Research: Narrative Structures

Linear Narrative

A linear narrative is a story told in chronological order. This means that a story is told from plot point A to B, without skipping or revisiting anything. This suits stories to build tension to culminate in a climactic ending. This also eliminates the element in story-telling of different outcomes, as made popular as a sub-genre of 'choose your fate' books. Linear narratives are the most popular with books written for children under 5 years of age due to their inherent simplicity.

An example of a linear children's book is We're Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen.

Non-Linear Narrative

A non-linear narrative is one with multiple choices which can result in different outcomes, or a non-chronological story. This is not as popular for a children's book due to the need to avoid complexity, however certain books use a non-linear narrative to incite curiosity. There are also books that lean towards an educative concept which use non-linear narrative to challenge the memory of the child, such as 'where was ___?' etc.

An example of a non-linear children's book is Black and White by David Macaulay.

Open Narrative

An open narrative structure is a book or plotline that does not resolve itself by the end of the story. It is usually open-ended at at least one, if not both, ends, and can be used in a series. This is a very popular narrative structure as it allows the author to retain a sense of mystery and delay the climax of the plot, as well as enabling an easy opening for sequels. 

An example of a children's book with an open narrative structure is the Magic School Bus series, by Joanna Cole.

Closed Narrative

A closed narrative structure is one in which all plot elements are resolved before the end of the medium, in this case, the book. There is no room for an alternate ending and the climax of the plot happens within the story. This means that the story is insular and easier to keep track of, especially for young children. However there can be series' which employ closed narrative structures for each of their stories, yet have an overarching plot line or recurrent theme which links them.

Dogger, by Shirley Hughes, is an example of a closed narrative storyline, however there are more books in the Alfie series than this one, each of which are closed narrative. 

An example of a stand-alone closed narrative is that of the children's book, The Jolly Postman (or, Other People's Letters) by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.

Evaluation

I must take into consideration which narrative structures I wish to employ in my children's book, and which is the best for the plot I have in mind. On a hand out given to us it stated:

"Proceed with your narrative in the manner that best suits the story. This means that you should give some thought to where the most compelling elements lie."

Having an in-depth understanding of my plot, my characters, and where I want the story to go, I have decided to use the traditional linear, closed narrative plot structures. This is because my plot is more abstract than a normal linear narrative, however it is not as free-formed as a non-linear narrative. 

Furthermore although the plot allows for a series and expansion on the original concept, it is a concise and insular storyline which does not warrant an open narrative structure.