Narrative Structure

Story - The story of a film is basically the contents of the film. The story is what happens in film film written by the writer or writers.

Narrative - The narrative of a film is the way in which the story is told.

There are two main times of narrative; linear and non-linear. The standard narrative of most film is linear, meaning that the story is chronological (everything happens in real time). Examples of linear films are 'The Avengers', 'Up' and 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'
 Non-linear films tell the story non-chronologically, where parts or the story aren't shown in order. Examples of non-linear films are 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Memento', which appear to have random or reverse narratives.

Non linear films are more commonly portrayed as people in the present having flashbacks of the past. Films like 'Titanic', 'Forrest Gump' and 'The Curios Case of Benjamin Button' are all non-linear flashback films.


3 Act Narrative Structure

Beginning - Introduction to characters and key locations. The general feel of the film is established and the problem is vaguely introduced

Middle - The problem is declared, and characters start to come up with ideas to solve the problem

End - The problem is solves and they all live happily ever after



5 Act Classic Hollywood Structure

Exposition - Introduced to characters and key locations


Development - Get to know more about the characters (Personalities and Traits)


Complication - Something goes wrong



Climax - The problem becomes solved


Resolution - Everybody lives happily ever after



Below is the narrative structure of the film 'Pulp Fiction' in chronological order. It shows the events of the film as if the film were shown linearly.