“WEIRD AT LAST”: WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE AND THE BIRTH OF THE INTIMATE NARRATIVE

Abstract

Radio dramas have long preceeded the 21st century, and the many fictional narratives it has produced. In recent years, the resurgence of this genre in the format of original podcasts has raised interesting observations regarding narrative intimacy and the transcendence of conventional narrative presentation. This thesis aims to deconstruct the various narrative and linguistic tools used by the podcast to create and embed listeners closely within its narrative, using these as a framework to analyse communication through narrative, as well as to observe the schematic implications ( and the re-formation of schemas) involved in fictional podcasts. I will do so through an analysis of narration, pronouns, and lexical choices, so as to first observe the audible aspects of storytelling. To complement this, I will observe the use of live shows as well as atmospheric sound to observe the format’s attempt at mimicking film. This mimesis, juxtaposed with the distinct lack of visual stimulus in the podcast itself, allows for the thorough construction of a fictional universe that is distinct to each listener. The aspect of customization, coupled with the several narrative arcs and characters within the narrative, allow for a uniquely intimate narrative style that exists both within and without the listeners’ (as participants) psyche. I will then analyse worldbuilding using the concept of historicity and othering, showing how they complement the narrative arcs presented in the podcast.