Open and Closed Narrative

Closed Narrative

• An example of a closed narrative would be Mamma Mia, (or any other film)
  
• There is only one obvious thread to pull on.


• The audience are aware they are watching a two hour film and therefore are watching with the end in mind.


• The characters are regularly arranged into a “hierarchy” in that there are the main characters, cameos, supporting roles and extras.


• The audience often make assumptions about the characters, in which they decipher what narrative roles they play e.g. Propp- Villain, hero, false hero etc.
  
• The time is usually very compressed as the two hour film duration consists of events that happen over months, years and sometimes even centuries.
  
• The time and events that are featured in the film are usually unique to the story and there is no need for any resemblance to the viewer’s world.
  
• The same audience tend to watch the film from beginning to end.


• Visual images, special effects and music play a pivotal part in films.
  

Open Narrative

• An example of a open narrative would be Coronation street (or any other soap).


• This narrative can be unravelled in a lot of different ways.


• The audience have no sense of an ending, for example a soap opera proceeds as if it could go on forever.


• The characters are not usually arranged into a “hierarchy” but constantly shift in and out of prominence.


• The characters also progress in narrative roles as today’s villain may be next’s week’s hero.


• The time usually corresponds with “real world time” within the segments of each episode, so it doesn’t have to be condensed down into a two hour slot like a film.


• The time and events make reference to real life events going on at the same time, such as elections, Christmas etc.


• Each episode has to try and address both experienced and new viewers.


• It’s relatively rare that they use music, especially in British soaps, and they have somewhat simple visual image and special effects.