A story tells a series of events over time. How storytellers choose to tell these events in or out of chronological order is what makes the story linear or non-linear. More commonly, storytellers tell linear narratives — stories that are told in the chronological order in which they occur. There are good reasons to tell a story in a linear way, but there are also some restrictions that come with the technique.
What is a Linear Narrative?
First, let’s define linear narrative
A narrative is a structure that guides the unfolding of a story, providing context and meaning to its events. To fully understand why a linear narrative is used, let’s look at the definition of a linear narrative
LINEAR NARRATIVE DEFINITION
What is a linear narrative?
A linear narrative is a storytelling method that follows a straightforward, chronological order of events. In this type of narrative, the story unfolds in a sequence that matches the order of events as they happened in time.
The term 'linear' refers to the line-like progression of the narrative from the beginning to the end. It starts at point A and moves directly and sequentially to point B, then to point C, and so on until it reaches its conclusion. There are no jumps backward or forward in time beyond brief recollections or anticipations.
In a linear narrative, events are relayed in the order of their occurrence, making the storyline easy to follow. This unidirectional flow from cause to effect is what defines a linear narrative and differentiates it from other narrative structures.
Linear Narrative Characteristics:
- Sequential Storytelling
- Clear Theme Delivery
- Easy to Follow
Linear Plot Structure Components
Elements of Linear Narrative
A linear narrative is composed of several key elements that work together to create a cohesive story. These elements include the plot, characters, setting, climax, and resolution. In a linear narrative, these components are presented in chronological order, each building upon the last to progress the story from beginning to end.
Plot
The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. In a linear narrative, the plot unfolds in a straightforward manner, with each event leading directly to the next. There is a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the events, which helps to drive the story forward and maintain the audience's interest.
Characters
Characters are the individuals involved in the events of the story. They are introduced in the beginning, and developed throughout the narrative, and their character arcs are usually resolved by the end of the story. In a linear narrative, character development tends to follow a predictable path, with characters learning, growing, or changing as a direct result of the events they experience.
How to Write a Character Arc — "Positive Change" • Subscribe on YouTube
Setting
The setting is where and when the story takes place. In a linear narrative, the setting often remains consistent or changes in a logical way as the story progresses. It provides the backdrop against which the events of the story unfold.
Climax
The climax is the point of maximum tension or conflict in the story. In a linear narrative, this typically occurs near the end of the story, after the events have built up to a critical point. The climax is the turning point of the story, where the main conflict comes to a head. The climax in Joker is an example of a climax told in a linear fashion.
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Resolution
The resolution is the conclusion of the story, where the outcomes of the plot and character arcs are revealed. In a linear narrative, the resolution follows the climax and brings the story to a satisfying end. It ties up loose ends and provides closure for the audience.
In a linear narrative, these elements are carefully arranged to create a logical and compelling story. Each element builds on the previous one, creating a seamless flow from beginning to end.
Linear Story Benefits
Pros of Using Linear Narrative
Utilizing a linear narrative in storytelling offers numerous benefits. Not only does it provide a clear and straightforward structure for the story, but it also caters to the audience's natural inclination to understand sequences of events. Let's delve into some of these benefits.
Simplicity and Ease of Understanding
One of the primary benefits of a linear narrative is its simplicity. By presenting events in the order they occur, the audience can easily follow along without needing to piece together a complex timeline.
This chronological progression mirrors the way we experience time in real life, making it intuitive and straightforward for the audience. The clear, direct structure reduces confusion and allows the audience to focus on the story's content rather than its form
Effectiveness in Delivering a Clear Message or Theme
A linear narrative’s logical progression builds a consistent theme, with each event reinforcing the central message. Without distracting time jumps or shifts in perspective, audiences can easily understand and remember the story's core meaning.
A classic example from cinema is Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List. The film uses a linear narrative to effectively portray the horrors of the Holocaust and the redemptive power of one individual's actions. Each sequence in the film reinforces these themes, making it easier for audiences to grasp and remember the film's core messages.
Schindler’s List • Linear Narrative Examples
Enhanced Emotional Connection
A linear narrative can create a stronger emotional connection with the audience. By following characters' journeys in real-time, audiences become more invested in their experiences, as if they were experiencing things at the same pace as the characters. This makes linear narratives effective for emotionally resonant storytelling.
An example is the Harry Potter series, which uses a linear narrative to trace Harry's life. Readers experience his joys and fears in real-time, growing alongside him. This creates a deep emotional connection with Harry, showcasing the power of linear storytelling.
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Linear Story Downsides
Cons of Using Linear Narrative
While linear narratives offer numerous benefits, there are also some drawbacks to this storytelling approach. When compared to nonlinear narrative structures, certain limitations become more apparent.
Predictability
One of the main criticisms of linear narratives is their predictability. Because events are presented in chronological order, audiences may anticipate what’s to come, reducing suspense and surprise. In contrast, nonlinear narratives can keep the audience guessing, as they often involve flashbacks, flash-forwards, or parallel storylines that disrupt the chronological flow. Consider Nolan’s circular storytelling.
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Limited Perspective
Linear narratives typically follow a single perspective from start to finish, which can limit the depth and complexity of the story. Nonlinear narratives, on the other hand, allow for multiple perspectives and timelines to be explored simultaneously. This can provide a more comprehensive view of events, characters, and themes.
Over-Simplicity
While the simplicity of linear narratives can be a benefit, it can also be a drawback if it leads to oversimplification. Complex themes and intricate character development can sometimes be better explored through a nonlinear structure, which can delve into the past, future, and alternate realities in a way that a linear narrative cannot.
Lack of Flexibility
The rigid structure of linear narratives can restrict creative flexibility. Every event must logically follow the one before it, leaving less room for imaginative storytelling techniques. Nonlinear narratives provide more freedom in this regard, allowing events to be arranged in a way that best serves the story’s intended message or emotional impact.
Linear narratives are not better or worse than non-linear storytelling. They are simply another tool and mean to tell a story. How can you decide between the two? Well, it all depends on the way you want your story to unfold to an audience or reader.
Up Next
What is a Non-linear Narrative?
While the linear narrative offers clarity and simplicity, the world of storytelling is not limited to this format. Let's look into the complex and impactful form of non-linear narratives.
