Narrative Theory

Narrative Theories
Tsyvetan Todorov says that there are five stages to every narrative:
  • Stage 1 - The Equilibrium - Life is just as usual. 
  • Stage 2 - The Disruption - A problem occurs. 
  • Stage 3 - The Recognition - Think about how to resolve the problem. 
  • Stage 4 - The Repair - Resolve the problem. 
  • Stage 5 - The Restoration - Life returns to normal.       
The elements may not always be in this linear order; the narrative may be non-linear or anachronic; it may also be that there are several narrative cycles within the text. 

Levi Strauss believed that we understand some concepts purely by the fact that they have opposites. He referred to this as 'binary opposites'. 
E.g. Hero and Villian - it is necessary for a Hero to have someone in opposition (the Villian) to become a Hero. 
Other examples of binary opposition: 
-Good and Evil
-Sane and Insane 
-War and Peace
-Ugly and Beauty 

Roland Barthes' The Enigma Code:
The story line is set up in the form of a puzzle or enigma which the audience may try to solve, as will the protagonist, as the narrative progresses. 

Character Theory:
Vladimir Propp said that the same types of characters appear in most stories: 
  • The Hero - This is the main character whom the audience will recognise as the key person in the story. This character is usually good. 
  • The Helper - The main character usually has a companion who helps the main character, gives advice and supports the main character in the story. 
  • The Villain - This character is the opposite to the Hero and is there to create the disruption (Todorov) in the story. This character is usually bad. 
  • The False Hero - This character pretends to support the main character in the story, and generally the audience will know this. However, the main character does not. Could also be the Villain. 
  • The Donor - This character is similar to the role of the Helper. The character will give the main character something which helps him repair the problem in the story. 
  • The Dispatcher - This character could be the Princess' Father (setting the Hero a task) or even a False Hero (sending the Hero on a wild goose chase)
  • The Princess - This character can be the reward for the Hero or the person whom the Hero and the False Hero are in competition for. 
  • The Princess' Father - This character could be a combination of characters depending on the story being told. Generally this character will set a task for the Hero, with the reward being the Princess. But they could also be the Villain if they do not want to give the reward. 

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