Single Camera Drama Narrative Structure

There are several different forms Linear, Non Linear, Single Strand and Multi-Strand. 

Linear stories, also known as sequential, are when the storyline is in chronological order, you watch the beginning, the middle and the end with no flash backs or flash forwards its all played out in order and in the present time. The disadvantages of Linear story-lines are that they can be quite dull and boring though the advantages of this type of storyline is that the audience understands what is happening in the story.

Non-Linear stories, also known as non-sequential, are the opposite to Linear, the storyline isn't in chronological order and do not follow a set timeline, the plot is distorted and features flashbacks and dream sequences (or past, present and future). The disadvantages of this kind of storyline are that it is easy for the audience to get lost in the storyline and begin to misunderstand the plot, the advantages are that past and future tense help the audience understand the story better.

Single-Strand stories are when the plot of the story is focused on one single character. The disadvantages of this kind of form is that the story would be boring and there would be nothing to build up from, the advantages though are that the audience can focus on just that one character and their story.

Multi-Strand stories are the opposite of Single-Strand, instead of one single character and their lives, the storyline has multiple characters and different lives, the advantages of this kind of form is that the audience can see different characters who lead different lives though the disadvantages of this is that the views may be biased and the audience may favour one character over another.

Some examples of each:

Some examples of Linear single camera dramas, Coronation Street, Downton Abbey, Come Fly With Me.

Non-Linear, Doctor Who, is set in a different period of time in each episode.

Single Strand, My Name is Earl, Lizzie McGuire, Derek.

Multi-Strand, Zoey 101, Sex and The City.