Narrative Theory, Mind and Text. Beyond the Dichotomy Between Mindreading and Global Coherence

This paper explores the ongoing debate concerning the variables that contribute to the formation of a fully realised narrative text. Two primary perspectives dominate this discussion: one emphasises the role of character psychology and mindreading in narrative creation and comprehension, while the other prioritises the importance of plot and the causal-temporal structure of storytelling. By examining recent developments in these theoretical frameworks, we advocate for an integrated approach that reconciles these elements through the concept of “global coherence”, which aligns closely with Paul Ricœur’s notion of “intelligible totality” in narrative theory.