July 2 – 3 - Sydney Opera House

WORKSHEET 5 Name: ………………………… Date:………………….
Narrative Structure
Many stories, whether print or film, are a complete unit with a beginning (orientation), middle (compilation)
and an end (resolution).
A narrative usually begins by telling the reader or audience when and where things are taking place, and
creates an expectation about something that has or will take place. This beginning is called the orientation.
The story then moves through a series of events, one of which causes some change or disruption to the
characters. Usually this disruption involves a problem, a conflict or an issue to be resolved. This change is
known as the complication.
The remainder of the story usually sets about resolving the problem. A good story only includes details
relevant to the expectations set up in the beginning of the story. The story ends when the events are
restored to some sort of order.
It is the quality of the story, which maintains our interest when reading or viewing a film story. Stories may
be presented in many ways but they generally have a structure similar to the following:
Orientation (beginning)
Introduces when and where the story takes place and often introduces the main character or characters.
Complication (middle)
Something happens, usually a problem that has to be solved in some way.
The story continues as the hero or heroine tries to resolve the problem.
There can be more than one complication in a story.
Resolution (end)
The problem is solved and the story ends. (A moral, message or lesson may be evident.)
Read the information above to help you to identify elements of narrative structure from one of the Message
Sticks films. Complete worksheet 6 to record your responses
Message Sticks Teacher Kit 2008 ©ACMI 28