Linear– events of the plot unfold the way that they happen
Chronological– events are sequenced in order of time
Sequential– events which are arranged one after the other in a sequence within a narrative.
Circular structure– when a plot begins in the same place in the way it ends. Character undergoes a transformation.
Time based- continuous moving image that displays a change in time.
Narrative arc– The path the story follows- ups and downs, climax and resolution which is reflected in an arc shape.
Freytag’s Pyramid– 19th century German playwright ‘Freytag’s’ diagram of dramatic structure.
exposition- background information on the characters and setting explained at the beginning of the story. Earlier events are alluded to.
inciting incident– The hook, the event that sets the main character or characters on the journey that will occupy the narrative.
rising action– The incline of a narrative arc. Often, the events that lead up to the climax.
climax– The point of highest intensity or major conflict within in a narrative. The steepest point of a narrative arc.
falling action– The declining part of a narrative arc. Often, what happens after the climax and resolution of the major conflict.
resolution-
denouement– The final part of the narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.
Beginning / middle / end- How linear narratives are sequenced.
Equilibrium– First stage of Todorov’s theory. The situation and characters are introduced in a normal circumstance.
Disruption– Second stage of Todorov’s theory. A change takes place causing an alter in the norm.
New equilibrium– Third stage of Todorov’s theory. The change in circumstance is overcome and the situation reaches a new normal.
Peripeteia– A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances
Anagnoresis– A character discovers their own, or another character’s true identity.
Catharsis– The process of releasing and providing relief from repressed emotions. The purging of strong emotion.
The 3 Unities: Action, Time, Place– The 3 traditional unities of drama. The Aristotelian idea that a narrative should be set in once place, in one time frame, focused on one action.
flashback / flash forward-Flashback is when the current narrative is interrupted by a previous event which could provide key information about a character etc. Flash-forward is when the current narrative is interrupted by an event that is yet to take place.
Foreshadowing– When events that take place later on in the narrative are alluded to or hinted towards.
Ellipsis– The exclusion of action from a narrative because it can be inferred from dialogue and other action.
Pathos– A quality that evokes feelings of pity and sadness.
Empathy– The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
diegetic / non-diegetic sound– Diegetic sound occurs within the context of the story and able to be heard by the characters. Non diegetic sound occurs externally to the narrative, not heard by the characters
slow motion– Visual effect created either by the actors or as a special effect in the edit. Time is slowed down.
