Understanding Narrative

1. Narrative

2. Narrative?
What is narrative?
While the term ‘narrative’ certainly is not used
as commonly as ‘story’, most people know that
it refers, in some way, to stories; in fact stories
are endemic to our lives.

3. Narrative
TV Programmes
Novels or short stories
Films
Advertisements
News as papers or on TV and radio
Via the internet
Through talk, ‘gossip’ and chat.

4. NarrativeThe way a story is told.
Narrative as an organising
principle.
Narrative allows us to see and take
sides
Todorov - Equilibrium -
disequilibrium - new equilibrium
Film narrative and scenes
Different types of narrative flow
Vladimir Propp

5. Enigma Codes
Enigma codes generate and control what and
how much we know in a narrative, they also
hold interest.
Enticing, puzzles that demand to be solved.
Build up of stories, trailers, previews -
campaign posters etc....

6. Todorov and Propp
Todorov
equilibrium - disequilibrium - new
equilibrium
Harmony and status quo are
destroyed by a disruption that
destroys the social order. By an
intervention etc, a new harmony
and social order are established.

7. Vladimir Propp - Fairytales
The hero,
The villian,
The donor, (offers gift/help)
The despatcher,(sends hero on
mission)
The helper, (aids hero)
The princess, (the reward for the
hero)

8. Propp
Preparation: Imposition of task by villain.
Complication: Threatening
Transference: Tests and Journeys
Struggle: Hero V’s Villian
Return: Returns to family and overcomes issues.
Recognition: Hero is recognised as hero -
harmony.

9. Apply to film of your
choice

10. Apply to film of your
choice