Narrative arc

Definition

A narrative arc is the structural framework that outlines the progression of a story, encompassing the key elements such as the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It helps in creating a compelling storyline by guiding the development of characters and events, allowing the audience to engage emotionally with the narrative. In the context of scenario planning, narrative arcs play a crucial role in shaping the scenarios and making them relatable and understandable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A narrative arc typically follows a five-part structure: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
2. In scenario planning, crafting a strong narrative arc can help stakeholders visualize potential futures and understand their implications.
3. Effective narrative arcs evoke emotional responses from the audience, making scenarios more memorable and impactful.
4. Each scenario should have its own unique narrative arc to differentiate it from others while still adhering to the overall scenario logic.
5. Narrative arcs can be nonlinear, allowing for flashbacks or multiple perspectives, which can enrich the storytelling experience.

Review Questions

• How does a narrative arc enhance the understanding of scenarios in scenario planning?
  • A narrative arc enhances understanding by providing a clear structure that outlines the flow of events within each scenario. This structure allows stakeholders to follow the progression of ideas and events easily, making complex scenarios more digestible. By framing scenarios within a well-defined narrative arc, planners can effectively convey the potential impacts of different futures and engage the audience emotionally.
• Compare and contrast the importance of character development and narrative arcs in crafting engaging scenarios.
  • Character development and narrative arcs are both essential for creating engaging scenarios but serve different purposes. While character development focuses on creating relatable and evolving individuals who drive the story forward, the narrative arc provides the overall framework for how those characters interact within their environment. Together, they complement each other; strong character development enhances the emotional resonance of the narrative arc, while an effective narrative arc gives context and purpose to character actions.
• Evaluate how incorporating nonlinear elements into a narrative arc can affect scenario planning outcomes.
  • Incorporating nonlinear elements into a narrative arc can significantly impact scenario planning outcomes by offering fresh perspectives and deeper insights. Nonlinear storytelling allows planners to explore multiple viewpoints and backstories that may not fit into a traditional structure. This approach encourages creative thinking and can reveal unexpected connections between events and characters, leading to richer scenarios that better reflect complex realities. Ultimately, this can result in more robust strategies for navigating potential futures.

Related terms

Plot: The sequence of events that make up a story, detailing what happens to whom and how these events are interconnected.

Character Development:

The process of creating a believable and engaging character that evolves throughout the story, often driving the narrative arc forward.

Theme: The underlying message or central idea explored in a narrative, often reflecting societal issues or human experiences.