What Is Narrative Structure?
Generally, the narrative structure of any work (be it film, play, or novel) can be divided into three sections, which is referred to as the three-act structure: setup, conflict, resolution.
ACT ONE: Act one is the set-up where all of the main characters and their basic situation are introduced, and contains the primary level of characterization (exploring the character's backgrounds and personalities). A problem is also introduced, which is what drives the story forward.
ACT TWO: Act two is the conflict which is the bulk of the story which begins when the incident (or catalyst) begins. This is the part in the story where the characters go through changes in their lives and a result of what is happening.
ACT THREE: The third act, or resolution is when the problem in the story boils over, forcing the characters to confront it, inevitably leading to the ending.
ACT ONE: Act one is the set-up where all of the main characters and their basic situation are introduced, and contains the primary level of characterization (exploring the character's backgrounds and personalities). A problem is also introduced, which is what drives the story forward.
ACT TWO: Act two is the conflict which is the bulk of the story which begins when the incident (or catalyst) begins. This is the part in the story where the characters go through changes in their lives and a result of what is happening.
ACT THREE: The third act, or resolution is when the problem in the story boils over, forcing the characters to confront it, inevitably leading to the ending.
THE WIZARD OF OZ
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To Explain the Three-act Structure even further I will show you how it applies in film. The film I have chosen to pick apart is the 'Wizard of Oz'.
ACT ONE: The main characters are introduced in their home of 'kansas' all helping out on their farm. The first problem that is introduced to drive the story forward is the hurricane that hits.
ACT TWO: The catalyst then begins. Which in this case is when the house lands in a strange location. This leaves the characters to go through changes in their lives because its a new destination that no one is familiar with. Also the main character is faced with the evil witch who tries to stop her from continuing on her journey
ACT THREE: At the end of the film the characters have to confront the problem (the witch) leaving the catalyst to boil over, allowing Dorothy to get home safely.
ACT ONE: The main characters are introduced in their home of 'kansas' all helping out on their farm. The first problem that is introduced to drive the story forward is the hurricane that hits.
ACT TWO: The catalyst then begins. Which in this case is when the house lands in a strange location. This leaves the characters to go through changes in their lives because its a new destination that no one is familiar with. Also the main character is faced with the evil witch who tries to stop her from continuing on her journey
ACT THREE: At the end of the film the characters have to confront the problem (the witch) leaving the catalyst to boil over, allowing Dorothy to get home safely.
There are several forms of Narrative Structure's.
Chronological/Linear
The most traditional and most common narrative structure is the linear or chronological one. Such a story is organized around a series of events and key moments that have often been labelled and ordered as follows: the rising action or precipitating incident, the conflict, the obligatory moment, the climax, the resolution, and the falling action.
The Fractured Narrative
Some writers and storytellers prefer to structure their narratives less linearly, so they are able to jump back and forth in time. If you think about scenes in films where there is a flashback, you'll get a sense for how time can be fractured or bent to alter or intensify a story.
Framed Narrative
Some stories are actually stories within other stories.
The Circular or Epic Narrative
Some tales end where they begin, with the hero or protagonist returning home after his epic journey.
Chronological/Linear
The most traditional and most common narrative structure is the linear or chronological one. Such a story is organized around a series of events and key moments that have often been labelled and ordered as follows: the rising action or precipitating incident, the conflict, the obligatory moment, the climax, the resolution, and the falling action.
The Fractured Narrative
Some writers and storytellers prefer to structure their narratives less linearly, so they are able to jump back and forth in time. If you think about scenes in films where there is a flashback, you'll get a sense for how time can be fractured or bent to alter or intensify a story.
Framed Narrative
Some stories are actually stories within other stories.
The Circular or Epic Narrative
Some tales end where they begin, with the hero or protagonist returning home after his epic journey.