NARRATIVE THEORY

Todorov's Theory of Narrative
Suggested that conventional narratives are structured in 5 stages:

1. A state of equilibrium at the outset
2. A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
3. A recognition that disruption has occurred
4. An attempt to repair the disruption
5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium

Equilibrium - state of well being and normality between the protagonists
Disequilibrium - well being is disrupted by an outside force and has to fought to return back to the normal state of new equilibrium
New Equilibrium - the outer force is deferred and a new state of well being has been acquired

Barthes' Theory of Narrative
Barthes' said that: a text had no beginning, that it is reversible, we can gain access to it by many entrances, it can be indeterminable. Barthes then narrowed down this to Five Codes which can be present in any narrative:

• The Action Code - resolution is produced through action e.g. battle
• The Enigma Code - where tension is built up and audience left questioning
• The Symbolie Code - new meaning comes from conflicts/opposing ideas
• The Cultural Code - looks at the audience's wider cultural knowledge/mortality/ideology
• The Semantie Code - story has an additional meaning/underlying connotation

Straus's Theory of Narrative
Straus suggested the theory of 'binary opposites', where two qualities or subjects are direct opposites of each other. Essentially one thing can only be defined where its opposite is also present. This theory helps reveal the underlying themes and symbolism in many media texts:

• Good vs. Evil
• Hero vs. Villain
• Weak vs. Strength
• Domestic vs. Savage
• Inside society vs. Outside society

Propp's Theory of Narrative
Suggested that characters took the role of narrative "spheres of action" or a function. Stating 7 main character types:

• The Hero (seeks something)
• The Villain (opposes the hero)
• The Donor (provides an object to the hero)
• The Helper (aids hero in his quest)
• The Princess (reward for hero and requires protection from the villain)
• The Dispatcher (sends the hero on a task)
• The False Hero (appears to be good but reveals he is bad)

I think that Barthes' Narrative Theory works with my short film more than the other Theory's. This is because it does not describe the way in which a plot plays out, rather it list certain features which tend to crop up in films. Our film will include many enigma codes as the build up is why the boy is all alone. The film doesn't really lead to a resolution as the end does not resolve anything, it just clears up what is going on. We will include Semantie throughout as there will be hints as to why he is alone in the film. The film will show British culture through settings which are recognised to be British, such as the side of a main road a park and a lake.