Narrative

Narrative is the way in which stories are structured and told through media texts. Plot is the substance of the story Narrative is the way that the story is told

All media texts (fiction and non-fiction) unfold their information in a sequence. Perhaps the most simplistic sequence is known as the Three Act Structure. This is the idea that the narratives unfold through the use of a beginning, middle and end. If displayed in this order, following a cause and effect pattern then the narrative is linear. Narratives can also be: Cyclical or retrospective

Disrupted or fractured

Chaptered or episodic

Todorovs Equilibrium Theory

Tzvetan Todorov proposed a basic structure for all narratives. He suggested that, similar to the Three Act Structure, a narrative could be divided into three key elements. 1. Equilibrium A narrative will start in a state of equilibrium; the

term equilibrium itself suggesting calm, balance and normality for the characters.
2. Disequilibrium A problem or complication will occur that disrupts

the state of equilibrium, unbalancing the world of the film and leaving it in a state of disequilibrium.
3. Equilibrium Finally the problem or complication will be resolved,

often requiring sacrifices or certain changes and the film can return
Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College / AS Film Studies / Narrative / Nikki Simpkins / November 2010

to a state of equilibrium. This final equilibrium will never be exactly as the first due to the changes that have taken place in resolving the complication but it will be a new state of normality. Using Todorovs Equilibrium Theory is a simple yet effective way of assessing the narrative structure of any media text; particularly film. Although presented here as linear in structure the three stages may be moved and reordered to create a different structure. The same applies for Todorovs Five Narrative Stages.

Todorovs Five Narrative Stages Todorov went beyond his Equilibrium Theory, stating that narratives could be broken into five key elements. 1. Exposition

2. Complication

3. Recognition

4. Repair

5. Resolution

With the five stage layout the narrative becomes more comprehensive. However its essential to remember films need to be seamless as the chain of events unfold, with all the enigmas answered and all the loose ends tied up unless you want to break the conventions, induce a cliff hanger, intentionally create doubt in the minds of the audience and leave them questioning. Propps Character Types Vladimir Propp primarily studied folk and fairy tales and identified within them a number of common characteristics in the structure of their narratives. His findings are also very useful when analysing the narratives
Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College / AS Film Studies / Narrative / Nikki Simpkins / November 2010

of film texts. He suggests that narratives frequently contain a number of character functions or types.
The Hero A character who seeks something The Villain Opposes or blocks the Heros quest The Donor Provides the Hero with (magical) objects to help his quest The Dispatcher Sends the Hero on his way by delivering a message The False Hero Disrupts the Heros hope The Helper Aids the Hero The Princess A reward for the Hero and object of the Villains plot The Father Rewards the Heros efforts

Whilst they may not all occur in every film, these character types can be applied to some extent to the majority of film texts. Which particular character fits each role may be indicative of some of the themes, messages and meanings that are being constructed by the filmmakers.

Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College / AS Film Studies / Narrative / Nikki Simpkins / November 2010