Narrative is Simple

A narrative is the representation of an event or events which communicates a message or information.  It can be a picture, as we discussed in class, a text, a website, etc.  The "medium" through which a narrative is conveyed can be varied.  The crucial point that Abbott, Herman and Barthes make is that at it's very simplest, a narrative must have action, or event. For instance, a blank post-it, a white-screen or even a line that says " The car is red," are not really narratives. Nothing is happening. A caution sign, a book, a song, are all narratives because the audience knows to beware, follows characters or receives a message about love, fun, etc. In these situations something has happened to attentions or thoughts because information has been communicated.