Complex serials and episodic flexi-narratives: narrative extension in the transmedia storytelling of heroes and supernatural

Wisher, Emma Lauren (2017) Complex serials and episodic flexi-narratives: narrative extension in the transmedia storytelling of heroes and supernatural. MRes thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

This thesis provides a comparative analysis of Heroes (2006-2010) and Supernatural (2005-Present) to argue that television narrative structure influences the transmedia narrative formed. Many television narratives use transmedia storytelling to develop plotlines and characters without intruding upon the television episodes. The interconnectivity of the transmedia texts with the main narrative determines which transmedia narrative is formed. Single-world transmedia narratives create complex, connected worlds like a television serial whilst possible-world transmedia narratives are constructed from self-contained stories like an episodic series.

Heroes and Supernatural exemplify the differences between narrative extension in single-world and possible-world transmedia narratives, both within the transmedia texts and the television episodes. I argue that world components, temporality and character development are extended differently in television serials and flexi-narratives, and can determine whether a transmedia text’s relationship with the television narrative is consistent or implied. My ideas can be applied to narrative extension in other transmedia television narratives, creating a framework that identifies whether a single-world or possible-world is formed.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (MRes)
Supervisors: Pearson, Roberta
Gallagher, Mark
Keywords: narrative, storytelling, tv, television, heroes, supernatural, transmedia
Subjects: P Language and literature > PN Literature (General) > PN1990 Broadcasting
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Arts > School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies
Item ID: 39841
Depositing User: Wisher, Emma
Date Deposited: 20 Jul 2017 04:40
Last Modified: 08 Feb 2019 08:15
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/39841

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