key term - Procedural narrative

Definition

A procedural narrative is a storytelling approach commonly used in television where the plot unfolds through a series of structured, formulaic events that typically follow a specific pattern. This narrative style is often characterized by its focus on solving problems or mysteries within a defined timeframe, allowing for episodic storylines that can be resolved within each episode while still contributing to an overarching storyline.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Procedural narratives are common in crime dramas, medical shows, and legal series where each episode often features a self-contained case or problem.
2. These narratives typically adhere to a formula, such as introducing a problem, investigating it, and concluding with a resolution, allowing viewers to predict the structure of the episodes.
3. While episodic in nature, procedural narratives can also develop larger themes and character arcs over multiple episodes or seasons.
4. The predictable structure of procedural narratives can make them accessible to viewers who may not watch every episode but still want to understand the plot.
5. Procedural narratives often emphasize themes of justice, morality, and human experience through the resolution of conflicts presented in each episode.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of procedural narratives influence viewer engagement compared to more serialized storytelling methods?
  • Procedural narratives engage viewers by offering familiar structures and formulas that allow them to jump into any episode without needing extensive background knowledge. This accessibility is appealing for audiences who may not have the time or inclination to follow long-running serialized arcs. In contrast, serialized storytelling often requires continuous viewing to fully appreciate character development and plot intricacies, which may alienate casual viewers.
• In what ways do procedural narratives contribute to character development across a series while maintaining episodic self-containment?
  • Procedural narratives can enhance character development by placing characters in various situations that reveal their strengths, weaknesses, and values over time. While each episode may focus on resolving a specific case, the cumulative experiences faced by characters can lead to growth and change. This balance allows viewers to see character evolution while still enjoying standalone stories within each episode.
• Evaluate the impact of procedural narratives on the representation of justice and morality in television programming.
  • Procedural narratives significantly shape the representation of justice and morality by portraying clear resolutions to conflicts within each episode. This format often reinforces societal values, depicting law enforcement or medical professionals as heroes who restore order or save lives. However, this idealized view may overlook the complexities of real-world justice systems and moral dilemmas, leading to oversimplified portrayals that can influence public perception of these issues.

Related terms

Episodic Structure: A narrative format where individual episodes are self-contained stories that can stand alone while contributing to a larger narrative arc.

Character Development: The process by which a character evolves over the course of a story, often seen in procedural narratives as characters face challenges and grow through their experiences.

Cliffhanger:

A narrative device used at the end of an episode to create suspense and encourage viewers to continue watching, often seen in procedural dramas.