could be about immigration in Britain, an example of
an unanswered question could be “how will Britain handle illegal
immigration in the future?”

4. • Closed
 A closed documentary is when everything is tied up and there is no
questions left unanswered.
 An example of this could be a documentary on the 2015 elections, as the
election is a past event the documentary has the ability to answer any
questions.

5. • Single Strand
 This is when the documentary only has one narrative thread or storyline. An
example of this is a documentary on Hillsborough, all the interviews,
archive material and reconstructions that may be involved will be about
Hillsborough.

6. • Multi Strand
 This is when a documentary has multiple storylines.

7. • Linear:
 This is when the documentary follows chronological order.

8. • Non Linear
 This is when the documentary doesn’t follow chronological order. For
example using flashbacks or flash forwards.