Narrative terminology

Syntax - The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. Protagonist - Also known as the hero; the character who drives the narrative forward through the choices they makes and the actions they take. Antagonist - Also can be known as the villain; the character in the plot whose functions is to oppose the protagonist. They may not necessarily be bad but they stand between the protagonist and their goals. Climax/crescendo - Where the conflict of the narrative reaches its highest. Equilibrium - A state where things are balanced. Disequilibrium - The disruption of the equilibrium. Enigma code - Drives narrative by an unanswered question, creates interest for the audience. Proairetic/action code - Drives narrative through anticipation of an action’s resolution. Linear - The most simple and commonly used narrative structure where a story is told in a chronological order of events that happen from beginning to end; sometimes referred to as a ‘cause and effect’ narrative as the consequences of an event have an effect on something else which drives the narrative. Non-linear - The opposite of linear, where events are not shown in a chronological order. Circular - Describes a narrative which begins at the end e.g. Titanic. Parallel narrative - Often involves more than one protagonist; there are several storylines. Flashbacks/flashforwards - A scene that takes the narrative backwards/forwards in time from that current point. Real time - The actual time during which a process or event occurs. Reversal - A change to an opposite direction, position or course of action. Dream sequences - The technique used to set apart a brief interlude from the main story. This may consists of a flashback, flashfoward, dream etc. Repetition - The action of repeating something. Ellipsis - Where the movement or action unnecessary to the telling of the story is removed by editing. Convergent narrative -  Interweaving narrative -  Impressionist narrative -