Narrative Structure

Define Narrative: A story or a description of a series of events.

The sequence of events in narrative cinema revolves around the concept of 'cause and affect' otherwise known as;

Causality: Cause and Affect 

'A narrative is a sequence of events taking place in time and space, in a casual relationship. A sequence of random events does not make a narrative' David Bordwell and Kirstin Thompson, Film Art; An introduction.

-Refers to the way in which mainstream are moved forward by the scene or event having been caused by one earlier. 

Elements of Narrative:

Plot + Story

Explicitly Presented.

AND implied events. Events which are not on screen but are implied.

The resolution: to an extent the audience expects to see problems within the film resolved at the end. However film makers can leave the audience feel unease if they do not provide the answers hoped, by using more of a open narrative structure. Wider issues may be raised.

Types of Structure:

Open Structure - The viewer, listener or reader is left wondering what happened.
Closed Structure - Narrative has a structured ending.
Single Strand Narrative - One set storyline/Plot.
Multi-Strand Narrative - Several storyline within one film ect.
Investigative Narrative - The spectator has to read into the storyline, disiferring an elaborate plot.(Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy)
Linear Structure - The story plays out in a chronological fashion. (Blockbusters would house this simple structure to make it an easier, more enjoyable watch)
Non-Linear Structure - Not in chronological order; action out of sequence.
Restricted  Narrative - A story from one persons perspective. (127 Hours)

Unrestricted Narrative - Story told from the point of view of many different characters.

Narrative Devices: Anything that helps the flow and understanding of the story.

Voiceovers, that 'carries' the story and leads the viewer through it. May take the form of a narrator.