What is narrative?

"Narratives are about the structure of text"

TODOROV:

He argued that films and programmes begin with an 'equilibrium' also known as

a calm period.

Agents of disruption cause 'disequilibrium'-this is a period of unsettlement and

disquiet.

Then followed by a renewed state of peace and harmony for protagonists and a

'new equilibrium' brings all the chaos to an end.

LINEAR NARRATIVE STRUCTURE

1. Equilibrium

2. Disruption of Equilibrium

3. Recognition of disruption

4. Attempt to repair damage

5. New equilibrium

His theory is seen to be a classical narrative linear.

NARRATIVE THEORY:

Flashback/Flash forward

Circular narratives

single strand narratives

multi-strand narratives

NARRATIVE STRUCTURE OF TRAILER:

•Opening

•Build up

•Problem

•Events

VLADIMIR PROPP

Propp studied Russian fairy tales and came to a conclusion that there are always 8 types of characters; these include:

1. Hero

2. Villain

3. Donor

4. Dispatcher

5. False hero

6. Helper

7. Princess

8. Her Father

These all have a function and a sphere of action.

Negatives:

• Complications

• Not clear who may be who

BARTHES ENIGMA:

Enigma believed that narrative will establish a mystery as it goes on.

Narrative functions will solve mystery's.

Levi-Strauss, Binary Opposition:

Narrative tension is based on opposition or

conflict for example, two characters fighting

or good vs. evil.