strandsnarratives

Strandsnarratives is a term used in narrative theory to describe works that organize the story around several interwoven strands. Each strand follows different characters, settings, or times, and the strands are designed to intersect or resonate with one another. The overall effect is a composite or braided experience in which meaning emerges from the connections among strands rather than from a single linear arc.

Structure and techniques: Strandsnarratives commonly employ parallel plotting, alternating chapters or sections, multiple narrators, and non-linear timelines. Authors may begin with independent threads and reveal links gradually, or they may stage convergences at pivotal scenes. The technique often requires careful mapping of themes, motifs, and causal links to sustain coherence across strands.

Relation to other terms: The concept overlaps with braided narratives and mosaic novels. While not universally standardized, strandsnarratives are discussed as a broader umbrella for multi-strand storytelling. In some analyses, the term emphasizes symmetrical or complementary strands rather than a single central hero's journey.

Examples: In contemporary fiction, David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas is frequently cited as an archetypal braided/mosaic narrative, as is Jennifer Egan's A Visit from the Goon Squad, which shifts among voices and timelines. Film and television uses include ensemble stories that intercut across characters and eras.

Applications and reception: Strandsnarratives can deepen thematic exploration, enable cross-cultural or cross-temporal perspectives, and create suspense through delayed connections. They also pose challenges for pacing, unity, and reader engagement, requiring clear signposting and purposeful interconnections.