9.1 Classical Narrative Structure in Film

Classical narrative structure in film is like a roadmap for storytelling. It guides viewers through a journey of character growth, conflict, and resolution, creating an engaging and emotionally satisfying experience.

From exposition to resolution, this structure builds tension and investment. It uses cause-and-effect relationships to create a coherent story, allowing themes to develop naturally and resonate with audiences on a universal level.

Classical Narrative Structure in Film

Elements of classical narrative structure

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• Exposition introduces main characters, setting, and initial conflict establishes protagonist's goals and obstacles sets up story world and rules (Star Wars opening crawl)
• Rising action presents events that intensify conflict challenges protagonist and raises stakes builds tension leading to climax (Harry Potter facing increasingly dangerous challenges)
• Climax turning point or moment of highest tension protagonist faces ultimate challenge or makes crucial decision often involves confrontation with antagonist or resolution of main conflict (Neo's final battle with Agent Smith in The Matrix)
• Falling action shows consequences of climax and ties up loose ends depicts protagonist's new status quo or changed circumstances resolves subplots and secondary conflicts (Frodo's return to the Shire in The Lord of the Rings)
• Resolution (denouement) provides closure and sense of completion reveals final outcome for characters and their world offers satisfying conclusion aligning with story's themes and tone (Andy's redemption and freedom in The Shawshank Redemption)

Character and theme development

• Character development
  • Protagonists introduced early with clear goals, motivations, and flaws (Luke Skywalker's desire for adventure and naivety)
  • Supporting characters serve specific functions in protagonist's journey (Hermione's intelligence and Ron's loyalty helping Harry)
  • Character arcs show growth, change, or realization through story's events (Rick Blaine's transformation from cynical neutrality to self-sacrifice in Casablanca)
• Conflict
  • External conflicts pit protagonist against antagonistic forces characters, society, or nature (Katniss vs. the Capitol in The Hunger Games)
  • Internal conflicts explore protagonist's psychological struggles, moral dilemmas, or personal growth (Hamlet's indecision and inner turmoil)
  • Conflicts escalate throughout rising action, building towards climax (Marlin's increasingly perilous journey to find Nemo)
• Themes
  • Central ideas or messages woven into narrative through character actions, dialogue, symbolism (power of love in Titanic)
  • Themes tied to protagonist's journey and resolution of conflicts (importance of hope in The Shawshank Redemption)
  • Recurring motifs, visual cues, narrative patterns reinforce film's themes (green light representing Gatsby's unattainable dream)

Cause-effect in linear storytelling

• Cause-and-effect events logically connected, each action leading to consequential reaction (Mufasa's death leading to Simba's exile in The Lion King)
  • Character decisions and plot points motivated by preceding events and influence subsequent developments (Forrest's actions shaping historical events in Forrest Gump)
  • Coincidences or deus ex machina resolutions generally avoided to maintain plausibility (Truman's realization of his reality in The Truman Show)
• Linear storytelling
  1. Narrative follows chronological order, progressing from beginning to middle to end
  2. Flashbacks or non-linear sequences used sparingly to reveal backstory or provide context (Citizen Kane's "Rosebud" mystery)
  3. Story's timeline compressed, focusing on most significant events and omitting irrelevant details (Rocky's training montages)

Effectiveness of classical narratives

• Emotional engagement
  • Clear goals, obstacles, stakes established in exposition create audience investment in characters (Woody's fear of abandonment in Toy Story)
  • Rising action and conflict escalation keep viewers engaged and eager to see outcome (Clarice's pursuit of Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs)
  • Climax provides emotionally satisfying payoff rewarding audience's investment (Darth Vader's redemption in Return of the Jedi)
• Coherence and clarity
  • Linear, cause-and-effect structure makes story easy to follow and understand (Marty McFly's time travel adventures in Back to the Future)
  • Character motivations and plot developments clearly established and logically connected (Carl's journey in Up driven by love for Ellie)
  • Themes and messages effectively conveyed through story's structure and resolution (importance of family in The Godfather)
• Universality and resonance
  • Classical narrative structure taps into fundamental human experiences and emotions (love, loss, and redemption in Casablanca)
  • Archetypal characters and conflicts allow audiences to identify with and relate to story (hero's journey in Star Wars)
  • Resolution offers catharsis and insight, leaving lasting impact on viewers (Andy's hard-won freedom in The Shawshank Redemption)