Summary of Narrative Theories

Tzvetan Todorov
The 5 stages of a narrative

1. Equilibrium-the state at the beginning of the narrative
2. Disruption-A problem/conflict that is introduced
3. Recognition of disruption-The problem/conflict is noticed by characters as it starts to effect characters
4. Attempt to Repair- The resolution-may show change
5. New/return equilibrium-problem/conflict is resolved and there is a sense of closure

Vladmir Propp

He came up with 8 characters within the narrative

I have related these characters to Shrek

1. Villain e.g. Lord Farquaard
2. Hero e.g. Shrek
3. Donor e.g. Donkey
4. Helper e.g. Donkey
5. Princess e.g. Fiona
6. Princess' father e.g. Fiona's dad
7. Dispatcher e.g. Donkey
8. False hero e.g. Lord Farguaard

However, this theory cant apply to all narratives and it has a strong link to folk tales (fairy tales)

Roland Barthes

He came up with 5 narrative codes. 2 which represent narrative flow and 3 which represent narrative detail.

1. Action- the way in which the narrative flows in a series of consequences.
2. Enigma-questions in which the audience/viewer thinks when viewing the narrative e.g. who is she? why is she there?
3. Semic- signs which could represent meanings and stereotypes.
4. Symbolic-connotations and stereotypes which create a meaning of something and how it is represented.
5. Cultural-the stereotypes linked with different genres and how they are represented.