What is Narrative?

What is narrative?

Film choice: Mamma Mia

1.     What is the premise of the plot?

The premise of the plot is centered around a twenty-year-old girl named Sophie who is about to get married on the Greek island she grew up on. However, before she gets married, she has a desire to find her birth father whom her mother kept a secret from her throughout her entire life. To pursue the search to find her father's identity, Sophie invites three potential candidates (Bill, Harry, and Sam), all of whom she found from her mother's old diary she kept when she was pregnant, without her mother's knowledge. At the same time she tries to do this, her mother Donna reunites with her old friends from her past as they all arrive for the wedding. Throughout the film as the wedding approaches, secrets are revealed, old relationships are rekindled, and a mix of chaos occurs with humorous and heartfelt moments. This film is based upon a musical; therefore, some scenes are displayed with the sound of the classic ABBA soundtracks. At the wedding, the whole story line changes as Sophie decides she doesn’t want to be married yet, so she gives her wedding to her mom and one of her possible dads Sam, whom was Donna’s greatest love. It ends with a happy ending of everyone finding their happiness.

2.     What are the main themes of the story?

There are multiple main themes in the story.  First off, love and romance: as the film explores the complexities of love, showcasing the different forms it can take and the impact it has on relationships. Growing up and the relationship between a mother and daughter: as Sophie grew up, she was raised alone by her single mother, therefore the bond that was built between them as they navigate their own hopes and desires is a main theme of the story. Identity and self-discovery: as the plot revolves around Sophies quest to uncover her father's identity which prompts her own journey of self-discovery and understanding her place within her family’s identity. Friendship: This film highlights the power of friendship and solidarity among women friendships as seen through Donna’s reunions with her best friends and their support for each other. Nostalgia and embracing the past: the film celebrates the joy of revisiting nostalgic memories. Forgiveness and second chances: the characters grapple with forgiveness and take the chance to make amends for past mistakes leading to each character's growth. Celebration of music and dance: using the iconic ABBA soundtrack and musical numbers, the film displays the power of music and dance to bring people to get her. Lastly, self acceptance: as the film encourages embracing one's true self as the characters confronts their insecurities to find happiness and fulfillment. 

3.     How is the narrative structured?

Beginning: The film starts with Sophie preparing for her wedding on the Greek island of Kalokairi. As she finds her mothers diary and reads about her past romantic encounters with three potential fathers, she invites all three men to her wedding through letters. By doing this she hopes to discover which one is her biological father as she feels like it is a piece of her that is missing. The beginning sets up the conflict and introduces the main characters one by one.

Middle: Interactions and complications arise as the three potential fathers arrive on the island and interact with Donna and her friends. There are emotional and comedic moments as the character Donna confronts her past relationships and secrets are revealed.  This section of the movie builds towards the climax which involves revealing the truths about Donna’s past romantic encounters and the events that led up to Sophies birth. These flash backs deepen the emotional connection between the characters and provide context for their present-day relationships between all three of Sophie’s possible fathers and her mother.

End: Nearing the end of the film, the the conflicts that arose start to come to resolution as the characters come together for Sophie’s wedding. Sophie decides she doesn’t need to know her biological dad and wants all three of the men to be her dad, she also follows her heart and decides its not time for her to get married yet. Therefore, she gives her wedding ceremony to her mom to become married to her greatest love Sam. The film ends with a grand musical celebration and the uniting of characters in their joyous love, family and friendship.

4.     Is narrative built around conflict?

Yes, the narrative in “Mamma Mia” is built around various conflicts that create the story and add depth to the understanding of the characters and their relationships. The central conflict is Sophie wanting to find her father and inviting all three possible fathers to her wedding without her mothers acknowledge to avoid the risk of her mother getting mad and stopping her from inviting them. This conflict creates tension and comedic situations as the potential fathers navigate their unexpected reunion with Donna and the complications that arise. Additionally, conflicts of the past resurface as Donna revisits romantic histories and unresolved emotions that arise from those past relationships. This leads to conflict between Donna and the three potential fathers as well as emotional confusion. Lastly, a conflict arises between the main character Sophie and her fiancé as she begins to question her future wants with love and commitment. Overall, all these conflicts drive the plot and provide opportunists to understand each character more.

5.     What types of characters make up the narrative?

The type of characters that make up the narrative include, a mother figure, romantic partners, best friends, ensemble characters (background characters), and of course the protagonist and antagonists. The protagonist in this story is Sophie, twenty-year-old young women on a journey of self discovery. For the antagonists, it can be seen as there more than one. Such as the potential fathers Sam, Bill and Harry, as they create conflicts and challenges for Sophie and her mother Donna.

6.     Are there characters who help the main character is some way? 

Yes, there are several characters in this film who provide support for the main character Sophie. The characters include Donna Sheridan-her mother, Tanya and Rosie-Donna’s best friends, Sky-Sophies fiancé, and Sam, Bill and Harry- Sophies potential fathers, and the entire Greek island community. 

7.     Are there some characters who simply exist for the main characters to intersect with and help the narrative develop?

 Yes, Donna’s friends Rosie and Tanya-provide support and serve as comedic characters, Lisa and Ali-Sophie’s best friends who provide support for her through her wedding preparations, and various characters who serve as Sophie’s friends and wedding guests to provide interactions and a sense of community for Sophie and the movie as a whole.