Here's why:
* Narrative Structure: A narrative is simply the act of telling a story. It involves characters, a plot, setting, and a sequence of events. This structure applies across all genres.
* Genres as Categories: Genres are categories based on shared characteristics like theme, tone, style, and conventions. For example, romance, science fiction, and historical fiction are all genres.
* Narratives Within Genres: Each genre uses narrative structures to tell stories within their specific parameters. For instance, a romance novel will have a narrative structure focusing on love and relationships, while a science fiction novel will use narrative to explore themes of technology and the future.
In short, genres are like containers, and narratives are the stories within them.
Think of it this way:
* Genre: The box (e.g., mystery, fantasy)
* Narrative: The story inside the box (e.g., a detective solving a crime, a wizard on a quest)
You can have a narrative in any genre, but a narrative is not a genre itself.