narrativesrather

Narrativesrather is a term used in narrative theory and media studies to describe a storytelling mode that privileges multiple, interwoven narratives over a single, authoritative plot.

As a neologism, it is not a standardized category and has appeared in scholarly and critical writing since the early 21st century, applied variably. It signals a preference for polyphony, perspectival shifts, and cross-cutting timeframes rather than a single omniscient viewpoint.

Key features of narrativesrather include polyphonic narration, nonlinear chronology, shifting focalization, and editorial or metanarrative framing that draws attention to the construction of the story. This approach often foregrounds the act of storytelling itself and may invite readers or viewers to compare interpretations across strands.

Applications of narrativesrather span literature, film, television, and interactive media, where audiences are invited to assemble meaning from disparate narrative strands rather than from a single guiding narration. It is associated with postmodern or contemporary practices that reflect media saturation and plural identities.

Evaluation of the concept is mixed. Proponents argue that narrativesrather mirrors the complexities of modern experience and enhances interpretive engagement; critics contend that it can impair coherence and accessibility, potentially alienating some audiences.

See also: polyphonic narrative, nonlinear narrative, metafiction, frame narrative.