Narrative Structure: Linear and Non-Linear Narratives

A narrative is a story that includes plot, characters, setting, climax and resolution.Linear narratives present stories in a logical manner by telling what happens from one point in time to the next without using flashbacks or flash-forwards and then returning to the present. This form of narrative goes in a straight line and starts at the beginning, continuing to the middle of the story before finishing at the end.

However, a Nonlinear Narrative usually jumps around the timeline of events using flashbacks and flash forwards. This form of narrative can be confusing for the viewer as the narrative does not always start from the beginning and the whole story can be told out of order. Nonlinear Narratives can also include parallel plot lines, dream immersions or the narration of another story inside the plot lines.