2. NARRATIVE THEORY’S
Narrative theory is the study of narrative. The founder of which is often held to
Aristotle whose study of plot in drama gave rise to the study of narrative as an art form;
this is known as poetics.
It also refers to the body work of Walter Fisher, Fishers narrative theory is based
upon the concept that people are essentially storytellers. It being the oldest form of
communication, people approach there social world in a narrative way and make decisions
and act within this narrative frame work.
3. ARISTOTLE
Aristotle states that a plot must be “a whole”, consisting of a beginning, middle, and end.
The beginning; also called the incentive moment, must start the cause-and-effect chain, but not be
dependent on anything outside the compass of the play.
The middle; also called the climax must be caused by earlier incidents and itself cause the incidents to
follow it, for example its causes and effects are stressed.
The End; also called the resolution must be caused by the preceding events but not lead to other
incidents outside of the compass of the play, for example its causes are stressed but its effects downplayed.
The End should therefore solve or resolve the problem during the incentive moment.
He calls this the cause-and-effect chain, leading from the incentive moment to the climax; the
“tying up”, or the complication. He therefore terms the more rapid cause-and-effect chain from
the climax to the resolution or “unraveling”.
4. FREYTAG’S DRAMATIC
STRUCTURE
Freytag’s dramatic structure comes from the 19th century German dramatist and novelist
who constructed his theory from an analysis of ancient Greek and Shakespearean drama.
Freytag’s dramatic arc is divided into five parts:
The Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action,
Denouement/Catastrophe/Resolution
5. TODOROV’S THEORY
Todorov’s theory proposes a basic structure for all narratives. He states that films and
programs begin with an equilibrium; a calm period. Then agents of disruption cause
disequilibrium, a period of unsettlement and disquiet. This is then followed by a
renewed state of peace and harmony for the protagonists and new equilibrium brings
the chaos to an end. The simplest form of narrative, often referred to as ‘Classic’ or
‘Hollywood’ narrative.
6. PROPP'S THEORY
Propp’s theory was formed in the early twentieth Century. He studied Russian fairytales
and discovered that within these there were always 8 types of characters evident. These are:
The hero, The villain, The donor, The dispatcher, The false hero, The helper, The
princess, Her Farther
He didn't’t state that these were all separate people for example the provider could also be
the helper. There are only 8 character types and only 31 things that they ever do. Once you
have identified the character type, the hero for example it is easy to guess what they will do,
for example save the princess and defeat the villain. This is because each character has a
Sphere of action. This is easily recognized within films today.
