Todorov's narrative theory proposes that stories follow 5 steps: 1) Equilibrium, 2) Disruption, 3) Realization, 4) Restored Order, 5) Equilibrium again. This is demonstrated in the plot of Shrek - there is initially happiness and order between Shrek and Fiona, this is disrupted by Fiona's parents wish to meet Shrek, leading to chaos, Shrek tries to restore order but is imprisoned, and ultimately defeats the challenges to return to equilibrium with Fiona.
2. Who is he?
He was a Bulgarian-French historian,
philosopher, structuralist, literary critic,
sociologist, essayist and geologist.
He was born in Bulgaria on March 1st, 1939 and
died in Paris, France February 7th 2017.
He was the author of books influencing things
like anthropology, sociology and semiotics.
He was a visiting professor in universities in the
US including Harvard, Yale and Columbia.
3. Narrative theory
Todorov’s narrative theory basically states that most
story’s or plot lines follow the same pattern or path.
There are 5 steps in this process:
- Equilibrium
- Disruption
- Realisation
- Restored Order
- Equilibrium again
4. Equilibrium
The first part of the story will display a happy
start, where the majority of characters are
content and everything is as it should be.
At the beginning of Shrek there is order, Shrek
and Fiona are newly wed and content with their
new life and honeymoon they are experiencing.
5. Disruption
The second part of the story will feature a
problem or something will disrupt the happiness.
In Shrek, the Royal Guards are sent by Fiona’s
mother and father who wish to meet Fiona’s new
husband. This is a disruption because Shrek is
an ogre and not particularly liked by the public.
6. Realisation
This is the part of the plot where everyone
realises there is a problem and everything is
chaotic.
Shrek and Fiona’s father start fighting at the
dinner table because Shrek is an ogre and he
decides to leave as he knows he is not wanted.
Fiona’s father tries to get rid of Shrek by hiring an
assassin cat.
7. Restored order
This part of the plot is when the characters
attempt to repair the damaged problem.
Shrek realises he need to do something in order
to be accepted, so steals a potion that he
believes will make Fiona happy. The fairy
Godmother locks him up and tricks Fiona into
thinking her son, Prince Charming is the new and
improved Shrek.
8. Equilibrium again
The final part of the plot where the problem is
resolved and normality can resume.
In Shrek, he escapes the fairy Godmother and
fights for Fiona back, Fiona and her parents
realise true love will always prevail and they
return to ogres in order to continue their lives.
