narratiivili

Narratiivili is a term encountered in Estonian literary and media studies to denote the narrative line or thread that unifies a work. It refers to the through-line that connects scenes, episodes, and characters into a coherent progression, as opposed to isolated moments or stand-alone scenes. The concept emphasizes continuity, causality, and temporal movement, and it can encompass both the external events of the plot and the internal development of characters.

In analysis, narratiivili is used to examine how a story sustains its momentum over time, how subplots are integrated, and how time manipulation or jumps affect the sense of a singular line. It is compatible with discussions of plot, narrative voice, focalization, and point of view, but focuses more on the connective structure that holds the work together than on individual scenes in isolation.

The term is relatively recent and appears as a neologism in some Estonian scholarly writings. Its precise definition can vary between scholars, and it is often employed in discussions of narrative architecture in novels, films, and other media. As a methodological concept, narratiivili helps researchers describe the way a narrative maintains unity, guides reader or viewer attention, and reveals themes through its progression.

Related concepts include plot, narrative structure, focalization, and narrative voice.