Narrative Analysis

Narrative as Operating System

Humans understand the world through stories. Narratives provide:

• Meaning: Why things happen
• Identity: Who we are
• Direction: What to do
• Community: Who's with us

This makes narrative a powerful tool for both understanding and manipulation.

Elements of Manipulative Narratives

Protagonist/Antagonist: Clear good guys and bad guys Stakes: Existential threat or ultimate reward Call to Action: What the audience must do Urgency: Why action is needed now Simplicity: Complex reality reduced to digestible story

Red Flags in Narratives

• Everything makes sense (reality is messier)
• Clear villains with simple motives
• "They" are unified and coordinated (groups are usually more chaotic)
• You have special knowledge others lack
• Action is urgent and obvious
• Doubt is disloyalty