Theories of Narrative

In our media lesson we went through some of the theories of narrative that could possible apply to our short film, these included; Syd Fields three act plot and Claude Levi-Strauss's theory. The one we considered that would most fit our plot line would be Syd Field's three act plot.

The first act is usually used for exposition, to establish the main characters, their relationships and the world they live in. Later in the first act, a dynamic, on-screen incident occurs that confronts the main character (the protagonist), whose attempts to deal with this incident leads to a second and more dramatic situation, known as the first turning point, which (a) signals the end of the first act, (b) ensures life will never be the same again for the protagonist and (c) raises a dramatic question that will be answered in the climax of the film. The dramatic question should be framed in terms of the protagonist's call to action, (Will X recover the diamond?, Will Y get the girl? Will Z capture the killer?). This is known as the inciting incident, or catalyst. As an example, the inciting incident in the 1972 film The Godfather is when Vito Corleone is shot, which occurs approximately 40 minutes into the film. In terms of our film the audience is first introduced to James who is walking to the train station in Wombwell to catch the train to work, it is seen that he has an interest in a girl, Sally, the question here is whether James and Sally will get together.

The second act, also referred to as "rising action", typically depicts the protagonist's attempt to resolve the problem initiated by the first turning point, only to find themselves in ever worsening situations. Part of the reason the protagonist seems unable to resolve their problems is because they do not yet have the skills to deal with the forces of antagonism that confront them. They must not only learn new skills but arrive at a higher sense of awareness of who they are and what they are capable of, in order to deal with their predicament, which in turn changes who they are. This is referred to as character development. This cannot be achieved alone and they are usually aided and abetted by mentors and co-protagonists. In our short film this is where he approaches Sally, they sit together on the train and attempt to talk to each other. It is obvious there is chemistry between the two but both are still unsure of what the outcome will be.

The third act features the resolution of the story and its subplots. The climax, also known as the second turning point, is the scene or sequence in which the main tensions of the story are brought to their most intense point and the dramatic question answered, leaving the protagonist and other characters with a new sense of who they really are. This is where James decides to Facebook message or text Sally asking her on a date, to get coffee ect. Sally is shown happily replying yes and and the question as to whether something will happen between the two is answered.