Narrative theory

1. Understanding
narratives
Or why any story isn’t as original as you might think...

2.  To explore the common themes and ideas of
ALL stories;
 To begin to apply Todorov’s Narrative Theory
to your own favourite story.
Lesson Objectives:

3.  Discuss with a partner, then write down the definition
of a what a ‘story’ is. Your aim is to write this
definition in one sentence only.
FEEDBACK...
What is a story?

4. “...An account of imaginary or real
people and events told for
entertainment.”
ABC discussion: To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this definition?
One definition states that all stories are...

5. The history of storytelling…
Make notes as you watch.

6. What do elements do all stories have?
Common
story
elements

7.  Tzvetan Todorov believes that every narrative has the same five
stages to it, based around the main character. Let’s take a look:
TODOROV’S THEORY
Equilibrium
Life is just right…
Here, the main character’s life
is balanced and normal.
There have been no
disruptions to the main
character’s life…yet.
HOLES by LOUIS SACHAR: Stanley lives a normal school-boy life America,
where his inventor dad tries (and usually fails) to invent new items. He lacks
confidence and true friends.
1

8. TODOROV’S THEORY
Disruption
A problem disrupts…
The main character’s life has
suddenly been disrupted,
shattering their previous
equilibrium.
HOLES by LOUIS SACHAR: Stanley is sent to Camp Green Lake for his (supposed)
theft of some trainers. He is taken out of his ‘normal’ life and family situation.
2

9. TODOROV’S THEORY
Recognition
The main character realises…
The main character now
begins to realise that their
situation has changed – and
not for the better.
HOLES by LOUIS SACHAR: Stanley begins to miss home. He feels isolated and
bullied by his camp-mates (i.e. Armpit, ‘The Lump’) and realises that he must
change. He wants to get back to his equilibrium.
3

10. TODOROV’S THEORY
Repair
Repairing the situation
begins…
The main character now sets
out to ‘right the wrongs’ and
repair their situation, so that
life can be as good as it was
originally (equilibrium).
HOLES by LOUIS SACHAR: Stanley teaches Zero how to read, and so gains
confidence. He stands up for himself and learns self-respect; others begin to
respect him too. He begins work out a way of leaving Camp Green Lake and
seeing his family again.
4

11. TODOROV’S THEORY
New
Equilibrium
The character has gained a
NEW equilibrium …
The main character has worked
through the problems and as a result,
have gained back their equilibrium.
However – they have grown from
their experience. Life is now
BETTER than it was at the
beginning of the narrative.
HOLES by LOUIS SACHAR: Stanley gets to leave Camp Green Lake and return
to his family. However, he has now grown due to his experience. He has
gained confidence, self respect and real friends. His father is now a successful
inventor; the family now have more money and – more importantly – more
opportunity for further success and happiness in the future...
5

12. RepairDisruption RecognitionEquilibrium
New
Eqilibrium
HighsandlowsofthemaincharacterThe journey of the main character
Life is
now
better
than
before!

13.  Any story is essentially someone improving / better
understanding themselves through adversity.
 If you think about it, this is exactly what life is!
 Think about a period of your life where life has been
fine; it’s then been disrupted; you’ve recognised this
and tried to repair the situation; you’ve grown as a
person and improved your life as a result of this.
Discuss in pairs. Be prepared to share with the class.
To sum up...

14.  In the best stories, we can identify with the main
character’s situation.
 We’re pleased for them when they reach their ‘New
Equilibrium’ because we have all had to do this in
some point in our lives, too. We’ve all had to
overcome challenges and have ‘grown’ as a result.
 If your story can make your reader identify with the
main character and want them to improve their life,
you have a good story. It’s that simple!
Why are we interested in stories?

15. Applying the theory 1: Night and Day
Note down the five stages as you watch this short film by
Dreamworks...

16. Applying the theory...
“Now have
a go at
applying
Todorov’s
narrative
theory to
your own
favourite
story. This
can be
either a
novel or a
film.”

17. Share your findings with the rest
of the class.
FEEDBACK

18. On your exit-card, write down:
1) The most important thing that you think you’ve
learnt today.
2) One question you have that you’d like to answered
in next lesson.
Plenary – Exit Card

19. Applying the theory 2...
“Now
apply
Todorov’s
theory to
your own
narrative.
Can you fill
all of the
boxes?”