Planning: Narrative Structure

Narrative Structure of Films

Typical narrative structure is often broken down in this way:

1. Opening: establishes setting and introduces character

2. Build up: Relationships established. Development of characters and their world

3. Problem: a dilemma or series of complications. Characters are faced with an obstacle to overcome a mystery to solve, or often more than one

4. Events: a series of events/action as characters try to overcome obstacle, solve problem, discover truth and so on. Further complications may arise in the process

5. Resolution: the protagonists are victorious, problems are solved, truth revealed

6. Ending: characters reflect on events, reinstate relationships and look forward.


Narrative Structure of Trailers


The narrative structure of a film trailer could be simply shortened to this:


Opening
Build Up
Problem
Events