1. Narrative
TIME in narrative
Info from Media Studies Revision Express

2. Time defined
• Time is used in the different ways in a moving
image text.
• For instance, there is often a differential
between discourse time and story time.

3. TIME
• Discourse time is the time taken to narrate the
events.
• Story time refers to the ‘real time’ of the
events.
This can be established in a variety of ways:

4. Summary
• Summary time- In this case, discourse time is
shorter than story time. A common way of
establishing this is to use a fade on a changing
clock face.

5. Ellipsis
• Ellipsis – this is the most common way of
establishing discourse time rather than story
time. If someone is shown getting out of
bed, followed by a shot which shows them
driving to work, we assume all the events in
between, keeping the narrative moving.

6. Scene
• Scene- here, story time and discourse time are
equal. Reality TV programmes and soap
operas will often try to suggest story time
even when it is not being used, to try and
maintain a realistic convention.

7. Stretch
• Stretch- Discourse time can be longer than
story time, perhaps through use of slow
motion or a freeze frame. This can be a good
way to directly affect an audience
emotionally, for example.

8. Flashbacks
• Flashbacks- change the linear progression of a
text, moving away from a realist convention to
allow the audience to judge or gain
perspective on events.

9. TASK
• Watch one of your productions.
• Does it work in story time or discourse time?
• In what ways is time established in the
narrative? How does this affect audience
expectations and responses?