A Quantitative Description of Narrative Structure

— An Analysis of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Based on Textual Information and Food-Deviation Structure —

Abstract

This study proposes a quantitative method for describing narrative structure in picture books using page-based units. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is analyzed by measuring textual information density and food-based deviation levels. While textual distribution differs between Japanese and English versions, the deviation structure remains consistent. The narrative follows a pattern of gradual increase, peak deviation, and return to norm. These findings suggest that narrative structure can be quantitatively described as changes in information, independent of language.