Linear And Non Linear

Linear Narrative

In a linear narrative can be divided into 3 or 4 sections, act one is where all the main characters and their basic situations are introduced, it explores the characters background and personalities. A problem is normally introduced in the first section which leads the storyline forward. The second act is the bulk of the story. There is normally a problem being introduced which changes and alters the storyline, as an audience we try and solve this problems ourselves. After that there is a resolution, leading to the end of the film. This is where the problem in the story boils over and the characters have confronted and solved the issue. This allows the elements of the story to come together leading to the ending. 

An example of a linear narrative film is The Exorcist, the first section of the film is where the main characters are introduced and we learn a lot about their lives. In the second part, the main character becomes possessed by a demon which is clearly the problem, their is no real explanation as to why this happened. After this there is the last part of the film which is the exorcism which is the main part of the story which it has been leading up to.



Non Linear Narrative 

In contrast, a non linear is a disjointed structure that often starts in the middle or at the conflict/problem and makes it's way to the beginning of the film. Another non linear form is including flashbacks or flash forwards to tell the story, this is interesting to the viewer because it keeps them on their toes and makes the film interactive with the audience. This unconventional way of presenting events challenge the viewer’s memory in the way that they can only understand the plot by making cause-and-effect connections between the scenes. This draws in the audience and makes the film more interesting and exciting.

An example of a non linear structure is Pulp Fiction, it structures around three interrelated storylines: Vincent Vega, Butch Coolidge and Jules Winnfield. Vincent Vega is the lead of the first story and is a hit man for Marcellus Wallace. The third story has Vincent’s partner Jules Winnfield in the lead. Each story focuses on a different series of incidents but they are all connected together.