Narrative Structure

Open Narrative:

An open narrative is one in which still leaves questions at the end of the narrative. Open narratives are usually in chronological order however throughout have no foreseeable ending and lots of characters. A common example of an open narrative is soap opera such as Coronation Street or EastEnders. An example of open narrative in film is Black Swan (2010) in which we are left not knowing whether Nina is dead or alive.

Closed Narrative:

A closed narrative is when the story is concluded at the end and all questions are answered. Most feature length films usually have a closed narrative. An example of a closed narrative film is Notting Hill (1999) in which the story ends showing the two main characters in the future getting married and having children.

Linear Narrative:

A linear narrative follows a story in chronological order (linear meaning straight line). This often makes films easier to follows however can be spread over long time periods. An example of a linear film spread over a long time is Bridget Jones Diary (2001) which takes place over a year. Mamma Mia (2008) is also a linear film but takes place over only two days.

Non-linear Narrative:

A Non-linear narrative does not follow chronological order in the telling of a story. Probably the most famous example of this is Pulp Fiction (1994) which uses a non-linear narrative to introduce the audience to each character, Quentin Tarantino uses this is many of his films although some do believe it makes films confusing and difficult to follow.  

Realist Narrative:

Realist narrative depicts the life of a certain sector of society, realism is often embellished or exaggerated to really hit home with an audience and demonstrate the struggles in society for some. Realist narratives often follow the lives of societies lower classes such as This is England (2006) displaying the lives of a family of skinheads in the midlands.

Anti-realist Narrative:

An anti-realist narrative shows a story with impossible, unrealistic elements like most sci-fi and horror films. Doctor Who is an excellent example of an anti-realist narrative as the time travel television show has been running for thirty six series.