The document discusses different types of narrative structures and theories that can be used in storytelling. It notes that the author's story uses a closed, single-strand, linear narrative structure with some semi-realistic and anti-realistic elements. The story will have an opening, conflict, and resolution, but no flashbacks or nonlinear elements. This type of straightforward narrative structure is best suited to the author's intended younger audience.

1. Narrative Theory
 Open
An open narrative is a story that doesn’t reach a conclusion and just goes on. Soap
operas and comic books are examples of this
My book doesn’t have an open narrative as there is an end.
 Closed
A closed narrative is a story that reaches a conclusion at the end. Most films are
closed narrative
My story is a closed narrative as it reaches a conclusion.
 Single strand
A single strand narrative is a story that only has one story line. Most/all children’s
books are single strand as the audience (children) could/might have difficulty
following it.
My story is single strand for the reason given above
 Multi-strand
A multi-strand story has many different storylines that can (but don’t always) mix
together. Soap operas are again a good example of this as there are many different
characters and because the narrative is open, it needs to continue
My story is not multi-strand because it is a single strand so it can appeal to a
younger audience.
 Linear
A linear narrative is when a story that starts at is beginning and ends with its ending.
It follows the events of the story in order and each event happens one after the
other.
My book has a linear narrative as this is a simple and effective way of telling a story
and will be easy for young children to follow and understand.
 Non-linear
A non-linear narrative doesn’t follow the events of the story in order. This can be a
flashbacks/flash forward.
My story doesn’t have a non-linear narrative as there are no flash back/forward. Also
it would be better for it not to be non-linear as it better appeals to my audience
(young children)
 Realist

2. A realist narrative follows/has/reflects a real life narrative/story. The events are
believable and could happen in real life.
My story has parts that are semi realistic. It features anthropomorphic animals that
act as if they are human.
 Anti-realist
An anti-realist narrative is a story that couldn’t happen in real life. Sci-fi and fantasy
story are examples of this.
My story has parts/is mostly anti-realistic as it features pigs building houses and
other unrealistic scenarios.
Narrative Structure
 Opening
The opening is the beginning of the book/story and where it begins
Example – Star Wars A New Hope opens with the rebels running from the Empire
 Conflict
Conflict is the driving force of the story/challenge the main character/characters
have to over come/defeat
Example – Mad Max Fury road follows max and Furiosa and the brides
running/escaping/defeating Immortan Joe
 Resolution
The resolution is the ending of the story
Example – wall-e ends with wall-e surviving and the human race returning and living
on earth
 Enigma
The enigma is the puzzle the main character/characters face and have to overcome
(normally) to continue.
Example – the dark knight batman/Bruce Wayne has to find out/understand the
jokers plan and what he wants/why he’s doing what he is doing
 Climax
The climax is the event/turning point that changes the characters fate
Example – in Zombieland Columbus decides to brake his rules (don’t be a hero) and
save Wichita and little rock

3.  Manipulation of time and space
Manipulation of time and space is when the story jumps either forward or
backwards in time, which stretch-outs the story or condenses it.
Example – any Quentin Tarantino film– pulp fiction opens in a dinner with two
characters robbing it and ends with the ending of the robbery