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Narrative Structure; The Key to Order in Your Writing

“Narrative becomes the way you make sense of chaos. That’s how you focus the world. ”

― Dennis Lehane

And to make sense of that chaos in your storyline, one of the most important tool is the narrative structure. A good narrative structure, which is also known as the story framework, keeps readers interested. It generates flow while also increasing anticipation and tension. It allows you to control the story’s rhythm and present the story in the most impactful way possible.

So, What is the narrative structure?

The narrative structure is the framework that shapes a story. It’s the way you organize the plot, characters, setting, and events to create a cohesive and engaging reading experience.

Narrative structure refers to the way the events in a story are arranged and presented to the reader. It determines the order in which things happen, the pacing, and how information is revealed. It includes key components like the plot (what happens), characters (who it happens to), setting (where and when), and point of view (who’s telling the story).

As a creative group of people, powerful writers developed different types of narrative structures. However, the most common ones are what we typically find. Here is a breakdown of a few common forms of narrative structure in simple terms:

1. Linear Structure: This is the classic “beginning, middle, and end” structure. The story follows a clear chronological order, with an introduction that sets the scene and introduces characters, a conflict or problem that arises in the middle, and a resolution that ties up loose ends at the story’s conclusion. Think of a fairy tale — “Once upon a time…” introduces the beginning, the hero faces a villain (conflict), and then triumphs or learns a lesson (resolution).
2. Non-Linear Structure: This type of story jumps around in time, using flashbacks or flash-forwards to weave the narrative. It can be a bit more complex, but it allows authors to reveal information gradually or build suspense by keeping readers guessing about the timeline. Imagine a mystery novel where the story starts with the crime scene (not the beginning) and then jumps back to reveal the events leading up to it.
3. Quest Structure: This structure is all about a journey, often with a hero or protagonist on a mission to achieve something. They face challenges and obstacles along the way, and the story follows their growth and development as they overcome these hurdles. Think of a fantasy adventure where the hero needs to find a magical object (quest) and faces dragons and puzzles (challenges) to get it.
4. Circular Structure: This type of story starts and ends in the same place, creating a sense of completeness or returning to the original situation. It might explore themes of cyclical events, inevitable outcomes, or the passage of time. Imagine a story about a character who keeps repeating the same mistake until they finally learn a lesson, ending where they began but with a changed perspective.
5. Episodic Structure: This structure is common in TV shows or serialized stories where each episode or chapter can stand alone but also contributes to a larger storyline. There might be an overarching plot, but each episode focuses on a specific event or challenge. Think of a sitcom where each episode features a new funny situation but the characters and their overall relationships develop over time across multiple episodes.

In the end, whether you’re writing a short story or a novel, understanding narrative structure is crucial for crafting a compelling and well-organized piece of writing. Also remember, there are no strict rules! Narrative structures can be flexible and creative. The key is to choose a structure that best serves the story you’re trying to tell.