Narratology vs Narrative: Which One Is The Correct One?

When it comes to understanding the structure and meaning of stories, two terms often come up: narratology and narrative. But what do these terms really mean? Which one is the proper word to use? Let’s explore these questions and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts.

Let’s clarify the definitions of each term. Narratology refers to the study of narrative structure and the principles that govern the way stories are told. This includes analyzing the elements of a story such as plot, character, and setting, as well as the techniques used to convey meaning and create an emotional impact on the reader or viewer.

On the other hand, narrative simply refers to the story itself – the sequence of events that make up the plot, the characters involved, and the setting in which the story takes place. While narratology focuses on the analysis and study of narrative structure, narrative is the actual content of the story being analyzed.

So, which term is the proper word to use? The answer is both. While narratology and narrative refer to different aspects of storytelling, they are both important in understanding the meaning and impact of a story. By analyzing the structure of a narrative using narratological principles, we can gain a deeper understanding of the story’s themes, messages, and emotional impact on the reader or viewer.

Throughout this article, we will delve deeper into the concepts of narratology and narrative, exploring their differences and similarities, as well as their importance in the world of storytelling.

Define Narratology

Narratology is the study of narrative and its structures, including the principles of storytelling, the characteristics of different narrative forms, and the ways in which narratives are constructed and interpreted. It is a branch of literary theory that seeks to understand how stories are told and how they create meaning for readers and audiences.

Narratology is concerned with the analysis of narrative elements such as plot, character, setting, point of view, and theme, as well as the relationships between these elements. It also examines the ways in which narratives are influenced by cultural, historical, and social factors, and how they reflect and shape our understanding of the world.

Define Narrative

A narrative is a story or account of events, experiences, or characters, whether fictional or non-fictional. It is a form of communication that uses language to convey a sequence of events or actions, and to create a sense of meaning or significance for the reader or listener.

Narratives can take many forms, including novels, short stories, plays, films, television shows, and even video games. They can be told from different perspectives, such as first-person or third-person, and can use various techniques to create tension, suspense, and emotional impact.

Narratives often have a beginning, middle, and end, and may follow a particular structure or plot. They can also be open-ended or non-linear, allowing for multiple interpretations and meanings.

Narratology	Narrative
Study of narrative and its structures	Story or account of events, experiences, or characters
Branch of literary theory	Form of communication that uses language to convey a sequence of events or actions
Concerned with the analysis of narrative elements	Can take many forms, including novels, short stories, plays, films, television shows, and video games
Examines the ways in which narratives are influenced by cultural, historical, and social factors	Can be told from different perspectives and use various techniques to create tension, suspense, and emotional impact

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to discussing stories and storytelling, the terms “narratology” and “narrative” are often used interchangeably. However, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately to convey the intended message. In this section, we will explore how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use Narratology In A Sentence

Narratology is the study of narrative structure and the ways in which stories are told. When using “narratology” in a sentence, it is important to keep in mind its academic connotations. Here are some examples:

• “The book provides a thorough introduction to narratology and its key concepts.”
• “Her research focuses on narratology and its application to contemporary literature.”
• “The professor’s lecture on narratology was both informative and engaging.”

As you can see, “narratology” is typically used in academic or scholarly contexts. It is not a term that is commonly used in everyday conversation or writing.

How To Use Narrative In A Sentence

Narrative, on the other hand, refers to the story itself – the events, characters, and plot that make up a particular work of fiction or non-fiction. It is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts. Here are some examples:

• “The author’s use of narrative structure was particularly effective in building tension.”
• “The film’s narrative was compelling and kept me on the edge of my seat.”
• “Her personal narrative was a moving account of her struggles and triumphs.”

As you can see, “narrative” is a more versatile term that can be used in a wide range of situations. It can refer to anything from a work of literature to a personal story or account.

Overall, it is important to use these terms correctly to avoid confusion or miscommunication. By keeping in mind the distinctions between “narratology” and “narrative,” you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.

More Examples Of Narratology & Narrative Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between narratology and narrative, it can be helpful to see how these terms are used in real-life sentences. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Narratology In A Sentence

• Her dissertation focused on the narratology of science fiction literature.
• The professor’s lecture on narratology was fascinating.
• The film’s use of narratology was particularly effective in conveying the protagonist’s inner thoughts.
• Many scholars believe that narratology is an essential tool for analyzing literature.
• The narratology of the novel was complex and required close reading to fully understand.
• His research on narratology has led to new insights into the structure of storytelling.
• The narratology of the play was innovative and challenged traditional theatrical conventions.
• She wrote a groundbreaking article on the narratology of graphic novels.
• The use of narratology in video games is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
• His thesis explored the relationship between narratology and postmodernism.

Examples Of Using Narrative In A Sentence

• The novel’s narrative was compelling and kept me engaged until the very end.
• He used a first-person narrative to tell the story from the protagonist’s perspective.
• The film’s narrative was nonlinear and required close attention to follow.
• Her narrative of the events was different from his, highlighting the subjective nature of memory.
• The narrative structure of the play was simple but effective.
• Many people find that writing a personal narrative can be therapeutic.
• The narrative voice of the author was distinct and added to the overall tone of the work.
• The narrative arc of the story was predictable, but the characters made it worth reading.
• His use of narrative techniques was masterful and made the story come alive.
• The narrative of the documentary was both informative and emotionally powerful.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to discussing storytelling, the terms “narratology” and “narrative” are often used interchangeably, but this is a mistake. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is crucial to effective storytelling and analysis. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Narratology And Narrative Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “narratology” and “narrative” as synonyms. While both terms relate to the study and creation of stories, they have distinct meanings.

Narratology refers to the study of narrative structures and the ways in which stories are constructed. It is a theoretical approach to analyzing storytelling that focuses on the underlying principles and patterns that make up narratives.

On the other hand, narrative refers to the actual story being told. It is the sequence of events that make up the plot, the characters involved, and the way in which the story is presented to the audience.

By using these terms interchangeably, you risk oversimplifying the complex world of storytelling and missing out on important nuances and insights.

Ignoring The Role Of The Reader

Another mistake people make is ignoring the role of the reader in the storytelling process. Narratology often focuses on the structure and mechanics of storytelling, but it is important to remember that the reader plays a crucial role in interpreting and experiencing the story.

When analyzing a narrative, it is important to consider how the reader’s perspective and interpretation of the story can shape its meaning. This means taking into account factors such as the reader’s cultural background, personal experiences, and emotional state.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to keep in mind the differences between narratology and narrative, and to consider the role of the reader in the storytelling process. Here are some tips:

• Take the time to understand the definitions of narratology and narrative, and how they differ from one another.
• When analyzing a narrative, consider the ways in which the reader’s perspective and interpretation can shape its meaning.
• Don’t oversimplify the complex world of storytelling by using these terms interchangeably.

Context Matters

When it comes to discussing the differences between narratology and narrative, it is important to consider the context in which they are being used. Depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between narratology and narrative might change:

Context	Explanation	Choice between Narratology and Narrative
Academic Writing	In academic writing, the focus is often on analyzing and understanding the structure and elements of a narrative. The use of narratology may be more appropriate in this context.	Narratology
Creative Writing	In creative writing, the focus is on crafting a compelling story that engages the reader. The use of narrative may be more appropriate in this context.	Narrative
Media Studies	In media studies, the focus is on analyzing and understanding the ways in which narratives are constructed and disseminated through various forms of media. Both narratology and narrative may be appropriate in this context, depending on the specific research question being addressed.	Both Narratology and Narrative

As these examples illustrate, the choice between narratology and narrative can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific goals of the analysis, the audience being addressed, and the disciplinary context in which the analysis is taking place. By carefully considering these factors, writers can make informed decisions about which approach is most appropriate for their particular needs.

Exceptions To The Rules

While narratology and narrative are generally used in specific ways, there are some exceptions to these rules. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Creative Writing

In creative writing, authors often play with the structure of their narratives. They may use non-linear storytelling, unreliable narrators, or other techniques that deviate from traditional narratology. In these cases, the narrative is still present, but it may not follow the same rules as a more straightforward narrative. For example, a story may be told from multiple perspectives, with each character offering their own version of events.

2. Historical Accounts

When recounting historical events, strict adherence to narratology may not always be possible. This is because historical accounts are often pieced together from multiple sources, each with their own biases and perspectives. In these cases, the narrative may be less cohesive and may not follow a traditional story structure. For example, a historical account of a war may include multiple viewpoints and subplots that don’t necessarily follow a linear timeline.

3. Experimental Film

Similar to creative writing, experimental film often plays with the conventions of narratology. In these films, the narrative may be fragmented or non-linear, with the focus on mood, tone, and visual imagery rather than a traditional story structure. For example, a film may be composed of a series of disconnected scenes that are only loosely related.

4. Interactive Media

In interactive media, such as video games or choose-your-own-adventure stories, the narrative may not follow a linear structure. Instead, the story may branch off in different directions depending on the choices made by the reader/player. In these cases, the narrative is still present, but it may be more fluid and less structured than a traditional narrative.

Overall, while narratology and narrative provide a framework for understanding and analyzing stories, there are exceptions where these rules may not apply. Whether it’s due to artistic experimentation or the nature of the subject matter, these exceptions offer unique insights into the ways in which stories can be told.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of narratology and narrative, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these concepts in sentences.

Exercise 1: Identify The Narrative Elements

Read the following paragraph and identify the narrative elements:

“Sarah woke up early on a Saturday morning. She stretched her arms and got out of bed. She went to the kitchen and made herself a cup of coffee. Then, she sat on the couch and turned on the TV.”

Answer:

• Narrator: None
• Protagonist: Sarah
• Setting: Saturday morning, Sarah’s house
• Plot: Sarah wakes up, makes coffee, and watches TV

Exercise 2: Use Narratology And Narrative In Sentences

Use the following prompts to create sentences that demonstrate your understanding of narratology and narrative:

1. Create a sentence that uses the word “narratology” correctly.
2. Create a sentence that uses the word “narrative” correctly.
3. Create a sentence that uses both “narratology” and “narrative” correctly.

Answers:

1. Studying narratology has helped me understand the structure of stories.
2. The narrative of the movie was captivating from beginning to end.
3. Narratology provides a framework for analyzing the narrative structure of a story.

Exercise 3: Identify The Narrative Point Of View

Read the following paragraph and identify the narrative point of view:

“I woke up early on a Saturday morning. I stretched my arms and got out of bed. I went to the kitchen and made myself a cup of coffee. Then, I sat on the couch and turned on the TV.”

Answer:

The narrative point of view is first person, as indicated by the use of “I” throughout the paragraph.

These practice exercises should help you improve your understanding and use of narratology and narrative. Remember to pay attention to the narrative elements, point of view, and structure when analyzing a story.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between narratology and narrative, it is clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. While both are related to the study of storytelling, narratology focuses on the structure and analysis of narrative elements, while narrative refers to the actual story being told.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• Narratology is a field of study that focuses on the analysis of narrative elements such as plot, character, and point of view.
• Narrative refers to the actual story being told, including the events, characters, and setting.
• Understanding the difference between these two terms is important for anyone interested in the study of literature, film, or other forms of storytelling.

As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, it is important to keep in mind the nuances of terms like narratology and narrative. By understanding these differences, you can better analyze and appreciate the stories you encounter in your daily life.