Narrative Theory and the Typological Circle Franz Stanzel set out to derive a comprehensive typology of all conceivable narrative structures. A reflector character thinks, feels and perceives. An illusion of im-mediacy is created. The narration may be highly personalized or relatively invisible. Mode distinguishes between what Stanzel calls reportorial narration and scenic presentation.
Modal possibilities constitute a continuum.
In each of the three narrative situations, another constitutive element or pole of the binary opposition associated with it attains dominance over the other constitutive elements and their poles. Twentieth century writers combine authorial and figural elements. At any time, some writers deviate from the historic norm by defamiliarizing the conventions through estrangement. This accounts for the historical development of the form. Stanzel's typology is used to determine the predominance of the narrative situations in a work.