What is Circular Storytelling? The KEY Lessons For Story Structure

Circular storytelling is a structural technique visible in many stories across film, TV, literature and other mediums. But what exactly does the structure entail? And could it be useful to your screenplay? We take a look…

What is Narrative Structure?

Everyone knows that every story has a beginning, middle and end. But we screenwriters understand that connecting your beginning and end requires a structure.

The structure is the framework that underlies the order of acts, sequences and scenes. It’s the way the narrative is presented to the reader, listener or viewer.

A well-structured plot is essential for creating a satisfying narrative for the audience.

There are different typical categories of story arrangement used by screenwriters:

1. Linear – events unfold chronologically, in the order in which they occurred (Star Wars, for example, is a linear narrative).
2. Nonlinear – plot events occur outside their chronological sequence. So the story is told out of order. Think Memento or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
3. Parallel – multiple storylines unfold concurrently, intersecting as both stories progress. For example Short Cuts or Nashville by Robert Altman.
4. Interactive – the story adjusts to the audience’s choices. For example, the Bandersnatch episode of Black Mirror.