Task 1: Part C

Narrative Structure: The narrative structure is not the same as the plot/story. The narrative structure
involves the structure of how the plot plays out. Without the narrative structure, the plot would
have no form. The plot involves everything that happens within the story, however, the narrative
structure involves how the audience see the plot carry out. There are different types of narrative
structure which show the plot in different ways.
Linear narrative structure: The linear structure involves the plot being carried out in chronological
order. This is where there is a clear beginning, middle and end. The plot doesnt start in the middle
of the story but shows the events occurring in a chronological order.
Examples of TV programmes the follow a linear structure include: Skins and Outnumbered.
Nonlinear structure: The nonlinear narrative structure is much more complicated and uses different
techniques to appeal to audiences. This type of narrative structure can start from anywhere in the
plot, this can be the middle or even the ending. Techniques used are:
Flashbacks: Flashbacks are when a character remembers a scene or memory from the past in which
the audience can see. They are mainly used to show a characters background or history.
Flash-forwards: The opposite of flashbacks in which the scene/ memory shows the future of a
character/ characters.
Examples of TV programmes that use a nonlinear structure include: Glue and Lost.
A theme within the narrative structure is whether or not a plot shows realism or not.
Realism: This is where the plot involves storylines that are realistic and happen in real life. This could
be storylines that feature pregnancy, death or underage sex.
Examples of TV programmes that feature realism include: Skins, Waterloo Road and My Mad Fat
Diary.
Anti- realism: This is mainly the opposite of realism in which TV programmes feature unrealistic plot
lines involving stories that do not happen in everyday life or to most audience members.
Examples of TV programmes that feature an anti- realism approach include: Misfits, The Sparticle
Mystery and House of Anubis.
Open and closed narratives are used in programmes at the end of each episode.
Open narratives: When a programme ends with an open narrative it usually means that the ending
hasnt really ended, even though the episode may have finished. This is where an enigma or certain
questions have been left unanswered. Majority of TV programmes with open narrative structures
end with a cliff-hanger. This results in the audience needing another episode so they can see what
has happened to any characters or have their own questions answered. This type of ending is
normally used in most soap operas. Furthermore, soap operas use this to show more than one
characters life or plot lines. This is how programmes can introduce new characters and storylines.
Examples of TV programmes that feature open narratives: EastEnders, Neighbours, Hollyoaks, Home
and Away.
Closed narratives: This is the opposite of the open narrative structure. Closed narratives have a clear
ending in which any conflict is resolved and any enigma within the plot is answered. Although closed

narratives are used mainly in movies, some TV programmes still use this type of ending structure.
Although sequels or continuing episodes can still be made, the closed narrative structure shows a
conclusion within the episode/ film. Some crime dramas use this when the criminal is prosecuted at
the end of an episode.
Examples of TV programmes that use the closed narrative structure: CSI: LAS VEGAS, Midsomer
Murders.