Transforming Narratives via Mirror Reflection Structure
In the realm of storytelling, two key elements play a significant role in creating engaging narratives: the concept of changing relationships and the mirror structure.
Changing relationships, as seen in works like J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings," are instrumental to a story's structure. They begin with discord, evolve over the course of the story, and ultimately showcase character change. For instance, the relationship between Frodo Baggins and his companion, Sam, undergoes a transformation, with Sam dragging Frodo up the mountain serving as a culmination of their relationship change. Another example is Gollum's changing relationship with Frodo, culminating in Gollum's demise by falling into Mount Doom.
The mirror structure, on the other hand, is a deliberate symmetry between the beginning and end of a narrative. This technique ensures that the story feels complete and satisfying by finishing what was started, resolving relationship questions, and fulfilling promises made to the reader.
Finishing what is started involves the narrative bringing back initial setups, conflicts, or mysteries introduced at the beginning and providing resolution or closure by the end. This full-circle approach prevents loose ends and reinforces a coherent story arc.
Resolving relationship questions involves revisiting and clarifying dynamics established early in the story. The mirror structure ensures that emotional or relational tensions introduced initially are addressed, often showing growth, transformation, reconciliation, or final decisions.
Fulfilling promises to the reader is achieved by echoing earlier narrative beats so that promises—whether thematic, emotional, or plot-driven—are honored in the conclusion, giving the reader a sense of payoff and narrative integrity.
This narrative technique often takes the form of echoing scenes, motifs, dialogue, or plot points, creating a symmetry that satisfies the reader’s anticipation for closure and thematic completeness. It aligns with classical story structures where the ending reflects the beginning, completing the character’s journey or the narrative’s moral arc.
In the world of writing, S.E. Jones, a writer and paramedic living in London, contributes guest posts. When not writing or working as a paramedic, Jones can be found reading, ensuring a steady supply of inspiration for future stories. Writing promises into a story and delivering on them is crucial for maintaining reader engagement, a lesson Jones undoubtedly learned during her time crafting tales.
Whether it's a story promising explosions or a specific genre style, delivering on those promises is essential. Similarly, if a story promises messages about the nature of the universe, it should deliver on those messages. By adhering to these principles, writers can create narratives that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact.
Online education in the field of education-and-self-development can provide individuals with a platform for learning, as they engage in the symmetrical structure of coursework, enabling them to fulfill promises to themselves about acquiring new skills and knowledge. For example, understanding the narrative technique of mirror structure in a writing course can lead to a clear demonstration of learning, showing growth and transformation in one's writing abilities over the course of the online education.
By reading S.E. Jones' guest posts, a reader gains insights into the importance of delivering on writing promises, mirroring the values Jones advocates in maintaining reader engagement through her stories, ensuring a lasting impact.
