Kirsten Imani Kasai
Narrative Structure Taxonomy
MM (multimedia model)—an interactive structural model that uses audio, visual, or technological components
Narrative structure catalog—an expansive list of identified narrative structures
ND (narrative diagram)—a drawing, illustration, chart etc. of a narrative structure
NM (narrative model)—refers to specific narrative formats (Arrow, Mosaic, et al.)
Structural Model—a tactile, three-dimensional representation of a narrative model
A chronological narrative that proceeds without interruption through the time frame of the story.
(A happened, then B happened, then C happened…)
_Examples:
Combing arrow and cluster narrative styles, a sequence of scenes or chapters tied together by a common plotline.
Subplot=pearl, main plot=string. �(Most episodic television series are structured this way. Each episode has its own subplot while the main plot continues throughout the entire season).
_Example: _
One can contextualize this form within other narrative frameworks, such as The Hero’s Journey, as described by mythologist Joseph Campbell.
CHP 1--Engine: establishes tone, POV, setting, themes. Pulls the weight of the book.
CHPs--Train cars: call to action, conflict, rising action, climax, etc.
Chapters linked through transitions (shared idea, image, continuing plot, next-step action, etc.)
Caboose: summarizes plot, concludes the story with final idea, image, statement or question.
Two or more narrators tell a tale in sequential/chronological order. There may be overlap but each narrator moves the story significantly forward on their own.
Examples:
Two or more narrators who provide conflicting perspectives or recountings of the same events.
Shared yet divergent POV.
Example:
Loosely related chapters, vignettes, short stories or sections that when taken together, comprise a thematic whole.
They may share imagery, words/phrases, characters, scenery, etc. In this model, the tiles are the chapters and the shared elements are the grout.
Examples:
A group of people compete for a prize (a tangible object or survival). One by one, they are eliminated due to their strengths/failings, natures and choices/behaviors. Sometimes, the tests are engineered by an outside force (e.g. heirs compete to win a house, teens spend the night in a haunted house or graveyard, first one to make it to sunrise wins).
Winner wins through circumstance, luck, perseverance or smarts.
Examples:
Films: The Gray, Lifeboat, Titanic.
One person attempts to achieve a goal that cannot be met or attained via a series of tests (gates).
Protagonist eventually comes to understand that she “can’t go home again” and ends journey OR keeps searching despite all info/evidence to the contrary.
Each test/gate represents a learning opportunity.
Kirsten Imani Kasai is the author of four novels: The Book of Blood Magic, Ice Song, Tattoo, Private Pleasures, and a short story/poetry co...
