Narrative structure follows a pattern of cause and effect according to Todorov, with a state of equilibrium first being disrupted by some event or force. Todorov breaks the narrative process down into five stages - an initial state of equilibrium, a disruption of that equilibrium, recognition of the disruption, an attempt to repair the disruption, and finally a reinstatement of the initial equilibrium. This model is then applied to Batman, with each stage of Batman's narrative mapped to Todorov's five stage structure.

1. NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
TRISTAN TODOROV
Events in a story have a causal relationship with one event leading to an other in a
pattern of cause and effect. The very notion of ‘cause and effect’ implies a change in a
state of affairs. For Todorov, the primary function of narrative is to solve a problem. It
is this that forms the basis of Todorov’s theory of narrative. His model begins with a
state of equilibrium, a condition in which everything is in a state of order. This state of
equilibrium is disrupted either by a force of some kind or through the actions of an
individual. The narrative progresses to a restoration of equilibrium, or order.
Todorov breaks the narrative process down into five stages
• A state of equilibrium at the outset
• A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
• A recognition that there has been a disruption
• An attempt to repair the disruption
• A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium.
TODOROV APPLIED TO BATMAN
A state of equilibrium at the outset
A disruption of the equilibrium by some
action
A recognition that there has been a
disruption
An attempt to repair the disruption
A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium.