This document discusses different types of narrative structures including linear versus non-linear, single versus multi-stranded, and open versus closed structures. Linear narratives present events in chronological order while non-linear narratives may include flashbacks or present events out of sequence. Single-stranded narratives focus on one storyline and set of characters while multi-stranded narratives incorporate multiple interconnected storylines. Open structures leave the audience wondering at the end while closed structures provide resolution and definitive endings.

1. B Y H A R R Y WE E D A L L
NARRATIVE
STRUCTURES

2. LINEAR NARRATIVE
•This type of narrative
structure means everything
is based in chronological
order.

3. NON-LINEAR
•This is where the structure is
not in chronological order;
action out of sequence.
May also contain
flashbacks.

4. SINGLE STRANDARD
•This is where there is one
storyline, one set and one
plot.

5. MULTI-STRANDARD
•This is where there are
several storylines within one
film, for example the story
may contain two plots
maybe two protagonists.

6. OPEN
•The viewer, listener or
reader is left wondering
what happened. A feature
that may be used might be
a cliffhanger.

7. CLOSED
•In a closed structure the
narrative simply has a
definite ending, no cliff-
hangers etc.