A Study on Narrative Techniques for Movies and OTT Series in Response to Changes in the Media Environment : Comparative Analysis of the Movie The Man Who Laughs and the OTT Series Mask Girl

This paper examines the evolution of narrative structures in storytelling, focusing on the interplay between character-driven narratives and media-specific formats. Using The Man Who Laughs a traditional feature-length film and Mask Girl a modern OTT series as case studies, the analysis highlights how differences in character arcs influence and shape narrative structures that align with the unique demands of their respective media. The study begins by exploring the character of Gwynplaine in The Man Who Laughs, whose singular and linear arc reflects the traditional three-act structure of classic cinema. The film's concise format prioritizes thematic clarity and emotional intensity, adhering to the requirements of the theatrical medium. In contrast, Mask Girl utilizes a non-linear, episodic structure characteristic of OTT platforms, leveraging its extended runtime and multiple character perspectives to explore contemporary themes such as identity, societal beauty standards, and the psychological implications of social media. By comparing these two works, the paper underscores how narrative techniques adapt to audience behavior and technological advancements. The cinematic medium emphasizes brevity and symbolic storytelling, while the digital OTT format allows for layered narratives and prolonged character development. The study also discusses the cultural and thematic relevance of these works, highlighting their critique of societal norms and their reflections on the human condition. This research contributes to understanding how storytelling evolves across media platforms and offers insights for creators and scholars into crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences in an ever-changing media landscape. By bridging traditional and modern techniques, this paper demonstrates the dynamic relationship between character, structure, and medium in contemporary storytelling.