What are narrative structures?

Narrative structures are essential tools for writers and storytellers. They provide a framework for organizing and presenting a story, and can help guide the flow of the narrative. While it's certainly possible to write a story "by the seat of our pants," using a narrative structure can offer several advantages.

‍

Advantages of Using a Narrative Structure

1. Provides a roadmap: A narrative structure provides a clear roadmap for the story, helping writers to stay on track and avoid getting lost or sidetracked. It can help ensure that the story is well-organized, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
2. Builds tension and suspense: A well-crafted narrative structure can help build tension and suspense, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the story. By carefully planning and pacing the story, writers can create a sense of anticipation and excitement.
3. Helps with pacing: A narrative structure can help ensure that the story is paced properly, with important plot points and revelations occurring at the appropriate times. This can help prevent the story from becoming too slow or too fast-paced, keeping the audience engaged and interested.
4. Offers a framework for creativity: While it may seem counterintuitive, having a clear narrative structure can actually help stimulate creativity. By providing a framework for the story, writers can focus their creativity on developing interesting characters, unique settings, and engaging dialogue.

‍

Disadvantages of Using a Narrative Structure

1. Can be restrictive: One potential disadvantage of using a narrative structure is that it can be restrictive. Depending on the structure being used, there may be certain requirements or guidelines that must be followed, which can limit the writer's creativity and freedom.
2. May feel formulaic: Another potential disadvantage is that using a narrative structure can make the story feel formulaic or predictable. If the audience is able to anticipate what's going to happen next, it can reduce the impact of the story and make it less engaging.
3. May not work for every story: Not every story may be well-suited to a particular narrative structure. Some stories may require a more experimental or unconventional approach, which may not fit neatly into a traditional narrative structure.

‍

So narrative structures are frameworks or templates used by storytellers to help structure and organize their stories in a coherent and engaging manner. These structures often outline key moments or beats in the narrative, providing a roadmap for crafting a compelling story. Two popular narrative structures are Dan Harmon's Story Circle and Blake Snyder's Save the Cat.

‍

Dan Harmon, the creator of the television shows "Community" and "Rick and Morty," developed the Story Circle as a simplified adaptation of Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey." The Story Circle consists of eight key steps that guide the protagonist through a transformative arc.

‍

Save the Cat is a screenwriting structure created by Blake Snyder, a Hollywood screenwriter and story consultant. The structure is named after the idea that the protagonist should perform an early, sympathetic action (like saving a cat) to endear themselves to the audience. Save the Cat breaks down a screenplay into 15 key beats or moments that should occur throughout the story. These beats are grouped into three acts:

‍

Both Dan Harmon's Story Circle and Save the Cat provide storytellers with valuable frameworks for structuring their narratives, ensuring that their stories are engaging, well-paced, and emotionally satisfying for audiences. Ultimately, whether or not to use a narrative structure depends on the individual writer and the specific needs of the story.

‍

While there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to using a structure, it's important to remember that there is no one "right" way to write a story. Some writers may prefer to work organically and let the story unfold naturally, while others may find it helpful to have a clear structure to guide their writing. The key is to find the approach that works best for you and your story.

‍