A frame story, also known a frame narrative, is a story which is set within a story. Stories, movies, or novels in this format usually have the main character or supporting character telling their story within the broader story, once they are introduced to the audience. This literary technique has been used for years in classics, like Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley and Homer’s Odyssey. Frame stories allow the author to give context to the reader about the main story using the character’s side stories. The context given can then be used to guide the reader during the story. In addition, the audience is able to learn more about the characters through their tales, adding layers to them. Their stories will give the reader the character’s perspective, thoughts, motivations, along with feelings in different situations.
Some examples of frame stories in books and movies include titles like, Frankenstein, Titanic, and Henry Chaucer's “Canterbury Tales”. Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley is a prime literary example of a frame story. Shelley begins her story in letter format with the main character, Robert Walton, traveling in Russia in search of a path to the arctic and writing home to his sister, Margaret.When Walton meets Victor, Victor begins to tell his story, which will eventually lead into the monster’s story, creating a story within a story within a story. The movie Titanic, is another example of this do to the fact that the story begins with Rose as a older women telling her story of journey on the titanic. The movie flashes between the past and present, giving the audience her story on the Titanic and the other characters exploration of the Titanic in present time. Henry Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” is another case of a frame story, since it begins with pilgrim’s journey to Canterbury then branches off into the stories told by the individual characters on the journey. The character’s tales allow the reader to learn more about each of the individuals and creates a story within a story.
I like this graphic! Frame stories are very interesting! ~ Mrs. Kopp
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