NARRATIVETHEORY

UNIT G325 - SECTION A –Q1B

INTRODUCTION TO NARRATIVE

Narrative explores the conventions of:

• Genre

• Character

• Form

• TimeThe key events

Includes information not shown

Narrative = how is the story told? (as events unfold)

NARRATIVE STRUCTURE

Linear Structure:

Beginning Middle End(Audience introduced to (Events –story builds) (Closure)

characters and story)

Open Structure:

The audience are left to wonder what happens next and make sense of it themselves (e.g. “Inception”)

Closed Structure:

Definite ending – clear conclusion for the audience

Circular Structure:The narrative begins at the end events (often with the

Beginning climax). The audience are taking on a journey arriving And end back where they started. (e.g. Pulp fiction)

?

!

NARRATIVE THEORISTS

There are many theorists who use theory to explain narrative structure. We shall be studying four of them:

•Vladimir Propp

•Roland Barthes

•Tzvetan Todorov

•Claude Levi-Strauss

* You will only need to know one or two for your exam*

PROPP

Often used in Hollywood or Disney Films (with a happy ever after)

Background: 1895 —1970 Vladimir Propp was a Russian scholar who analysed Russian folk tales (fairy tales) by their narrative structure.

He identifies 8 ‘types’ of characters:

•Hero (protagonist) has a mission of quest to complete (e.g.Luke

Skywalker)

•Villain (antagonist) tries to stop the hero (Darth Vader)

•Princess love interest and/or object of the quest (Princess Leia)

•Father person with knowledge (Leia)

•Dispatcher sends the hero off (Obi Wan)

•Donor gives the hero something to help him (Obi Wan)

•Sidekick the helper (not as handsome as hero) –poss. comic relief (C3P0+)

•False hero villain that pretends to be good in order to trick the hero

Propp’s theory of narrative is driven by the characters using a set of narrative functions

In addition to the characters Propp he says that it is narratemes (i.e. narrative functions)-events that drive the narrative forward:1.Family member leaves home -Hero introduced 2.Hero given a warning (e.g. not to do something)3.Hero ignores the warning4.Villain appears (e.g. trying to find jewels / children etc.)5.Villain gains information about the victim6.Villain attempts to trick the victim (guise / trickery)7.Victim/ Hero is fooled by the villain 8.Villain causes harm or injury 9.Misfortune or lack is made known to Hero 10.Hero decides on counter-action11.Hero leaves home12.Hero is tested by the Donor13.Hero responds to the test14.Hero acquires a magical agent15.Location / hero change to the place of lack16.Hero and Villain in direct combat17.Hero is branded (wounded / scarred)18.Villain is defeated (killed)19.Lack is met -resolution20.Hero goes back home21.Hero is pursued22.Hero is rescued 23.Unrecognised Hero arrives home / another country24.False hero claims Hero’s success25.Difficult task is set26.Hero resolves the task27.True Hero now recognised28.False hero exposed29.Hero given transformation (new appearance e.g. new clothes)30.Villain is punished31.Hero marries and ascends the throne

Propp's 31 narrative functions

BARTHES

Barthes describes narrative as a series of codes that are read and interpreted by the audience

BARTHES CODES

Action Code: (proairetic code)something the audience knows and doesn't need explaining e.g. someone being wheeled out on a stretcher tells us they are going to hospital

Enigma Code: (hermeneutic code)something hidden from the audience (creates intrigue)

Semic Code:something that the audience recognize through connotations

Symbolic Code:Something that symbolizes a more abstract concept e.g. a darker than usual room of a murder scene could symbolize the depth of darkness and depravity

Cultural Code: (referential code)Something that is read with understanding due to cultural awareness (e.g. youth culture use certain words that are understood by that culture)

TODOROV

Todorov describes narrative as going from equilibrium to disequilibrium back to an altered equilibrium

TODOROV

Equilibrium: (sets the scene)Everyday Life

Disruption: (complication)Something happens to alter the equilibrium

Conflict: (climax)Trying to solve the problem (seek resolution)

Resolution:Problem is sorted

New Equilibrium: (satisfactory end)Back to normal (but never the same)- a new normal

LEVI-STRAUSS

Levi-Strauss describes narrative as created by constant conflict of binary opposites

Love – Hate Black – White Man – Nature

Light – Darkness Peace – War Protagonist –Antagonist

Movement – StillnessCivilized – Savage Young – Old

Control – Panic Strong – Weak Man – Woman

Wealth – Poverty Mankind – Aliens Humans – Technology

Ignorance - Wisdom

“Sat Wars” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” “Avatar” “District 9”“The Searchers” “Slumdog Millionaire” Can you match them?

COMPLEX NARRATIVE STRUCTURE

Today’s narratives have become increasingly complex as producers know that audiences have a greater sense of media literacy when it comes to making meaning of the text and reading the signs. There are often numerous plot twists and surprises that keep the audience intrigued with carefully spun storylines.Films such as “Memento” (Nolan,2000) which weaves the story in reverse gives the audience a similar experience to the protagonist who has short term memory loss, as they try and fit the clues together through the use of restricted narrative.

Unrestricted Narrative: What the are assumed to know e.g. thriller there will be a crime so they will be expecting it

Restricted Narrative: The information that is withheld from the audience

http://quizlet.com/4162490/narrative-theorists-flash-cards/Now test your knowledge: