Narrative Analysis

Full Definition

Narrative analysis in media studies refers to the systematic examination of how journalists and editors structure events into coherent stories. Every news narrative implies certain things: who the protagonist is, who the antagonist is, what problem is being addressed, what caused it, who is responsible, and what solution is implied. These narrative elements shape reader understanding beyond the individual facts reported. Narrative analysis involves identifying these structural elements — and asking whether alternative narratives using the same facts are possible but unexplored. Auren's narrative intelligence features map how a story is being told across multiple outlets and over time.