Notes on Narrative Structure

One of the fundamental things I have to do when creating my short film is to gauge an understanding of narrative structure; in all honesty, I felt as though I needed to research this in order for me to properly understand what is being asked of me. As a result, I've decided to research Narrative Structure, using the reliable Media Magazine website as my primary source. So, what's Narrative Structure? 

Narrative Structure comes down to two things: the content of a story and the form used to tell that story. Simply put, narrative strucutre is about story and plot.
Story: A sequence of dramatic events that happen in a coherent chronological order.
Plot: The form of the storytelling; how the story is told.

Typically, a traditional narrative structure within feature films conform to three acts:

- Setting up the conflict.
-The struggle.
-Resolving of said struggle.

This kind of structure gives a film a sense of depth, the beginning, middle and end that is essential for a story to work. It's a formula that can be applied to almost all types of films- take, for example, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone:

Harry Potter Narrative Structure

Setting Up Conflict: Strange goings on at Hogwarts, such as a stray troll at Halloween, setting up this sense of mystery surrounding the Philosopher's Stone.

The Struggle: Harry's climactic encounter with Voldemort.

Resolving of said struggle: Saved by Dumbledore, celebratory end-of-year feast.

There are so many examples that could be used- indeed, it really is the main type of narrative structure that is featured within all film.

The questions one must ask in order to describe a film:

Where is the story set?

What event starts the story?

Who are the main characters?

What conflict(s) do they face? What is at stake?

What happens to the characters as they face this conflict?

What is the outcome of this conflict?

What is the ultimate impact on the characters?

Moreover, the qustions one must ask in order to describe a film's plot:

How and when is the major conflict in the story set up?
 
How and when are the main characters introduced?
 
How is the story moved along so that the characters must face the central conflict?
 
How and when is the major conflict set up to propel the film to its conclusion?
 
How and when does the film resolve most of the major conflicts set up at the outset?

What's most notable about plot structure is that, whilst obviously there are certain changes to events/circumstances, nearly all films follow an identical plot structure.

I now feel as though I understand plot structure on a much deeper level, and that I can apply this knowledge in order to make a better-crafted film... 

Feytag's Narrative Structure Diagram: