1. Multistrand narratives
1.1. Multistrand narratives will follow more than one character of series of events.
1.2. Often used in TV soaps but also seen in films such as Snatch and Sliding Doors.
1.3. Although the characters may not necessarily meet, the events that they cause will often affect one another.
1.4. However, one of the problems with multistrand narratives in films is that characters are sometimes not given enough time to be properly introduced and can often feel rushed into storylines.
2. Open and closed narratives
2.1. Open narratives
2.1.1. Open narratives will usually contain lots of characters and will not have a foreseeable ending.
2.1.2. They are continuous and never ending.
2.1.3. TV soaps are a good example of open narratives.
2.1.4. Open narratives allow character to move in and out of status roles with fluidity.
2.2. Closed narratives
2.2.1. Closed narratives have a definitive beginning middle and end.
2.2.2. Most films will contain closed narratives.
2.2.3. Closed narratives will maintain a solid hierarchy chain that will be maintained throughout the film, except maybe changing at the very end of the film.
3. Linear and non-linear narratives
3.1. Linear -
3.1.1. These follow a straight, conventional narrative.
3.1.2. These will start at the beginning (introducing the characters), move to the middle (a problem is encountered) and finish with the problem being solved at the end (with the hero riding off into the sunset).
3.2. Non-linear -
3.2.1. Non-linear - These narratives will not be conventional. Instead of following a 'straight line', they may loop back to the past or fast forward into the future.
3.2.2. As these narratives are a lot more unconventional they may use features such as flashbacks, rewinds, replays and non-chronological ordering of events. Non-linear narratives can even contain no ending at all and be left on a cliff hanger.