Narrative Structures Lesson

Summary

This lesson introduces narrative structure, focusing on three common types: linear, nonlinear, and interactive. Linear narratives follow a chronological order, while nonlinear ones unfold out of sequence, and interactive narratives involve reader choices. The script also discusses key literary devices—foreshadowing, flashbacks, parallel narratives, and epistolary formats—found across different narrative structures. Examples from books like 'The Outsiders' and 'The Book Thief' illustrate these concepts. The lesson encourages students to analyze these devices in their reading and integrate them into their superhero writing projects.

Takeaways

• 📚 Narrative structure consists of three main types: linear, nonlinear, and interactive.
• 🔄 A linear narrative unfolds in chronological order, progressing from one event to the next, like in 'Star Girl.'
• ⏳ Nonlinear narratives tell stories out of sequence, often looping back to previous events, such as in 'The Outsiders' and 'The Book Thief.'
• 🎮 Interactive narratives allow the reader or player to make choices that influence the plot, common in video games but rare in literature.
• 🔮 Foreshadowing hints at future events, encouraging readers to pause and predict what will happen next, as seen in examples from 'The Outsiders.'
• 🕰 Flashbacks provide important backstory, filling gaps and explaining events in a way that freezes time and adds character depth.
• 📖 Parallel narratives follow multiple protagonists or storylines, often switching perspectives to create suspense or explore different angles of a larger story.
• 💌 Epistolary storytelling uses letters, diaries, emails, or other written documents to add realism and give voice to characters, as in 'The Outsiders.'
• 📝 Key literary devices such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, parallel narratives, and epistolary forms can be applied across all narrative structures.
• 🦸‍♂️ Students are encouraged to incorporate these narrative techniques in their upcoming superhero writing assignment, adding depth and creativity to their stories.

Q & A

What are the three common narrative structures mentioned in the script?

The three common narrative structures are linear, nonlinear, and interactive.

How does a linear narrative differ from a nonlinear narrative?

A linear narrative unfolds in chronological order, progressing from one event to the next in time. A nonlinear narrative, on the other hand, unfolds out of sequential order, often involving flashbacks or disjointed timelines.

Can a story with occasional flashbacks still be considered linear?

Yes, a story with occasional flashbacks can still be considered linear as long as the overall structure follows a chronological order.

What is an example of a nonlinear narrative from the script?

An example of a nonlinear narrative mentioned in the script is *The Outsiders*, where the story seems to follow a chronological order but is later revealed to have been told out of order.

What is the interactive narrative structure, and where is it commonly seen?

An interactive narrative structure allows the reader or player to make choices that influence the plot. It's most commonly seen in choose-your-own-adventure books and video games.

What is foreshadowing, and how should readers approach it?

Foreshadowing is a warning or indication of future events. Readers should not only recognize foreshadowing but also pause to consider its implications for the plot and make predictions about what will happen.

How does the script define flashbacks, and why are they used in stories?

A flashback is an interjection that takes the narrator back in time from the current point in the story. Flashbacks are used to fill in gaps in the story, reveal crucial backstory, and help develop characters.

What is a parallel narrative, and what purpose does it serve in a story?

A parallel narrative is a structure where multiple protagonists or storylines are followed simultaneously, often intertwining at some point. It can be used to create suspense or show different perspectives within a larger story.

What is an epistolary narrative, and how is it presented in stories?

An epistolary narrative uses letters, diaries, emails, or other written forms to tell a story. It can be presented through different fonts, spacing, or formats to distinguish it from the main narrative.

What techniques should students consider using in their superhero writing unit according to the script?

Students are encouraged to use techniques such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, epistolary elements (like letters or emails), and potentially even parallel narratives in their superhero stories.