Narrative Terminology

VOCABULARY MEANINGInternal Conflict The struggle occurring within a

characters mind E.g. The climatic scene in Fight Club where Jack is clashing with Tyler.

External Conflict Struggle occurring between a character and an outside force E.g. Life of Pi where he fights against nature

Equilibrium A state in which opposing forces are balanced out. E.g. Dark Knight in the last scene where Joker is sent to prison and Batman commit self-exile for the supposed murder of Harvey Dent.

Disequilibrium A loss of equilibrium or stability. E.g. In the last scene of Saw, Jigsaw leaves Adam to die upon revealing the key was already lost

New Order A new system, regime or government. E.g. Goodfellas when Henry Hill enters the Witness Protection Program and has to adapt to the life of an ordinary ‘schnook’

First Person Narrative Where the story is narrated by one character at a time. E.g. Travis Bickle’s role in Taxi Driver

Sound Bridge A sound technique that links two scenes by first producing audio and then showing said

object. E.g. the Matrix with the alarm clock.

Foreshadowing A warning or indication of future event. E.g. In scenes with Leo Dicaprio and Matt Damon’s character the symbol X is shown and this foreshadows each death.

Prophecy A prediction of what will happen in the future. E.g. “bring balance to the Force” in Star Wars

Flash Back/Flash Forward A scene set earlier/later than the film’s narrative. E.g. Inception – Cobb witnessing his wife’s death

Parallel Narrative Interweaving one narrative with another. E.g. Back to the Future cutting between Marty in the DeLorean and Doc on the clock tower.

Linear Narrative Narrative shown in a logical manner. E.g.

Exposition A comprehensive and description of an idea or theory. E.g. Morpheus explains the Matrix

Rising Action Series of events that create suspense in narrative. E.g. Alien when the Xenomorph burst from the chest and kills people.

Climax The most intense, exciting or important point of the film. E.g. When Andy Dufresne escapes Shawshank Prison.

Resolution The act of resolving the film’s

issue. E.g. Bourne Ultimatum when Jason discovers his true identity.

Cliffhanger A dramatic and exciting moment that leaves the viewer in shock. E.g. Jack Sparrow supposedly dies at the climax of Dead Man’s Chest

Red Herring A clue or piece of information, which is intended to be misleading or distracting. E.g. Bishop Aringarosa in Da Vinci Code is portrayed as the culprit in a Vatican cover up but is a red herring.

McGuffin An object or device, which serves merely as a trigger for the plot. E.g. The briefcase in Pulp Fiction.

Conflict A serious disagreement or argument. E.g. The Bride and Bill in Kill Bill.

Sub-plot A subordinate plot in a film. E.g. Rorschach’s origin in Watchmen.

Catalyst Something that accelerates the narrative of the film. E.g. The Machines attacking the Nebuchadnezzar.

Montage The technique of selecting, editing, and piecing together separate sections of film to form a continuous whole. E.g. UP’s opening scene depicting the life of Carl’s life.

Multiple/Intersecting Storylines

Multiple storylines that build up in thematically unity. E.g.

Pulp Fiction’s three plots (Golden Watch, Bonnie Situation and Vincent Vega and Marsellus Wallace’s Wife)