The document discusses Todorov's theory of narrative structure, which proposes that stories follow a pattern of equilibrium, disruption of equilibrium, recognition of the disruption, an attempt to repair it, and a new equilibrium. It provides the example of the movie The Hunger Games, describing how it follows this pattern: the protagonist Katniss lives in equilibrium at first, the disruption occurs when her sister is chosen for the Hunger Games, Katniss recognizes she must volunteer, she attempts to survive the games, and ultimately wins and returns home. The document also discusses how binary opposites, like hero/villain, are commonly used in action movies to drive the narrative conflict.

1. By Laura Cuk

3. - Todorov suggested that stories begin with an equilibrium (or normality).
- This is disrupted by an event which causes a disequilibrium which then causes
other chain of events to occur.
- In the end the problem is solved and everything is restored back to its equilibrium.

4.  Equilibrium (or normality).
 Disequilibrium (conflict/disruption of equilibrium by
action or event).
 Recognition of Disequilibrium (disruption/conflict).
 Attempt to repair.
 New Equilibrium.

5. An example of a film with these five
stages is ‘The Hunger Games’.

6. In the beginning of the film everything is at equilibrium and its just introducing
the main protagonist.
The main protagonist
- Teenage girl
Katniss has gone
beyond her district to
hunt in the forest.
Her hunting in the woods represents her
practice for the Hunger Games if she
was ever to be chosen.

7. Then we have the disequilibrium/disruption caused by the event when Katniss’ sister
gets chosen to be tribute. Katniss then volunteers as tribute. This is a sign of self-
sacrifice.

8. Katniss then recognises what she has gotten herself into.
Katniss knows that she probably might not be able to
see her family again.
The tragic part of this is that she doesn’t have much
time to say goodbye.
She promises her sister that will try and win the game
for her.

9. Katniss attempts to live throughout the film.
She is surrounded by difficulties.
Examples:
The game makers create a huge fire The death of little Rue, makes Katniss’
to kill or lure Katniss to the centre of character seem to become more stronger
the game where the other district are. and more determined to win the game.

10. In the end, Katniss and her companion Peeta win the game together. Katniss then
returns back home to her family and friends.

13.  He believed that our world is described in BINARY
OPPOSITES.
 When we look at themes within stories they consists of
differences, contradictions and conflict or opposites.
BINARY OPPOSITES
night day
Young old
Good Bad
light dark
male female

16. Film: Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation
Spiderman Spiderman is seen as a Costumes presents the character as a It is conventional to see binary
hero. He saves the victim. binary opposite to Spiderman. The opposites in Action films because there
costumes mask shows that the green is always a hero and a villain.
goblin is rebellious and evil.
Sometimes it can be between the hero
and his sidekick.