NARRATIVE STRUCTUREBy Jake Leat

TZVETAN TODOROV THEORY

Equilibrium Disequilibrium equilibrium (all is well disruption closure)

Disruption: The characters become aware of the problem. They then attempt to repair equilibrium.

Reservoir Dogs is the perfect example for this theory as the ‘gang’ are all sat around, eating breakfast telling stories and then all of a sudden it cuts to 2 of the group members (one driving away and the other in the backseat screaming because he has been shot). And at the end it is solved and there is some sort of equilibrium.

The use of this theory is that there is always a relatively happy ending.

Todorov’s theory also links with Vladimir Propp’s theory as all 7 characters play a role in order to have equilibrium, then some character(s) cause a disruption, but then the characters solve the situation to then have equilibrium again.

VLADIMIR PROPP THEORY

Character type

Role within narrative

Protagonist (hero)

The protagonist leads the narrative, they are usually looking for something (a quest) or trying to solve something (a mystery). The protagonist doesn’t always have to be male.

Antagonist (villain)

The antagonist gets in the way or causes problems for the protagonist.

Heroine The heroine is some kind of reward or prize for the protagonist. If the protagonist is a female, the heroine can be a male.

Father The father is seen as a authority figure who can offer rewards to the protagonist for completing a quest.

Helper The helper acts as a sidekick for the protagonist or offers some sort of help.

Donor The donor gives the protagonist something which helps them succeed their quest – clue, talisman, gadget.

Mentor The mentor teaches the protagonist all of their skills and gives them guidance.

Vladimir Propp suggested that films consist of 7 roles, and films are made around these 7 characters.

ROLAND BARTHES

5 codes: Action Enigma (mystery) Cultural Semantic Symbolic

CLAUDE LEVI-STRAUSS Claude Levi-Strauss had a theory called

the ‘Binary opposition’ which suggested all narratives had to be driven by conflict that was caused by a series of opposing forces (protagonist Vs. Antagonist) (good Vs. Evil) (light Vs. Dark) (powerful Vs. weak)

You see examples of this in ‘Gangster Squad’ and ‘The Godfather’ this can be useful as it can be used to show a person as more powerful, important or superior to others.

It can also be used in the other way by showing someone as weak and vulnerable.

This theory is often included in action, violent films as they all in conflict and can use different binary oppositions through out the film