Narrative Theory

Alexander Masha

Narrative Theory

Tzvetan Todorov TheoryTzvetan Todorov theory simplified the idea of the narrative theory whilst also allowing a more complex interpretation of film texts with his ideas of Equilibrium and DisequilibriumThere are five stages to Todorov Narrative Theory1. A state of equilibrium(The fictional environment within the films text is as

it should be)2. A disruption of the equilibrium(Something has disrupted the order in the

fictional environment this is usually caused by an event)3. A recognition of the disequilibrium(Characters within the fictional

environment have recognised the threat posed by the disequilibrium)4. An attempt to repair the equilibrium(Characters within the fictional

environment try and put things back to the way they were)5. Equilibrium is restored or a new equilibrium is established(Characters

within the fictional environment are successful in the attempts to repair the equilibrium returning things to the way they were or by accepting a new equilibrium)

Tzvetan Todorov Theory

Todorov theory sees the narrative not as a linear structure but a circular one. The narrative is only driven by attempts to restore the equilibrium. However was the equilibrium is restored at the of the story it is not quite identical to that at the beginning. The disruption causing the disequilibrium is usually considered out of place not part of the social norms or social framework for example a murder taking place.

Vladimir Propp Narrative TheoryVladimir Propp based his own narrative theory on fairy tale which he saw had the same basic structure. With the same stock characters. Propp identified a theory about characters and actions as narrative functions. The characters function was to provide structure for the text.

Characters in Propp’s theory that perform a function1. The Hero – a character that seeks something2. The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest3. The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties4. The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message5. The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims6. The Helper – who aids the hero7. The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s

plots8. Her Father – who acts to reward the hero for his effort

Vladimir Propp Narrative TheoryAction as functions of narrative Preparation1. A community/kingdom/family is in an ordered state of being2. A member of the community/kingdom/family leaves home3. A warning is given to the leaders of the community or a rule is imposed on

the hero4. The warning is discounted/ the rule is broken5. The villain attempts to discover something about the victim of the broken

rule6. The villain tries to deceive the victim to gain advantage7. The victim unwittingly helps the villain

Complication the state of disorder8. A state of disorder9. The villain harms a member of the community/kingdom/family10. One of the members of the community/kingdom/family desires something11. The hero is sent to get what is desired12. The hero plans action against the villain

Vladimir Propp Narrative TheoryTransference1. The hero leaves home2. The hero is tested or attacked/ he meets the test and is given

a magical gift or helper3. The hero reacts to the donor4. The hero arrives at the place he can fulfil his quest

Struggle5. There is a struggle between the hero and the villain6. The hero is branded7. The villain is overcome8. The state of disorder is settled

Vladimir Propp Narrative TheoryReturn1. The hero returns2. The hero is pursued3. The hero escapes or is rescued4. The hero arrives home and is not recognised5. A false hero claims rewards6. A task is set for the hero7. The task is accomplished

Recognition8. The hero is recognised9. The false hero or villain is unmasked10. The false hero is punished11. The hero attains the reward (princess/ kingdom)

Cluade Levi-Strauss Binary Oppositions

Cluade Levi Strauss binary oppositions are sets of opposite values which reveal the structure of media texts for example Good and EvilWe understand the concept of Good being the complete opposite to Evil. Strauss himself was not interested in at the order in which events in the narrative were arranged. Strauss tried to look for a deeper meaning within the arrangements of theme. Strauss theory also ties in dominant ideology. Dominant Ideology is the common values shared by most people within a society.

Cluade Levi-Strauss Binary Oppositions

The left hand side of the list falls into the category of dominant ideology 1. Male > Female2. White > Black3. Happy > Unhappy4. Family > Single5. Rich > Poor6. Clever > Stupid7. Ability > Disability8. Protagonist > Antagonist9. Humanity > Technology10. Human > Alien11. Love > Hate12. Human > Nature

Roland Barthes EnigmaRoland Barthes believed that each person that looks at a text receives and interprets it in a different way therefore several different meanings can be made from it. Barthes believed that texts could either be ‘open’ meaning they can have many meanings or ‘closed’ meaning there is only one main meaning. Barthes proposed several narrative codes such as ‘enigma code’ this is the hook in the text which needs to be resolved by the audience. Barthes also believed that a text was made up of ‘signifiers’, objects which bring meaning to the narrative.

Roland Barthes Enigma

Barthes also decided that the ideas that you try and unravel meaning are called narrative codes and that they could be categorised in the following five ways1. Action/Projarectic code and Enigma code 2. Symbols and Signs3. Points of Cultural Reference4. Simple description/reproduction