2. VLADIMIR PROPP
• Vladimir Propp argued that narrative structure can be determined by different roles.
• He also said that character roles help us understand the constructed nature of the narrative.
• There are 8 separate ‘character roles’.
• Propp wanted us to understand each character role has a purpose within the narrative.
The 8 character roles are as followed:
• Villain
• Hero
• Dispatcher
• False hero
• Donor
• Helper
• Princess
• Father
3. TZVETAN TODOROV
• Tzvetan Todorov felt all stories start in a state of equilibrium, which is then disrupted. This disruption
sets in a motion a chain of events. The third part is that there is a resolution of the story. This resolution
is seen as the creation of a newdifferent equilibrium.
4. LEVI-STRAUSS
• Levi-strauss examined how stories unconsciously reflect the values, beliefs and myths of a culture.
• He also suggested that the production of meaning depended on the concept of binary oppositions. This
involves looking at the conflict between 2 qualities.
LEVI-STRAUSS
BINARY OPPOSITIONS:
• Peace vs War
• Weak vs Strong
• Happy vs Sad
5. ROLAND BARTHES
• Barthes suggested that narrative works with five different codes which activate the
reader to make sense of it.
ROLAND BARTHES CODES:
• Action – a narrative where the resolution is produced through action.
• Enigma – narrative device that teases the audience by presenting a puzzle to be
solved.
• Symbolic - (connotation)
• Semic - (denotation)
• Culture – Audience can recognize being part of a culture.
