Narrative structures...

Narrative structures help break down the plot of a film. It is the order and structure in which the film is being presented to the audience. Generally, we break the plot/film down into three separate stages; beginning, middle and end. They can also be referred to as the equilibrium, disequilibrium and the resolution. This is the most simplistic way of representing a narrative structure:

The beginning/equilibrium is the beginning where things are at peace and it shows the normality for the main characters.  


The middle/disequilibrium is where an event occurs to change the beginning/equilibrium; this change and how it affects the characters is the middle section to the plot. 


The end/disequilibrium is the end of the plot and things return to a normal state, the equilibrium (normality) is achieved although it may be new.


Another more complex model to demonstrate the narrative would be his model:

Normally, the narrative structure is based on conflict between two people or groups. Also in films, we do not always see the film produced in chronological order. For example, sometimes we see the end scenes before the first.