Narrative styles and Theories

1. Narrative styles and Theories

2. Closed Narrative
A closed narrative structure means that there are no
loose ends and the documentary has a clear
conclusion and it has answered all questions that
could be asked.

3. Open Narrative
Open narrative is when the documentary ends with
unanswered questions and all the ends are loose as
they haven’t been concluded, leaving the audience to
wonder and ask questions.

4. Linear
Having a linear narrative structure means that the
documentary follows a timeline of events and the
different pieces in the documentary are shown in
chronological order.

5. Non-Linear
A non-linear narrative structure means that there is no
order to what is shown in the documentary.

6. Single-Strand Narrative
Single-strand narrative is where the documentary
follows one narrative.

7. Multi-Strand Narrative
Multi-strand narrative is where there are more than
one narrative strand being told in the documentary
and they can sometimes overlap or be told at the
same time.

8. Circular Narrative
Circular Narrative is where a documentary starts and
finishes on the same point. This can bring quick
closure to a documentary and doesn’t leave any loose
ends.

9. Theories

10. Todorov’s Theory
Todorov’s theory states that most stories and plots
follow the same pattern/path. There are five steps to
this theory:
1) Equilibrium (the story starts at equilibrium)
2) A disruption (the equilibrium is disrupted)
3) Realisation (where they recognise what the
problem is)
4) Restored Order (an attempt to restore equilibrium )
5) Equilibrium (the story ends at equilibrium)

11. Propp’s theory
Propps theory states that every narrative/story has a
certain set of characters.
These include:
- The Hero
- The Villain
- The Donor
- The Dispatcher
- The Helper
- The False Hero

12. Levi-Strauss’ Theory
Levi-Strauss says that as humans we make sense of
the world, people and events by seeing and using
binary opposites. He found that narrative are
arranged around the conflict of binary opposites.

13. Roland Barthes’ Theory
Barthes believes that texts/narratives may be ‘open’ or closed’. He states
that there are 5 codes which are in any narrative.
1) The Hermeneutic/Enigma code
- Refers to mystery within a text, clues are dropped but no clear
answers are given. There are many unanswered questions and leaves
the audience wanting to know more.
2) Proairetic/Action code
- Sequences of action footage adds to suspense and drama in the text
3) Semantic code
- Suggests/refers to additional meanings of the text, connotations.
4) Symbolic Code
- That the text is made up of symbols
5) Referential Code
- Anything in the text that refers to an external body of knowledge eg.
scientific, cultural and historical knowledge.