Class Notes

http://haydonmedia.co.uk/

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-media-studies-h140-h540/

Narrative Terms:

Linear: linear narratives follow a straight line — starting at the beginning, moving to the middle and proceeding to the end of the story

Non-linear: a non-linear narrative often starts at the middle of a story or the height of a conflict and then double-backs to the beginning. Another, albeit more challenging, non-linear narrative form employs flashbacks and “flashforwards” to keep the reader on his toes as the writer tells the full story.

Circular:  circular narrative is a narrative that has certain plot points repeated. we see this demonstrated in many modern films, such as Fight Club and Swordfish.

Parallel Narrative: a parallel narrative is two narrated parts of a story set in the same place and same time.
 
OMNISCIENT NARRATIVE:

Other films give audiences a God-Like perspective. In these films we see much more than the main characters. We see events that they don’t and might be aware of others plotting against them This is referred to as an omniscient narrative.

RESTRICTED NARRATIVE :

If a director really wants us to feel part of the film’s narrative, they can add to this feeling by giving us a restricted narrative viewpoint. In a restricted narrative the audience only get to know as much as the characters do. This way we are as puzzled as they are and have to work out what is going to happen as the film goes along, just as they do.