Narrative theory

1. Narrative Theory
Emily Capon

2. Claude Levi Strauss
Claude Levi Strauss is the theorist behind binary oppositions.
He suggested that all narratives are driven by the constant
creation of conflict between two polar opposites, and that the
conflict must always end in a resolution of conflict (within film).
The opposites can be as simple as good vs evil, although they
don’t have to be a metaphor or simply light and dark

3. Allan Cameron
Allan Cameron has studied narratives within cinema in more recent years and has
come up with a theory of modular narratives. He identified four types of modular
narrative:
Anachronic – when there’s no clear dominance between any narrative threads and
involves modified flashbacks and flashforwards. These narratives also often
repeat scenes directly or via a different perspective.
Forking path – juxtapose alternative versions of the story, within the same
narrative. It shows outcomes which might result from such small changes in a
single event or groups of events. There may be a number of plot lines, which
normally contradict one another.
Episodic – This narrative is organised as an abstract series or narrative anthology.
Split screen – spatial rather than temporal (we see two or more places at the same
time).These films divide the screen into two more frames, juxtaposing events wihin
the same visual field in a sustained fashion.

4. Vladimir Propp
Propp suggested that there are 7 main character types these are:
The hero - this character may not necessarily be the main character, but the hero fights against the villain and is
often lead by the donor, or shares a tight bond with them.
The villain – this character is the character that goes against the “stereotypical” hero. They challenge the “good” in
a film narrative.
The donor/enabler – this character prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object. This character is
often a fairy godmother, particularly in fairy tales.
The helper – this character helps the hero on their quest. The helper may also be found in a supporting role. The
characteristic of a helper can include intelligence, determination and courage.
The princess – this character is sought for during the narrative, and is often the person that the hero marries at
the end of the narrative during the celebrations. The princess can sometimes fall for the false hero, before
realising her mistake and falling for the real hero.
The false hero – this character is perceived as a good character in the beginning, but later emerges as evil.
The dispatcher – the character who sends the hero off on their quest. The dispatcher often has an early role in
the narrative. This may be a family member such as a mother or father. It can also be the princess's father, who
gives the hero a set of quests to be completed before he gains the hand of the princess. The dispatcher may also
be combined with another role, for example the false hero who then trails along behind (perhaps disguised as a
helper).

6. Tzvetan Todorov
Todorov simplified the idea of narrative theory and suggested
that conventional narratives are structured using five main
stages:
1) State of equilibrium
2) Disruption of equilibrium
3) Recognition by main characters
of this disruption
4) Attempt to repair disruption
5) Reinstatement of equilibrium- This equilibrium is never
identical to the original state of equilibrium, as for equilibrium to
be restored, the characters must learn something; the characters
and/or situations are altered by the disruption.