Narrative Codes:-

Narrative codes are split into two groups; action codes and enigma codes. Action codes are events or moments in a film narrative that then motivates the action in a certain direction. An enigma code is a question that is posed by an action, event or character, which is then answered in the narrative.

For example, a film may have a scene where a man is walking down a dark road. This presents a few enigma codes such as; "Who is this man?" and "Where is he going?". To keep the narrative moving forwards, these questions need to be answered with action codes. Therefore, in the clip, the man could eventually walk into a shop and the shop owner could possibly say; "Hello John!". These two action codes answer the enigma codes and this enables the viewer to learn more about plot and characters but keeps the audience interested in what will happen next.