Reorganizing Narratives by Utilizing the Reflection Scheme
In the captivating world of storytelling, a structure known as the mirror structure plays a significant role in ensuring a satisfying resolution and a well-rounded storytelling experience. This structure, while not explicitly defined by name in the results, is evident in various media and is essential for deepening thematic resonance.
The mirror structure requires that plot threads, themes, or character arcs introduced early in the story reach a clear conclusion or come full circle by the end. This provides narrative cohesion and emotional payoff, avoiding loose ends that can frustrate the audience.
It also addresses unresolved tensions or questions between characters that the story posed earlier, allowing character dynamics to transform in a way that reflects growth or change. This can involve characters reconciling, revealing truths, or shifting alliances that were hinted at initially.
Moreover, the structure honors implicit or explicit narrative promises—such as foreshadowed events, established stakes, or thematic questions—by delivering on them in the final act. These fulfilled promises provide a sense of narrative justice and completeness, enhancing reader satisfaction.
In essence, the mirror structure acts like a story’s reflection: what is “seen” or set up at the start returns in transformed or completed form at the end, creating unity and meaning.
The author, a writer and paramedic living in London, suggests free writing to the middle of a story, then going back to ensure promises are fulfilled, stories are started in the correct order, and relationships are resolved. It is important to keep promises made about the content and style of the story.
Whether it's the changing relationships between characters in "The Lord of the Rings," the antagonist's pursuit of the Main Character, or the resolution of a mystery, the mirror structure is a fundamental tool in storytelling. By adhering to this structure, authors can create narratives that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact.
This article is a guest post contributed by S.E. Jones.
[1] Nonlinear narratives showing past and future to complete character arcs - [Source] [2] The importance of demonstrating character change or resolution at the story’s end to avoid clichés and unsatisfying conclusions - [Source]
Through the application of the mirror structure in storytelling, characters experience personal growth as unresolved conflicts are addressed, leading to transformations in their relationships and dynamics (education-and-self-development, personal-growth). For instance, the resolution of the Main Character's journey in the Lord of the Rings is an example of this structure, emphasizing the significance of narrative cohesion and thematic resonance to leave a lasting impact on readers.
