Narrative: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:06, 16 February 2025

A narrative is a structured account of a series of events or experiences, whether true or fictional. Narratives are fundamental to human communication and are used to convey information, entertain, and share cultural values. They can be found in various forms, including literature, film, theater, and oral storytelling.

Elements of Narrative[edit]

A narrative typically consists of several key elements that work together to create a cohesive story. These elements include:

Plot[edit]

The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. It includes the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The plot is the backbone of the narrative, providing structure and direction.

Characters[edit]

Characters are the individuals who participate in the action of the narrative. They can be protagonists, antagonists, or supporting characters. Characters are essential for driving the plot and engaging the audience.

Setting[edit]

The setting refers to the time and place in which the narrative occurs. It provides context and can influence the mood and atmosphere of the story.

Theme[edit]

The theme is the underlying message or central idea of the narrative. It reflects the author's perspective on a particular subject and can be explicit or implicit.

Point of View[edit]

The point of view is the perspective from which the story is told. It can be first person, second person, or third person. The choice of point of view affects how the audience perceives the narrative.

Types of Narrative[edit]

Narratives can be classified into different types based on their structure and purpose. Some common types include:

Linear Narrative[edit]

A linear narrative presents events in chronological order. It is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a popular choice for many stories.

Non-linear Narrative[edit]

A non-linear narrative does not follow a chronological sequence. It may include flashbacks, flashforwards, or other techniques to disrupt the timeline.

Epic[edit]

An epic is a long narrative poem that often deals with heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Examples include Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey."

Fable[edit]

A fable is a short narrative that typically features animals as characters and conveys a moral lesson. Aesop's Fables are well-known examples.

Functions of Narrative[edit]

Narratives serve several functions in society, including:

Entertainment[edit]

Narratives provide enjoyment and amusement, offering an escape from reality through engaging stories.

Education[edit]

Narratives can educate by conveying information and teaching moral lessons or cultural values.

Cultural Preservation[edit]

Narratives help preserve cultural heritage by passing down traditions, beliefs, and history from one generation to the next.

Identity Formation[edit]

Narratives contribute to the formation of personal and collective identities by shaping how individuals and groups perceive themselves and their place in the world.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Narrative''' in the context of [[medicine]] refers to the use of storytelling in the medical field to enhance understanding of patients' experiences, improve communication, and guide treatment decisions. It is a key component of [[patient-centered care]], and is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool in medical education and practice.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Narrative}}
-== Overview ==
+[[File:Narrative_Books_on_Library_Shelf.JPG|thumb|right|Books on narrative theory.]]
-A '''narrative''' in medicine is a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious. It is a way of understanding and interpreting patient experiences and symptoms, and is often used in the context of [[medical history|medical histories]], [[patient interview|patient interviews]], and [[case report|case reports]].
+A '''narrative''' is a structured account of a series of events or experiences, whether true or fictional. Narratives are fundamental to human communication and are used to convey information, entertain, and share cultural values. They can be found in various forms, including [[literature]], [[film]], [[theater]], and [[oral storytelling]].
-Narratives can provide a holistic view of the patient, taking into account their personal experiences, social context, and emotional responses. This can help healthcare providers to understand the patient's perspective, and to make more informed and empathetic treatment decisions.
+==Elements of Narrative==
+A narrative typically consists of several key elements that work together to create a cohesive story. These elements include:
-== Role in Patient-Centered Care ==
+===Plot===
+The '''plot''' is the sequence of events that make up the story. It includes the [[exposition]], [[rising action]], [[climax]], [[falling action]], and [[resolution]]. The plot is the backbone of the narrative, providing structure and direction.
-In [[patient-centered care]], the patient's narrative is central to understanding their health and illness experiences. It allows healthcare providers to see the patient as a whole person, rather than just a set of symptoms or a disease. This can lead to more personalized and effective care.
+===Characters===
+'''Characters''' are the individuals who participate in the action of the narrative. They can be [[protagonists]], [[antagonists]], or supporting characters. Characters are essential for driving the plot and engaging the audience.
-Narratives can also help to build a therapeutic relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider. By listening to and acknowledging the patient's story, the provider can show empathy and respect, which can improve patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment.
+===Setting===
+The '''setting''' refers to the time and place in which the narrative occurs. It provides context and can influence the mood and atmosphere of the story.
-== Use in Medical Education ==
+===Theme===
+The '''theme''' is the underlying message or central idea of the narrative. It reflects the author's perspective on a particular subject and can be explicit or implicit.
-Narrative medicine is also used in medical education to teach students about the human aspects of medicine. By reading and writing narratives, students can develop their [[empathy]], [[communication skills]], and understanding of the social and cultural aspects of health and illness.
+===Point of View===
+The '''point of view''' is the perspective from which the story is told. It can be [[first person]], [[second person]], or [[third person]]. The choice of point of view affects how the audience perceives the narrative.
-Narrative medicine can also help students to reflect on their own experiences and emotions, and to cope with the challenges and stresses of medical training.
+==Types of Narrative==
+Narratives can be classified into different types based on their structure and purpose. Some common types include:
-== Challenges and Criticisms ==
+===Linear Narrative===
+A '''linear narrative''' presents events in chronological order. It is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a popular choice for many stories.
-While narrative medicine has many potential benefits, it also has some challenges and criticisms. Some healthcare providers may lack the time, skills, or interest to engage with patient narratives. There may also be a tension between the narrative approach and the biomedical model of medicine, which focuses on objective facts and evidence.
+===Non-linear Narrative===
+A '''non-linear narrative''' does not follow a chronological sequence. It may include [[flashbacks]], [[flashforwards]], or other techniques to disrupt the timeline.
-Furthermore, narratives can be subjective and complex, and may not always provide a clear or accurate picture of the patient's health. There is also a risk of over-emphasizing the patient's story at the expense of other important information or perspectives.
+===Epic===
+An '''epic''' is a long narrative poem that often deals with heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Examples include [[Homer]]'s "[[Iliad]]" and "[[Odyssey]]."
-== See Also ==
+===Fable===
+A '''fable''' is a short narrative that typically features animals as characters and conveys a moral lesson. [[Aesop's Fables]] are well-known examples.
-* [[Medical humanities]]
+==Functions of Narrative==
-* [[Patient narrative]]
+Narratives serve several functions in society, including:
-* [[Health communication]]
-== References ==
+===Entertainment===
+Narratives provide enjoyment and amusement, offering an escape from reality through engaging stories.
-{{reflist}}
+===Education===
+Narratives can educate by conveying information and teaching moral lessons or cultural values.
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]
+===Cultural Preservation===
-[[Category:Healthcare quality]]
+Narratives help preserve cultural heritage by passing down traditions, beliefs, and history from one generation to the next.
-[[Category:Medical education]]
-[[Category:Patient advocacy]]
+===Identity Formation===
-{{medicine-stub}}
+Narratives contribute to the formation of personal and collective identities by shaping how individuals and groups perceive themselves and their place in the world.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Storytelling]]
+* [[Literature]]
+* [[Mythology]]
+* [[Folklore]]
+[[Category:Narratology]]