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Understanding Narrative Structures

The document discusses different narrative structures used in literature. It describes the typical three-part or five-part plot diagram structure used in novels, novellas, and short stories. It also outlines the five-act structure commonly used in plays, with each act corresponding to a part of the plot diagram. Additionally, it covers the "Hero's Journey" narrative structure often used in epics, myths, legends and fairy tales, where the protagonist goes on a journey and acts as a hero. The document provides examples of these different narrative structures and states that Storyboard That has compiled resources on structures like the five-act play, plot diagram, and Hero's Journey.

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Jhoi Enriquez Colas Palomo
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137 views3 pages

Understanding Narrative Structures

The document discusses different narrative structures used in literature. It describes the typical three-part or five-part plot diagram structure used in novels, novellas, and short stories. It also outlines the five-act structure commonly used in plays, with each act corresponding to a part of the plot diagram. Additionally, it covers the "Hero's Journey" narrative structure often used in epics, myths, legends and fairy tales, where the protagonist goes on a journey and acts as a hero. The document provides examples of these different narrative structures and states that Storyboard That has compiled resources on structures like the five-act play, plot diagram, and Hero's Journey.

Uploaded by

Jhoi Enriquez Colas Palomo
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Name: ____________________________________ Year and Section: _____________________

Quarter: ________________________ Date: _______________________________

What are Narrative Structures?


Literature has many forms, and each form has its own unique structure for telling a story. When
studying, teaching, or learning about narration in literature, it is also important to understand its underlying
arrangement. How is it created? What are the parts of a story? What aspects differ from one form to
another?

The primary types of narrative structure, or story structure, come in these forms:

 Novels
 Poems or Poetry
 Drama or Plays
 Short Stories
 Novellas
 Myths, Legends, Folktales, Fairy Tales, and Epics

For novels, novellas, and short stories, you will see that the typical pattern of three or five parts of a
story. This is referred to as the plot diagram. It is the foundation of many other structures and is the most
commonly used. It can also be applied to other forms of media, like movies and TV shows.

A similar diagram can be used for understanding the patterns of drama or plays. This is known as the
Five Act Structure. It too has five parts, each act coinciding with one part of the narrative diagram.
Shakespeare was famous for structuring his plays in five acts: Act I is the introduction, Act II is the rising
action, Act III the climax, Act IV the falling action, and Act V the resolution or denouement. This
pattern is widely successful, and has been used by many playwrights.

Lastly, the narrative structure used for epics and some myths, legends, folktales, and fairy tales is often
the "Hero's Journey", sometimes referred to as the Monomyth. Not every story will fit this structure, but it is
commonly used for these types of narratives when the protagonist is considered a "hero". A famous example
would be The Odyssey, a Greek epic where the hero, Odysseus, is forced to live, lost at sea, because of
Poseidon's ill will towards him. Modern examples can be found in Disney movies animated adventures such
as Toy Story or Finding Nemo.

Here at Storyboard That, we have compiled articles and storyboards created about the different
structures of literature: Five Act Structure, types of Shakespearean plays, the plot diagram, and the Hero’s
Journey.
Narrative arcs and the prototypical “Plot Diagram” are essential for building literary comprehension
and appreciation. Plot diagrams allow students to pick out major themes in the text, trace changes
to major characters over the course of the narrative, and hone their analytic skills. Lessons
emphasizing these skills meet many Common Core Standards for English Language Arts
([Link]-Literacy). The concepts not only give students a fuller understanding of classroom texts,
but also their favorite books and movies.
Elements of Plot
Beginning Middle End

 Exposition  Rising Action  Falling Action


 Conflict  Climax  Resolution

Common questions

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The Five Act Structure used in dramas and plays is heavily influenced by Shakespearean models, with acts designated as introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution . Shakespeare's plays exemplified and standardized this format, facilitating its adoption by later playwrights due to its effectiveness in building tension and resolving complex narratives .

Different narrative structures shape a reader's or viewer's perception by influencing the emphasis on characters, themes, and plot development stages. For instance, a plot diagram emphasizes conflict and resolution, whereas the Hero's Journey highlights transformation and moral lessons . This can affect engagement and interpretation depth, adding layers to comprehension and enjoyment .

Themes and character changes are crucial in defining the narrative arc as they provide the underlying message and portray the protagonist's journey through the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, allowing readers to trace development and conclusions in the plot diagram .

The 'Hero's Journey' narrative structure, often associated with myths, legends, and epics, focuses on the protagonist's transformative adventure, characterized by stages such as 'Call to Adventure,' 'Mentor Assistance,' and 'Return with Elixir' . In contrast, the traditional plot diagram typically found in novels and short stories involves a linear progression through exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, centering more on the escalation and resolution of central conflicts rather than a hero's transformation .

Plot diagrams fulfill Common Core Standards by aiding students in identifying key narrative components and themes, tracking changes in characters, and developing analytical skills, thereby meeting requirements for textual analysis, critical thinking, and comprehension in English Language Arts .

A plot diagram includes exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, contributing to storytelling by structuring the narrative to build tension, develop characters, and deliver a conclusive message, guiding the audience through the story's arc .

Teaching narrative structures such as the plot diagram and Hero's Journey enhances literary comprehension and appreciation by helping students identify major themes, track character development, and improve analytic skills . These structures align with Common Core Standards in English Language Arts, fostering a deeper understanding of both classroom texts and broader media .

'The Odyssey' is well-suited for the Hero's Journey structure because it centers around Odysseus's transformative adventure across various lands, his encounters with mythical creatures, and his eventual return home, which aligns with stages such as 'Call to Adventure,' 'Trials and Tribulations,' and 'Return with Elixir' that define the Hero's Journey .

The Five Act Structure is effective because it facilitates a clear progression of narrative stages — introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution — which are crucial for creating suspense and delivering coherent stories. In modern storytelling, it is applied in films and stage productions to maintain audience engagement and ensure a satisfying resolution .

Understanding narrative structures enhances appreciation by allowing readers to recognize the unique elements and techniques of each literary form, such as how novels develop intricate plots, plays utilize dramatic tension across acts, and epics showcase expansive journeys and transformations, which deepens engagement and critical understanding .

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