LABOV’S NARRATIVE SCHEMA AND THE STRUCTURE OF BIOGRAPHY: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE SPY AND THE TRAITOR

Abstract

This research investigates the narrative structure of Ben Macintyre’s The Spy and the Traitor (2018) through the
framework of Labov’s (1972) Narrative Schema Model and examines how the biography aligns with the model’s
six core components. The research builds on earlier applications of Labov’s framework to biographical writing
and tests its consistency in another of Macintyre’s works. A qualitative method is used to identify and analyse each
schema in the text. The findings revealed that The Spy and the Traitor adheres fully to Labov’s six-part structure:
exhibiting dual abstracts, detailed orientation, sequential complicating actions, layered evaluations (external,
embedded, and action-based), clear resolution, and a conclusive coda. The narrative maintains chronological
order and confirms the model’s strength in biographical storytelling. These findings reinforced the adaptability of
Labov’s model across biographical narratives and highlighted its potential applicability to broader nonfiction
genres. The research contributes to narrative theory by showing that biographical writing not only conforms to
but also enriches Labov’s schemas through complex evaluative layering and structural precision.