The document introduces the concept of narrative structure in storytelling. It explains that most conventional narratives follow a three-act structure of beginning, middle, and end. The beginning sets up the story and characters, the middle involves a conflict or problem, and the end resolves the conflict. It also discusses the key elements of plot, story, and narrative form. Overall, the document provides an overview of the traditional model of narrative story structure.

1. Introduction to the conventional narrative structure

2.  You Must – be able to explain the meaning of
the key concept narrative.
 You Should – be able to consider different
uses of the conventional narrative structure.
 Amazing If - you can provide examples to
demonstrate how narrative is used and its
relationship with other media concepts
(genre, audience, representation)

3.  Narrative refers to the formal aspects used in order to
tell a story.
 A story is the narration of a series of events
conveniently organised in a timeline, in order to make
sense.

4.  A conventional narrative
is divided in three acts:
beginning, middle and
end)
 The most conventional
narrative structure is
that of a linear narrative
(chronological order)
with a closed ending
(resolution of the
conflict/end)

5. Beginning Middle End

6.  Plot
 Story
 Narrative The way in which the story is actually told. The
formal aspects of the storytelling.
A form of text, regardless of medium, describing a
sequence of events, caused and experienced by
characters, conveniently structured into a time
sequence in order to make sense.
Elements and generic conventions from which the
story will be made.

7.  Plot
 Story
 Narrative The way in which the story is actually told. The
formal aspects of the storytelling.
A form of text, regardless of medium, describing a
sequence of events, caused and experienced by
characters, conveniently structured into a time
sequence in order to make sense.
Elements and generic conventions from which the
story will be made.

8.  Plot
 Story
 Narrative The way in which the story is actually told. The
formal aspects of the storytelling.
A form of text, regardless of medium, describing a
sequence of events, caused and experienced by
characters, conveniently structured into a time
sequence in order to make sense.
Elements and generic conventions from which the
story will be made.

9.  Plot
 Story
 Narrative The way in which the story is actually told. The
formal aspects of the storytelling.
A form of text, regardless of medium, describing a
sequence of events, caused and experienced by
characters, conveniently structured into a time
sequence in order to make sense.
Elements and generic conventions from which the
story will be made.

10.  What is an engaging narrative?
 How does a narrative engage the interest of
the target audience?

11. One of the things that makes a narrative engaging is its STRUCTURE :
 Conventional narratives are usually linear (every thing happens in
chronological order)-This makes a narrative understandable
 Usually have a closed ending (end)-This provides closure and a sense of
satisfaction (relief) in the audience.
 The problems in a narrative stem from a conflict between binary opposites
–This makes the audience interested in finding out how the characters solve
the problem.
 These binary oppositions are represented through archetypical characters
(hero/villain inAction films; man/woman in rom-coms; etc.)-This helps the
audience to identify with recognisable characters.

12. On a PowerPoint presentation, analyse a story (film, novel book or tale) of your
choice, explaining each one of the three acts in its structure narrative theory.
Answer the questions below:
Act 1:
 What is introduced in the introduction?
 What is presented in the set up?
Act 2:
 What is the conflict?
 What happens in the build-up?
Act 3:
 What happens in the climax?
 What is the resolution?
See next slide for a graphic depiction of a conventional narrative structure.

13. Beginning Middle End
Build-up

14. Effort Level: Description:
1 Excellent – all work completed, with great detail,
description.
2 Good – most work completed but more detail required.
3 Satisfactory – some work completed.
4 Unsatisfactory – some work incomplete.
5 Poor – most work incomplete.

15. Progress Bar:
Circle your effort level for today’s lesson.
1 2 3 4 5
Progress Bar:
• Circle your effort level for today’s lesson.
1 2 3 4 5
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