Narrative Theory

Why analyse a narrative?

• Stories are at the heart of our culture.
• Understanding how a story is structured gives insight into:
  • A producer’s intentions.
  • The audience’s experiences.
  • The power of a product to influence

Theorists

• Theorists develop ideas.
• Narrative theorists have studied narratives in a range of cultural and media forms.
• Identifying common patterns and similarities.
• Feeding into wider theories about audience consumption
• Develops thinking about creative practice.
• Helps future producers work more effectively.

Propp plot structure

• Preparation – The scene is set.
• Complication – A problem occurs, some evil takes place.
• Transference – The Hero receives help and leaves on a quest.
• Struggle – The Hero is given tests or there is a fight or pursuit.
• Return – The hero attains his objective and fulfils the quest.
• Recognition – The villain is punished and the hero receives his reward.

Tzvetan Todorov’s Theory

• Narrative is broken down into three main segments:
  • Equilibrium – There is a status quo, an established state of affairs.
  • Disequilibrium – Disruption (e.g. an event or problem or a series of these) occurs which disturbs the order.
    • There is recognition of the disruption.
    • Efforts are made to solve the problem.
  • Return to equilibrium – There is a resolution of the problem and there is once more an established state of affairs (though it may not be exactly as at the start.)

Linear and non linear narrative

A linear narrative will take place in a straight line, usually chronologically.

A non linear narrative jumps back and forth in time, using flashbacks/forwards.