Narrative Structure (Discussion)

Classical Hollywood cinema

Choose a classical film that everyone in your group has seen. Explain how it fits the classical implementation of:

1. Single protagonist
2. Exposition
3. Motivation
4. Narrative enigma
5. Cause-effect chain
6. Climax
7. Resolution

Group examples

• G1: Finding Nemo
• G2: Anchorman
• G3: Lion King
• G4: The Hangover

The television series

Break down the "Rudy's Sick" episode from the Cosby Show (13 December 1984) -- view all shots.

How many scenes does it have?

Explain how it does or does not exemplify conventional television-series narrative structure:

1. G2: Multiple protagonists
2. G2: Exposition
3. G3: Motivation
4. G3: Narrative problematic
5. G4: Cause-effect chain
6. G1: Climax
7. G1: Resolution

The television serial

• Contrast the serial with the series. Aside from the obvious lack of resolution in the serial, name (and be prepared to explain) three differences between the two in terms of narrative elements.
  • Exposition: starts in the middle (in medias res)
  • Segmented narrative, by narrative acts.
  • Even more protagonists
  • Narrative enigma continues across many episodes

Bibliography

1. Butler, Jeremy G. Television: Critical Methods and Applications. Mahweh, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2007.
2. TV Tropes: listing of numerous narrative conventions.