RESEARCH
CONVENTIONS OF NARRATIVE
Narrative Conventions refers to the elements and techniques used by a writer to make meaning in a story. This includes elements such as characters, setting, plot and point of view.
5 DIFFERENT NARRATIVE CONVENTIONS
This is the time and place the narrative occurs. Setting is one of the components of the mise-en-scene. The setting is used to provide us with information on where the action takes place, as well as to introduce themes, represent contrast and mood, and provide a contrast. Therefore the setting can have a metaphorical and physical impact on the audience.
For example if we look at Suits a TV Series, just from the introduction we already know that it is set in the present time due to the way people are dressed, the modern cars and technology used, even down to the designed transitions of shots used in editing, showing that it is in a modern time. Its also clear the location of the shows location is around New York city, showing us the american flag, iconic building landscapes and the yellow taxis and hot dog stands, giving the audience a clear indication of the time and setting before the show has even started. In regards to time and place, different camera shots at the begging generally give the audience the information they need to acknowledge the time period and the place it is set in.
The settings used in a film can also help introduce themes and ideas to the viewers. For example in the Superman film, Superman goes to his fortress in the arctic. The desolate cold arctic setting and the empty interior of ice symbolises Superman's feelings of isolation, and the reflection he has in this setting reveals many of the films themes. The mood can also be illustrated by the setting, the mood is the atmosphere/emotional quality of the narrative. one example is through the use of colours used in the setting, if it is a happy scene, the setting can be in a scenic place, with warm colours like reds and orange. Where as if it was supposed to be an upsetting atmosphere or scary, dark gloomy and cold colours like blues, greys and black, these are likely to be used within the setting to help the viewers feel the emotion within the scene more.
Conflict is two opposing forces that drives the narrative.
Breaking this down further you get internal and external conflict, Internal conflict is a conflict that exists between the thoughts and the thoughts and desires within the mind of a character. External conflict is some form of conflict that occurs outside the character. |
Using the convention of characterisation is whats used to reveal the personality of a character.
You can have direct and indirect characterisation. Direct characterisation is where statements are made about the character in oppose to indirect where its revealed through his appearance, actions, private thoughts, speech and the responses from other characters. CHARACTER CONVENTIONS
Narrative points of view are shown through the use of camera shots and dialogue, the point of view is the vantage point from which the narrative is told. The three I have mentioned above are the main point of views used within a narrative/film. Although we can break these down into further detail:
First Person - This view is normally told by a character and commonly the protagonist ( main character) in the film. Therefore the information we receive is normally limited to that characters knowledge of the events that unfold within a film. Using a first person point of view helps us to see that character and the story from their point of view, we get a more in-depth view of their thoughts, feelings, emotions and motivations. But this then means as a viewer, we don't fully get to see the thoughts, emotions and motivations of the other characters in the story, we only see the story that unfolds through one perspective. You have two types of first person perspectives:
Third Person - For this point of view, it is essential that the narrative is an uninvolved person that conveys the story, and not a character within the film. There are different types of third person point of views these are:
|
Harvard Referencing
James England. (unknown). Narrative Conventions Flsh Cards. Available: https://quizlet.com/19593829/narrative-conventions-flash-cards/. Last accessed 7th Nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). Narrative Conventions. Available: https://fahs12mediastudies.wikispaces.com/2.+Narrative+Conventions. Last accessed 7th Nov 2017.
Spencer Davis - teacher. (unknown). Narrative conventions and terms.Available: https://quizlet.com/140278619/narrative-conventions-terms-flash-cards/. Last accessed 7th Nov 2017.
Jamie licosati. (unknown). character and dramatic conventions .Available: https://quizlet.com/141536347/character-and-dramatic-conventions-flash-cards/. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). Hero. Available: https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB764GB764&q=hero+definition&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiw3-z7qL7XAhWR0RoKHbhJCK0QvwUIJSgA&biw=1920&bih=974. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). villain. Available: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=villain+definition&rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB764GB764&oq=villain+definition&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.7351j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
James England. (unknown). Narrative Conventions Flsh Cards. Available: https://quizlet.com/19593829/narrative-conventions-flash-cards/. Last accessed 7th Nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). Narrative Conventions. Available: https://fahs12mediastudies.wikispaces.com/2.+Narrative+Conventions. Last accessed 7th Nov 2017.
Spencer Davis - teacher. (unknown). Narrative conventions and terms.Available: https://quizlet.com/140278619/narrative-conventions-terms-flash-cards/. Last accessed 7th Nov 2017.
Jamie licosati. (unknown). character and dramatic conventions .Available: https://quizlet.com/141536347/character-and-dramatic-conventions-flash-cards/. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). Hero. Available: https://www.google.co.uk/search?rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB764GB764&q=hero+definition&spell=1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiw3-z7qL7XAhWR0RoKHbhJCK0QvwUIJSgA&biw=1920&bih=974. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). villain. Available: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=villain+definition&rlz=1C1GGRV_enGB764GB764&oq=villain+definition&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.7351j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
Narrative structure is the structural framework that underlines the order/structure in which the narrative is presented to the audience. Narrative structure is primarily about the content of the story and the form used to tell the story. The story and plot.
Different narrative structures provide different frameworks to unfold a story, these structures are categorised into different narrative conventions.
Different narrative structures provide different frameworks to unfold a story, these structures are categorised into different narrative conventions.
CONVENTIONS OF NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
MULTI - STRAND NARRATIVEMulti-strand narrative, also known as thread structure or multiple plot narrative, don't follow one story line like a linear narrative would. With multi-strand, multiple story lines occur and intertwine and normally the different strands or narrative all link in certain way for example carrying the same overall theme or message but carried out through different stories. Or they all end up connecting at the end or overlap at certain points.
Multi-strand narrative is commonly used with in TV series, for example casualty commonly uses three different strands at the episode starts and gradually interweaves them together as the episode develops. With having a multi-strand narrative you can use an editing technique of showing a split-screen narrative, this is a way to show two different strands at the exact same time on screen.
NON - LINEAR/CHRONOLOGICAL NARRATIVEA non-chronological narrative is where the timeline of a story is disrupted, this is where time does not flow in its normal start to finish order, this type of narrative structure is usually used within a multi-strand narrative.
|
LINEAR/CHRONOLOGICAL NARRATIVEA Linear story follows a straight, single path, from beginning, middle to end. Linear stories are commonly told in chronological and in a logical manner, they tell us one point to the next point in time without using flashbacks or forwards. Linear narratives follows a similar structure, the introduction sets the tone and theme of the story, which is then followed by the rising action which brings us to the stories climax, followed by the fall in action and brings us to the ending of the narrative. This links in well and follows the conventions of Todorovs' theory. Todorovs' theory suggests that all narratives follow a three staged structure which is that they begin with an equilibrium, then progresses to a disruption of that equilibrium and finally lead to a resolution and the equilibrium is then restored.
CIRCULAR NARRATIVEThis is where a story starts at its end point, which then circles back to relate the events that led up to this point.
OPEN STRUCTURED NARRATIVEThis is where the narrative has an open/uncertain ending, which means the ending is left to the audiences own interpretation about how the story ends.
CLOSED STRUCTURED NARRATIVEThis is when the narrative has a definite ending, this means the audience are given a clean cut, indisputable ending.
|
Harvard Referencing
cocohead781. (31 oct 2017). Narrative structure. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). What is narrative structure. Available: http://thecinematheque.ca/education/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LanguageofFilm01.pdf. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). Narrative structure. Available: http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/definitions/narrative-structure-41. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
Spencer Davis - teacher. (unknown). Narrative conventions and terms.Available: https://quizlet.com/140278619/narrative-conventions-terms-flash-cards/. Last accessed 8th Nov 2017.
Stavros Halvatzis. (unknown). What is a multi strand narrative.Available: http://stavroshalvatzis.com/story-design/what-is-multistrand-narrative. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
Andy Wallis. (2010). Narrative. Available: https://www.slideshare.net/andywallis/narrative-5865177. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
BBC Bitesize. (unknown). Narrative Techniques. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zgydhv4/revision/2. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
Cara Betema . (unknown). What is a linear narrative. Available: http://education.seattlepi.com/linear-narrative-6001.html. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
Yvonne Maphosa. (2013). Todorovs narrative theory. Available: https://prezi.com/y5gvfc_pngwb/todorovs-narrative-theory/. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
cocohead781. (31 oct 2017). Narrative structure. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). What is narrative structure. Available: http://thecinematheque.ca/education/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LanguageofFilm01.pdf. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
unknown. (unknown). Narrative structure. Available: http://www.chegg.com/homework-help/definitions/narrative-structure-41. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
Spencer Davis - teacher. (unknown). Narrative conventions and terms.Available: https://quizlet.com/140278619/narrative-conventions-terms-flash-cards/. Last accessed 8th Nov 2017.
Stavros Halvatzis. (unknown). What is a multi strand narrative.Available: http://stavroshalvatzis.com/story-design/what-is-multistrand-narrative. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
Andy Wallis. (2010). Narrative. Available: https://www.slideshare.net/andywallis/narrative-5865177. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
BBC Bitesize. (unknown). Narrative Techniques. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zgydhv4/revision/2. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
Cara Betema . (unknown). What is a linear narrative. Available: http://education.seattlepi.com/linear-narrative-6001.html. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
Yvonne Maphosa. (2013). Todorovs narrative theory. Available: https://prezi.com/y5gvfc_pngwb/todorovs-narrative-theory/. Last accessed 8th nov 2017.
CONVENTIONS OF PARALLEL EDITING
Parallel editing, which is similar to cross cutting, is where the editor crosses between two scenes (usually two scenes that are happening at the same time), it allows two or more simultaneous sets of action to unfold within a film sequence. Cross cutting and parallel editing is used to build up suspense to the audience, it also gives them the idea that something is about to happen at the same time as something else, it builds up the tension. Its also used to provide multiple points of view, or to help the viewers see the bigger picture of the events that unfold. Both techniques are used to show the audience the connection between two or more sequences within the narrative (commonly action sequences). However both techniques are slightly different, cross cutting allows you to show different time periods. Where as parallel editing is two separate events that happen simultaneously.
Harvard Referencing
lauren holgatex. (2012). conventions and techniques. Available: http://filmvideoeditingtechniques.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/parallelediting-is-where-editor-crosses.html. Last accessed 9th nov 2017.
Harry Bilk. (unknown). conventions and techniques. Available: http://harrybilkunit16.blogspot.co.uk/p/conventions-techniques-cross-cutting.html. Last accessed 9th nov 2017.
lauren holgatex. (2012). conventions and techniques. Available: http://filmvideoeditingtechniques.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/parallelediting-is-where-editor-crosses.html. Last accessed 9th nov 2017.
Harry Bilk. (unknown). conventions and techniques. Available: http://harrybilkunit16.blogspot.co.uk/p/conventions-techniques-cross-cutting.html. Last accessed 9th nov 2017.
CONVENTIONS OF FLASHBACKS
Flashbacks are a cut in scene that takes the narrative back in time from the current point in the story. Flashbacks can be used in a number of different ways within a narrative. One way is to introduce events that are not happening in the current story, for example a backstory. Other ways it is used is to hint at events that are to follow, to deepen a characters development, discourse time, for dramatic tension. And also can be used to introduce a plot twist.
Sarah Moore. (Unknown). How the techniques of flashback. Available: http://education.seattlepi.com/techniques-flashback-foreshadowing-can-dramatic-effect-piece-writing-5044.html. Last accessed 9th Nov 2017
N/A. (last edited 2017). Flashback (Narrative). Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashback_(narrative). Last accessed 9th Nov 2017..
N/A. (last edited 2017). Flashback (Narrative). Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashback_(narrative). Last accessed 9th Nov 2017..
CODES AND CONVENTIONS USED IN FILMS
THE GODFATHER
- The Godfather has a linear narrative but at points the narrative becomes multi-strand and parallel editing is used, Francis Coppola used this narrative technique to highlight important moments in the film. He has multi strand and parallel editing at these points to help the viewer to really feel the intensity of these important moments going on at the same time, it also grips your attention as you are watching all these important moments unfolding at once. The Godfather uses continuous action, presenting the events in the sequence they occur, with time lapses between some scenes.
- The Godfather has a strong film setting, it has been filmed in the place and looks like the time the story occurs, the setting illustrates the time, place and era of the story really well, which means the setting creates the appropriate mood and atmosphere for the narrative.
- The use of conventional characters is also used within The Godfather, this helps the audience to establish the different traits of the characters, Michael being a dynamic character and the protagonist of the film. With many of the characters being the conventional unsympathetic characters (The audience do not like and aren't meant to sympathise with), especially Sollozo who is also follows the convention of a foil with Don Vito, this is where one character (Sollozo) has a contrast and attitude that contrasts with another character (Don Vito) which then highlights to the audience both of the characters traits (Sollozo is seen as more of a bad man, wanting to get into the drug business where as Don Vito does not).
- The convention of narrative point of view is used successfully in the godfather it is used to illustrate the power shift from Don Vito to Michael. At the beginning of the film we know the story as Vito's and his perception is the only one that matters. As the film progresses, and Michael's involvement in the family business grows and he becomes a more important character in the story, we then have a shift of the stories point of view. They have used the convention of narrative point of view to illustrate the transition of power in the narrative, from Don Vito to Michael.
- Conflict is a heavily used convention within The Godfather, you see multiple types of conflict occur within The Godfather
FIGHT CLUB
- Fight Club uses a very unique narrative, the film is self narrated by the main character using the convention ,point of view by having the narrative told through a 1st person point of view.
- The film is told through a non linear narrative structure and the convention flashbacks is used to tell the story in the non-linear format, in fact, the whole film Is a massive flashback as the film begins at the ending and you then see the events that unfold that lead to the ending of the narrative, which you are partially shown at the start. Using a cliff hanger at the beginning and using constant flashbacks throughout the film captures the attention of the audience and makes the narrative thought provoking throughout the film as you are left constantly trying to piece the narrative together. It leaves the audience in a state of confusion and intrigued to carry on watching to find out how it got to this point.
- Character conventions are used well within fight club to help illustrate the traits, personality and intentions of the characters in the film. The two main character traits used are the Protagonist (Jack) and the Antagonist (Tyler), these two conventions of characters are what the whole narrative is about.
- The whole of Fight Clubs narrative is based on the convention conflict, between the protagonist and antagonist, which appears to be convention of person against person conflict as it is between these two types of characters but technically it is overall the convention of conflict against one's self. But due to Jacks mental state being a physical character in the film, both of these conventions are used/applied to the narrative.