Narrative Arc
A Narrative Arc is a fundamental storytelling concept that shows how a story develops from beginning to end. Think of it as the road map of a story that includes the setup, rising action, climax, and resolution. When hiring in the entertainment industry, this term often appears in job descriptions for screenwriters, content creators, and story editors. It's similar to terms like "story structure" or "dramatic arc." Understanding narrative arcs is crucial for anyone who creates stories for movies, TV shows, or other media content.
Examples in Resumes
Developed Narrative Arcs for a 12-episode television series
Strengthened character development through carefully crafted Narrative Arcs and Story Arcs
Supervised writing team in creating compelling Dramatic Arcs for multiple streaming series
Typical job title: "Screenwriters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Screenwriters
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach adapting a narrative arc for different episode lengths or formats?
Expected Answer: A senior writer should discuss how they adjust story pacing and structure based on format requirements, whether it's a 30-minute sitcom, hour-long drama, or feature film, while maintaining engaging storytelling.
Q: How do you manage multiple narrative arcs in a series while maintaining coherence?
Expected Answer: They should explain how to balance main plot lines with subplots, track character development across episodes, and ensure all story threads contribute to the overall series narrative.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Can you explain how you develop character arcs that support the main narrative?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of how character growth and main plot developments work together, with examples of successful character journeys they've created.
Q: How do you revise a narrative arc when receiving feedback from producers or executives?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for incorporating feedback while maintaining story integrity, including examples of successful revisions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a narrative arc?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the fundamental parts: setup/exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution in simple terms with examples.
Q: How do you ensure your story maintains audience engagement throughout the narrative arc?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic techniques for creating suspense, adding complications, and using conflict to keep viewers interested.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic story structure understanding
- Script formatting
- Character development
- Writing dialogue
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing multiple storylines
- Script revision and editing
- Collaboration with production teams
- Genre-specific writing
Senior (5+ years)
- Show running experience
- Managing writing teams
- Complex story development
- Working with networks/studios
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic story structure
- No completed scripts or writing samples
- Lack of understanding of different media formats
- Poor collaboration or communication skills
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
From Passive to Active: Nurturing Candidates Over the Long Haul
Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
Why Your Hiring Process is a Maze (And How Design Thinking Can Turn It into a Superhighway)
