Todorov’s Theory of Narrative

Hannah Burgess & Katie Charman.

Narrative theory and narrative codes

Narrative is the way this process of stories is organised, how stories are structured and then potentially decoded or understood.

This is shown through:

• Structure – Todorov’s narrative theory.

• Elements - Normally through images. The images give you clues as to what is happening through clothing, the actors and so on.

State of equilibrium Disruption of equilibrium

Recognition of the disruption

Attempt to repair the disruption

Reinstatement of equilibrium

Todorov’s narrative theory

State of equilibrium- Anita "Needy" Lesnickiand Jennifer Check are high school students who have been best friends since childhood, despite having little in common. One night Jennifer and Needy go to the local bar to attend a concert by the band Low Shoulder.

Disruption of equilibrium – A fire breaks outand Jennifer goes off with the band in adrunk state. She was raped and the bandtook her as a virgin sacrifice to Satan in returnfor fame, leaving Jennifer to becomepossessed. Jennifer starts killing all the localboys in the area and one of her next targets isNeedy’s boyfriend.

Recognition of the disruption –Jennifer explains to Needy whathappened and that she needshuman flesh to survive. On the nightof prom Needy realises thatJennifer’s next victim is herboyfriend.

Attempt to repair the disruption – In an attempt to save her boyfriend and other boys, Needy takes it upon herself to kill Jennifer in the hope of releasing the demon inside her. Whilst doing so Needy gets bitten by Jennifer. Jennifer dies.

Reinstatement ofequilibrium – Needy nowleads a new life of obtainingsome of Jennifer’ssupernatural powers andlives in an asylum.

Application of Todorov’s narrative theory- Jennifer’s Body.

Elements

Two girls sitting in bed talking.

Flashback to a dark scene of one of the girls covered in blood leading a boy into the woods.

She explains how she needs human flesh to survive.

She injures herself.

The wound heals itself revealing she has supernatural powers.