Narrative Conventions in Short Film

Narrative

Definition by Bordwell & Thompson, Film Art, 1980. ‘A

chain of events in a cause-effect relationship occurring

in time.’

Story

An event told for entertainment which is referenced explicitly in

a narrative. This can include a back story as well as beyond

the action. For example, a character mentions an event and

this leads on to another story.

Plot

The order of events directly incorporated into the action of the

text.

Narrative Range

Unrestricted

A narrative which has no

limits to the information that is

presented.

For example, a

Restricted

Offers minimal information

that is presented.

For example, a

Narrative Depth

Subjective Character

Identification

The audience is given unique

access to what the characters

see and do.

Objective Character

Identification

The audience is given unique

access to a characters point

of view such as thoughts,

feelings, memories, fantasies

etc.