Theory by Tzvetan Todorov

1. NARRATIVE
THEORY
“A film should have a
beginning, a middle and an
end but not necessarily in
that order". (Goddard)

2. Todorov's Theory
> Tzvetan Todorov simplified
the idea of the narrative
theory alongside his
theories of Equilibrium and
Disequilibrium.
> The theory states that firstly
the fictional environment
begins with a state of
equilibrium and then suffers
disequilibrium and by the
end of the narrative a new
equilibrium is produced.
> There are five stages the narrative
structure can progress through:
> A state of equilibrium
> A disruption of the equilibrium by
an event
> Recognising there has been
disruption
> Attempt to repair damage
> Restoration of new equilibrium

3. Narrative is not a linear structure but a
circular one...
The narrative is driven by the attempts to restore equilibrium. However, the
equilibrium that is restored by the end of the plot is not completely identical
to the equilibrium that the narrative begins with. Todorov states that the
narrative includes a transformation of some kind, for instance characters or
situations. The disruption usually takes places out of the social norms.
The genre of horror relies on the technique of many disruptions in the midst
of seeking a new equilibrium.