The monograph is a detailed analysis of the definitions of the term "narrative" and the main semantic elements of these definitions, with the help of which different authors define this term. The main properties of narrative texts are considered, systemic connections between these properties are traced, the main contradictions and problems behind the use of the term "narrative" are formulated. This is done by involving different concepts of narratology and narrative philosophy. The work was carried out at the intersection of philological and philosophical sciences and is addressed primarily to representatives of these disciplinary communities; in addition, it may be of interest to anyone interested in narrative research in a wide range of contemporary social sciences and humanities.