Todorov's Narrative Theory
Todorov's Narrative Theory is a way of understanding how most stories are structured. It says that stories usually follow a clear pattern with five stages. This pattern helps keep stories interesting and gives them a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Equilibrium: Everything is normal and calm at the start.
- Disruption: Something happens that causes a problem or change.
- Recognition: The characters realise there is a problem.
- Repair: The characters try to fix the problem.
- New Equilibrium: Things go back to normal, but they might be a little different than before.
For example, in a superhero film, the city is safe (equilibrium), a villain appears (disruption), the hero finds out (recognition), fights the villain (repair), and peace returns (new equilibrium).
Propp's Character Types
In many media products, characters often follow certain roles that help drive the plot forward. These character types were studied by theorists like Vladimir Propp, who noticed that similar roles appeared again and again in traditional stories and fairy tales. These roles can still be seen today and help audiences understand who the characters are and what their purpose is in the story.
- Hero: The main character who goes on a journey or faces a challenge to solve a problem or restore balance.
- Villain: The character who creates conflict or stands in the way of the hero’s goal.
- Dispatcher: The person who sends the hero on their mission or reveals the problem.
- Helper: A friend or sidekick who supports the hero along the way.
- Princess: The goal of the hero’s quest, often someone who needs rescuing or represents what the hero is fighting for.
- Donor: A character who gives the hero something useful, like advice, knowledge, or a magical object.
- False Hero: Someone who pretends to be good or helpful but is working against the hero.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash.
Narrative Theme and Setting
A narrative theme is the main idea or message behind the story. It’s what the story is about, underneath the events that you see. For example, a story might have the theme of friendship, bravery, love, or growing up. Themes help the audience understand the deeper meaning of the story and what the characters learn or go through.
The setting is where and when the story takes place. It could be a real place, like a school or a city, or a made-up place, like a magical world or a spaceship. The setting gives the story a background and helps create the mood. Together, the theme and setting shape how the story feels and what it means.
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