Beyond Content: Exploring the Effects of Narrative Structure on Entertainment Experience

Abstract. Narratologists have argued that playing with narrative structure is a means to bring about esthetic or psychological effects among audiences. The present study tested empirically whether a film narrative told chronologically or achronologically influences audiences’ psychological perceptions and appreciation. It was found that achronological narratives are more enjoyed and appreciated than their chronological counterparts. Furthermore, achronological versions of a narrative were perceived to be more suspenseful and transporting than a chronological version. Interestingly, narrative structure also affected perceived likability and importance of characters. This study thus contributes to the social scientific literature on narratives by showing that the structure of a narrative, apart from its content, is an important determinant of entertainment experiences.