Narrative Theory.

A 'narrative'? -
Narrative is the way the story is organised, which usually involves the sequence of events and the plot.

Elements of Narrative? -
- Time - E.g '24' is created in real time (the length of the programme in our time, is how long the programme covers in the characters life). However, in most films, the time covered could be many years, etc.
- Closure - This means that all the loose ends created by the text are tied up and everything is resolved, most satisfying for the audience. In the case of a possible sequel, there usually is one loose end left open to develop later.
- Enigma - This is a problem. It allows the text to be more interesting, which without an enigma; would be boring and no drama. For a text to reach closure, problems have to be solved.


Classical Hollywood Narratives:
- Linear - Meaning that one thing follows another; with the exception of Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction'. This film jumps back and forth in time, like many other Hollywood films, such as Eric Bress' and J. Mackye Gruber's 'The Butterfly Effect'.
- Few, if any, sub-plots - Again with the exception of 'Pulp Fiction'.
- Tendency towards closure - Again excluding films such as 'Pulp Fiction'.