Screenplay and Narrative Theory draws attention to the notion that in order to comprehend complex narrative dynamics, which are encountered
in a great variety of narrative genres, forms, and formats, a more comprehensive theory of narrative is required. George Varotsis explains how a work of narrative functions synergistically and
systemically, as well as elucidates the heuristic problem-solving mechanisms that are employed in various structural levels of thought processes, which allow the coherent accumulative
derivative we call a story to emerge. The transition from an empirical to theoretical perspective is achieved by introducing
characteristics of complex narrative systems: a network of narrative components, i.e. characters, structure, goals, motivations, theme, plot and subplots, narrative action, etc., which are
arranged hierarchically over three fundamental levels of structure, i.e. deep, intermediate, and surface structure, that interact parallel to one another in non-linear ways. Varotsis tackles
questions about how stories semantically emerge in the underlying dynamics that allow a work of narrative to function as a unified
whole.
