Subjective narration

Definition

Subjective narration refers to a storytelling technique where the narrative is filtered through the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of a specific character. This approach allows the audience to experience the events and emotions of the story from a personal viewpoint, creating a deeper connection to the character's experiences. In script writing, using subjective narration can enhance the emotional resonance of a broadcast by immersing viewers in a character's inner world and shaping their understanding of the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subjective narration often employs first-person language to convey the personal thoughts and emotions of a character, allowing for a more intimate connection with the audience.
2. In broadcast scripts, subjective narration can create tension by presenting biased perspectives that may differ from other characters or the overall truth of the situation.
3. This technique can be used effectively in various genres, including drama and documentary, as it helps to humanize characters and elicit empathy from viewers.
4. Subjective narration can be achieved through various devices such as inner monologues, flashbacks, or even visual cues that reflect a character's mental state.
5. When utilized effectively in script writing, subjective narration can guide viewers’ emotions and reactions by selectively revealing information and insights into a character’s psyche.

Review Questions

• How does subjective narration influence audience engagement in broadcast scripts?
  • Subjective narration enhances audience engagement by providing an intimate glimpse into a character's thoughts and feelings. By filtering the narrative through a character's perspective, viewers can connect emotionally with their experiences and motivations. This technique draws the audience into the story, making them more invested in the outcomes and character developments throughout the broadcast.
• Discuss how subjective narration might change the way a story is perceived when compared to objective narration.
  • Subjective narration alters story perception by presenting information through the lens of a specific character's experiences and emotions. Unlike objective narration, which provides an unbiased overview of events, subjective narration introduces potential biases and personal interpretations. This can lead audiences to empathize with or question characters' actions based on their inner thoughts, creating varied interpretations and enhancing the narrative depth.
• Evaluate the impact of using subjective narration on character development and audience empathy in scripted broadcasts.
  • Using subjective narration significantly impacts character development and audience empathy by allowing deeper insights into a character's motivations, fears, and desires. This technique enables writers to craft rich, complex characters whose inner struggles resonate with viewers. As audiences are exposed to these personal perspectives, they are more likely to form emotional connections with characters, leading to greater investment in their journeys and resolutions within the broadcast.

Related terms

Point of View: The perspective from which a story is told, which can be first-person, second-person, or third-person, impacting how information is presented to the audience.

Voiceover: A production technique where a voice is recorded off-screen, often used to convey a character's thoughts or provide commentary, aligning closely with subjective narration.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often highlighted through subjective narration to illustrate their emotional growth.