How To Write A Non-Linear Screenplay

One of the key structuring decisions, before you begin writing your screenplay, is whether to keep it linear or non-linear.Both are techniques that deal with time.Unlike the three-act structure which primarily concerns itself with the overall narrative arc, linear and non linear structures dictate the sequencing of events ie. the order in which you reveal information to the reader (and audience).

Linear vs Non-Linear Storytelling

Linear storytelling is the traditional method where events unfold in a chronological sequence. The story progresses from the beginning to the middle and then to the end in a straightforward manner. Whereas, non-linear storytelling is a disruptive method that presents the events out of sequence. It challenges the audience to piece together the narrative puzzle which can be either more rewarding or more confusing depending on how well you handle it as a writer.

Characteristics of a Non-Linear Screenplay

In departing from the traditional linear progression of events, non-linear screenplays play with time, character perspectives, and storytelling techniques to create a layered viewing experience. In contemporary filmmaking, Christopher Nolan heavily relies on this technique for nearly all his movies. His structuring process using diagrams and charts is well captured in the book “The Nolan Variations“. To understand the characteristics, let’s take a look at two popular movies of the last decade, The Social Network and Gone Girl.

1. Temporal Complexity

Non-linear storytelling disrupts the conventional flow of time. In “The Social Network,” the screenplay toggles between Zuckerberg’s legal battles and the creation of Facebook. This intentional temporal complexity adds layers to the narrative, requiring the audience to connect the dots and grasp the motivations behind the characters’ actions. Similarly, in “Gone Girl,” flashbacks are not just glimpses into the past but strategic tools used to reveal crucial information about Nick and Amy’s history, contributing to the overall complexity of the narrative.

2. Character Arcs Across Timelines

Unlike linear narratives that unfold chronologically, non-linear screenplays allow for a more intricate exploration of character development. In “The Social Network,” Mark Zuckerberg’s evolution is revealed through fragmented scenes, each contributing to a deeper understanding of his character. “Gone Girl” employs a non-linear structure to explore Nick and Amy’s relationship over time, presenting key moments from their past. This approach provides a nuanced portrayal of the characters’ growth and motivations. It is often used cleverly in TV shows as well, most notably in HBO’s Big Little Lies.

3. Narrative Perspective

Non-linear screenplays often play with narrative perspectives, presenting the story through different viewpoints. In “The Social Network,” the screenplay uses legal depositions to provide multiple perspectives on Facebook’s creation. This technique enriches the narrative by presenting contrasting accounts. “Gone Girl” takes a similar approach by alternating between Nick and Amy’s perspectives, challenging the audience’s assumptions and offering a comprehensive exploration of the central mystery.

4. Visual Storytelling

Visual storytelling in non-linear screenplays goes beyond dialogue and action. In “The Social Network,” the screenplay employs dynamic descriptions to vividly capture the intensity of the tech world during the creation of Facebook. “Gone Girl” utilizes visual motifs, such as the “Amazing Amy” book series, to convey themes and add depth to the storytelling. Each scene is carefully crafted to contribute to the visual impact of the narrative.

5. Structure and Sequence

Non-linear screenplays deviate from traditional structures, presenting scenes out of chronological order. In “Gone Girl,” the screenplay strategically places flashbacks to unveil information at precise moments, building suspense and maintaining the audience’s investment in the central mystery. “The Social Network” takes a rhythmic approach, guiding the audience through Zuckerberg’s journey with a deliberate sequence that enhances the storytelling experience.

6. Audience Engagement

Non-linear screenplays require active engagement from the audience. In “The Social Network,” conflicting accounts during legal depositions prompt viewers to interpret motives and perspectives actively. “Gone Girl” places clues strategically, urging the audience to reassess their understanding of the central mystery. Non-linear storytelling is not a passive experience; it demands the audience’s participation, turning the viewing process into an intellectual and emotional dialogue with the narrative.

Different Types of Non-Linear Techniques

Once you’ve decided that your story requires a non-linear approach, you can further narrow it down to the specific kind of style best suited for it. Let’s take a look at some of the popular ones.

1. Parallel Timelines: Crafting Suspense Through Convergence

The Parallel Timelines structure is a technique used to build suspense and engage the audience in a narrative puzzle. Movies like “Pulp Fiction” showcase this approach, where multiple timelines unfold at the same time, coming together at key moments. This intentional mix-up of the order challenges viewers to piece together the story, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Filmmakers use this structure to play with time, encouraging the audience to unravel the layers of the narrative.

2. Circular Narrative: Exploring Time’s Cyclical Nature

The Circular Narrative structure adds a rhythm to storytelling by forming a loop that goes back to the beginning or a significant moment. Seen in classics like “Groundhog Day,” this structure uses repetition to explore character growth and convey important lessons. It goes beyond just the plot, adding depth to the storytelling and challenging characters to break free from repetitive patterns. This structure transforms time into a theme, letting writers create stories that resonate with the eternal ebb and flow of existence.

3. Nested Storytelling: Layers of Narratives Unveiled

Nested Storytelling involves embedding stories within stories, creating a rich narrative experience. In “The Princess Bride,” for example, a grandfather weaves a fairy tale for his grandson, intertwining two tales seamlessly. This approach doesn’t just add layers to the narrative; it introduces different perspectives, enriching the overall storytelling experience. Nested storytelling becomes a way to explore diverse themes and emotions, contributing to the impact of the narrative.

4. Mosaic Structure: Audience as Architects of the Narrative

The Mosaic Structure is a non-linear approach that presents fragments of the story in a non-chronological sequence. In films like “Memento,” the protagonist’s short-term memory loss mirrors the audience’s experience, requiring them to actively piece together the narrative. This structure turns viewers into essential contributors to the story, challenging them to construct a coherent plot. The Mosaic Structure highlights the collaborative nature of non-linear storytelling, where the audience plays a crucial role in deciphering the intricacies of the narrative mosaic.

5. Flashbacks and Flash-forwards: Windows into Character Histories and Futures

Flashbacks and flash-forwards are tools often used in storytelling to delve into character histories or provide glimpses into the future. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” effectively uses flashbacks to unravel the emotional depth of its characters. On the flip side, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” employs flash-forwards to propel the audience into the future, creating anticipation and curiosity. These structures give storytellers ways to explore the nuances of time, offering insights into the intricate tapestry of characters’ pasts and futures.

6. Reverse Chronology: Unraveling Backwards Through Time

In the world of reverse chronology, storytellers take audiences on a journey backward through time, defying the usual flow of narratives. Films like “Irreversible” and “Betrayal” use this technique, where the climax unfolds at the beginning, and the story unravels in reverse order. This structure injects a sense of inevitability, as audiences witness the consequences before understanding the events leading up to them, adding a layer of anticipation and retrospective revelation.

7. Multiple Perspectives: A Kaleidoscope of Truths

Embracing multiple perspectives is a narrative technique that fractures the singular viewpoint, offering a kaleidoscopic exploration of truth. In “Rashomon” and “Vantage Point,” the same events are seen through different lenses, revealing the subjective nature of storytelling. This approach invites audiences to question assumptions, challenging them to discern the nuanced shades of reality as perceived by various characters. Multiple perspectives add complexity to the narrative, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the story’s events.

Tips for Structuring Nonlinear Screenplays

Non-linear screenplays are infamous for being too indulgent or worse, confusing. Here are some tips you can keep in mind to avoid common mistakes.

1. Clarity is Key

Establish the Nonlinear Structure Early: Clearly communicate the non-chronological order of events from the outset. Set the audience’s expectations for a narrative that unfolds in a unique way.

Use Visual Cues: Employ visual elements such as titles, different color grading, or distinctive motifs to signal shifts in time. This helps the audience smoothly transition between timelines.

2. Consistency in Style

Maintain Tone and Style: Uphold a consistent tone and style across different timelines. This coherence enhances the overall narrative, preventing confusion and fostering a seamless viewing experience.

Visual and Thematic Consistency: Ensure visual and thematic consistency throughout various timelines. This not only aids in the audience’s understanding but also contributes to the overall aesthetic and emotional impact.

3. Character-Centric Approach

Ground in Characters’ Experiences: Anchor the nonlinear structure in the experiences and perspectives of the characters. This connection provides a narrative throughline, making it easier for the audience to follow the story.

Serve Character Development: Ensure that nonlinear elements contribute to character development. Every shift in time should offer insights into the characters, deepening the audience’s connection with them.

4. Revelations and Payoffs

Strategic Placement of Revelations: Place revelations strategically for maximum emotional impact. Whether it’s a plot twist or a crucial piece of information, timing is crucial to heighten suspense and engagement.

Tie Up Loose Ends: In complex structures, ensure that loose ends are tied up effectively. Provide satisfying payoffs to the audience’s investment in the narrative, resolving key questions or mysteries.

5. Test the Structure

Seek Feedback: Before finalizing the screenplay, seek feedback from others. Ensure that the nonlinear structure is comprehensible and that the intended impact is achieved.

Consider First-Time Viewer Perception: Put yourself in the shoes of someone experiencing the story for the first time. Evaluate whether the nonlinear structure enhances or hinders their understanding and enjoyment.

Whether you’re using parallel timelines, circular narratives, puzzles, reverse chronology, multiple perspectives, nested storytelling, or time travel, the key is to maintain a balance between complexity and coherence.

Scrite’s Advanced Structuring tool was designed to help writers visually outline and organize their stories effortlessly.

Which Technique is Right for You?

When to Use Nonlinear Storytelling

1. Exploring Complexity and Depth: Nonlinear storytelling is beneficial when a story requires intricate structures to explore complex themes, character relationships, and plot dynamics. It enhances depth, especially when the narrative involves multiple layers, perspectives, or interconnected events.

Eg. Inception

2. Subjectivity and Unreliable Narrators: For stories that revolve around the unreliability of memory, varying perspectives, or subjective experiences, nonlinear storytelling is a potent tool. It allows for a nuanced exploration of characters’ internal worlds and motivations.

Eg. Memento

3. Intellectual Engagement: Nonlinear storytelling engages the audience intellectually by challenging conventional expectations. It invites viewers to actively participate in piecing together the narrative puzzle, fostering a deeper connection with the story. This approach is effective for creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience.

Eg. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

4. Adding Mystery and Suspense: Nonlinear structures are conducive to building mystery and suspense. By strategically revealing information out of chronological order, storytellers can keep the audience guessing, heightening the emotional impact of key plot developments. This is particularly effective in genres like mystery, thriller, or psychological drama.

Eg. Pulp Fiction

5. Reflecting Themes of Time and Change: Nonlinear storytelling suits narratives exploring the fluidity of time, the impact of past events on the present, or the cyclical nature of certain themes. Playing with time allows writers to create a profound exploration of the story’s underlying themes.

Eg. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

When to Use Linear Storytelling

1. Clear Cause-and-Effect Relationships: Linear storytelling excels in presenting clear cause-and-effect relationships. If the narrative follows a straightforward progression of events, a linear structure provides clarity and simplicity.

Eg. The Shawshank Redemption

2. Character-Driven Narratives: Linear storytelling is effective when the emphasis is on character arcs and their growth over time. It allows for a chronological exploration of characters’ journeys, making it easier for the audience to connect with their development.

Eg. Forrest Gump

3. Genre Expectations: Certain genres, like romantic comedies, dramas, or coming-of-age stories, often adhere to linear structures. Linear storytelling aligns with audience expectations in these genres and provides a familiar and accessible narrative framework.

Eg. The Notebook

4. Straightforward Narratives: If the narrative is straightforward, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, a linear structure might be the most appropriate choice. This is especially true for stories where the primary focus is on the central plot rather than intricate storytelling techniques.

Eg. Die Hard

5. Chronological Storytelling for Clarity: Linear storytelling is inherently easier for audiences to follow. When the goal is to maximize clarity and ensure a seamless viewing or reading experience, especially for a broader audience, a linear structure is advantageous.

Eg. Jurassic Park

The decision to use non-linear or linear storytelling depends on the nature of your story, thematic goals, and the desired audience experience. Nonlinear storytelling adds complexity, depth, and intellectual engagement, making it suitable for narratives that benefit from unconventional structures. On the other hand, linear storytelling provides simplicity, clarity, and aligns with certain genre conventions, making it ideal for straightforward and character-driven narratives.