Narrative implies a story, but it is much more than that. First, the essence of narrative can be found in form, pattern, or structure. Genre is the paradigmatic category in which a narrative's specific form fits. Plot , then, is the syntagmatic construction of the components of the narrative. Another key aspect of the plot syntagm is the notion of conflict .
Conflict occurs when one tries to resist or overcome some opposing force.
The paradigmatic aspect of genres create generic expectation within the audience. Once the genre is recognized, the audience is aware of what is supposed to happen. Fulfilling or flouting those expectations serve to create meaning. A good example of generic expectation is sport. If the Bulls and Pacers stopped in the middle of the fourth quarter to dance, our generic expectations would be flouted, and we would be forced to re-assess the narrative.