The Future of Storytelling 1-3 | Story vs. Plot

Summary

This video explores the key distinction between 'story' and 'plot' as defined by film theorist David Bordwell. The story is described as a chronological series of events, while the plot is the order and presentation of these events, which may not necessarily follow the original sequence. Using the film *Memento* as an example, the video demonstrates how the plot can manipulate the presentation of events to alter the audience's experience. The script also touches on dramaturgy, focusing on how the plot is structured and reveals information, inviting viewers to dive deeper into narrative theory.

Takeaways

• 😀 A *story* is a chronological sequence of events, presented in their original order (e.g., A happens, then B, then C).
• 😀 A *plot* refers to how these events are presented to the audience, with the order, duration, and selection of events possibly altered.
• 😀 The *story* is the raw, linear progression of events, while the *plot* is the crafted narrative structure of how these events are conveyed.
• 😀 David Bordwell, a film theorist, is the source of the story/plot distinction and provides a framework for understanding narrative construction.
• 😀 The difference between *story* and *plot* is essential for understanding how narratives are manipulated and experienced in film and other media.
• 😀 An example of plot manipulation is Christopher Nolan's *Memento* (2000), where the plot is fragmented and presented in reverse order.
• 😀 *Dramaturgy* refers to the plot and how the story information is assembled and presented to the audience, not the original story structure itself.
• 😀 Storytelling can be flexible, with storytellers altering the chronological order or leaving out events to create a particular effect or focus.
• 😀 In studying narrative structures, it's important to consider both the large-scale structure of the entire story and the smaller, individual parts of the narrative.
• 😀 The course provides a reading list for those who want to explore these concepts further and understand the deeper aspects of story and plot structure.

Q & A

What is the difference between a story and a plot according to David Bordwell?

David Bordwell defines a story as a chronological, causal series of events, where each event follows in a linear order (A, then B, then C). The plot, however, is how those events are presented to the audience, which can involve rearranging the order, changing their duration, or omitting certain details.

How does Bordwell define the term 'story'?

The 'story' is the original, chronological sequence of events that occur in a causal order. It represents what happens in the narrative, in its natural, unaltered flow.

What does 'plot' refer to in the context of storytelling?

The plot refers to how the story's events are presented to the audience. This includes the order, duration, and inclusion or exclusion of certain events, which may be altered for dramatic or thematic reasons.

Can you provide an example of a film where the plot differs significantly from the story?

An example is the film *Memento* by Christopher Nolan, where the chronological order of the story is fragmented and presented in reverse, making the plot significantly different from the linear story.

What does the term 'dramaturgy' refer to in storytelling?

Dramaturgy refers to the presentation and organization of the story's information, which is part of the plot. It focuses on how the events are arranged and delivered to the audience, not the underlying chronological events.

Why is it important to differentiate between story and plot in understanding narrative structure?

Understanding the difference helps explain how filmmakers and storytellers manipulate the audience's experience by altering the order and presentation of events, which can create suspense, surprise, or emotional impact.

What role does manipulation of plot structure play in films like *Memento*?

In films like *Memento*, the manipulation of plot structure, such as presenting events in reverse, is used to engage the audience in a unique way, creating a puzzle-like narrative that challenges the viewer's perception and enhances the thematic elements of memory and identity.

What does it mean when the transcript mentions 'the way the story information is assembled'?

This refers to how the plot is constructed—how the events, details, and character actions are presented to the audience, which can involve changing their order or omitting some parts to control pacing, tension, and emotional impact.

What is meant by the 'linear story' that might lie underneath the plot?

The 'linear story' refers to the underlying sequence of events that occur chronologically in the narrative, which is separate from how the events are manipulated or rearranged in the plot.

How does understanding story structure benefit creators of films or narratives?

Understanding story structure allows creators to play with audience expectations, control pacing, and build narrative complexity. It gives them tools to experiment with how a story is told, not just what happens, which can deepen the audience's engagement and understanding.