Structural features

Linear

Chronological order, from beginning to end without any major disruptions or deviations from the timeline.

Cyclical or elliptical

A narrative where the story ends in similar place or situation to here it began, creating a sense of return or repetition

Episodic

A narrative structure where the story is divided into loosely connected or self-contained incidents or episodes.

In Media Res

A literary technique where a narrative begins in the middle of the story’s action, rather than at the beginning.

Parallel

The repetition of grammatical structures or similar patterns of words, phrases or clauses to create a sense of balance, rhythm, and emphasis.

Exposition

The part of the story that introduces the background information, including characters, setting, and initial situations, necessary for the audience to understand the narrative

Climax

The most suspenseful part of a story