The document discusses various narrative theories including those proposed by Todorov, Levi-Strauss, Barthes, and Propp. Todorov's theory examines the stages of equilibrium, disequilibrium, recognition, attempt to repair, and new equilibrium. Levi-Strauss analyzed binary oppositions in stories. Barthes looked at how narratives create anticipation and expectation. Propp identified character types that commonly appear in folktales and fairy tales such as heroes, villains, dispatchers, and helpers.
Basic framework for KS4 and 5 Drama and Performing Arts students. Also contains some slides about Narrative theory useful to cross over with Media Studies/Film students
Basic framework for KS4 and 5 Drama and Performing Arts students. Also contains some slides about Narrative theory useful to cross over with Media Studies/Film students
This is a quick slide share about the character & narrative theorists and how they are present within horror films. This is research for my short horror film.
Typical characters presented in a horror film. Majority of examples from Eden Lake as it is a good horror film that presents stereotypes of gender within it's narrative.
2. Part A-Todorvo
1. Equilibrium- this is normality.
2. Disequilibrium- action or event which causes
conflict.
3. Recognition of disequilibrium- the main struggle.
4. Attempt to restore the damage.
5. New equilibrium.
3. Equilibrium Disequilibrium Recognition of Attempt to New
disequilibriu restore the equilibrium
m damage
In the Cal finds out The Titanic hits Most woman Rose survives
beginning Rose cheated an iceberg and and children and tries to
Rose and Cal with Jack. sinks. get put onto move on.
board the the life boats.
Titanic.
4. Part B-Levi-Strauss
Levi-Strauss believed that our world is binary
opposites. Themes in real life and in stories
have differences.
Such as:
• Dark/light
• Girl/boy
• Good/bad
• Sun/rain
Strauss believed these oppositions are crucial
to our ability to make meanings of our lives.
5. Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation
“Crash” Drama Innocent-Thandie Violation-Matt Both opposite sex
Newton Dillion however one is
innocent and the
other is harmful.
“The Pact” Horror Good-Caity Lotz Bad-Mark Steger One is good and
the other is evil
and a murderer.
“The Dark Knight Superhero- Villain – Tom The superhero
Rises”-Action Christian Bale Hardy saves the people
from being killed
by the villain.
6. Part C-Barthes
• Barthes theory is similar to Torvodo. He believes the
audiences experience of narrative involves
anticipation and expectation of a resolution to the
disruption or conflict.
• His theory encourages the audience to seek clues
and answers and to make them look forward to
what happens.
7. Enigma
• Enigma in films is when the film leaves the audience
wondering because we cant see what the
character.
“Cabin in the woods”
What is this?
Why is it there?
8. Action code
• Certain codes of behaviour or actions that lead the audience
to expect assured outcomes.
Romance Horror/thriller Action
• Couple know they • A woman has a spirit • A mans daughter and
cant be together because inside her and she tries her friend get
they live in different to fight it off. kidnapped.
countries.
Assumption Assumption Assumption
• They will move in • She will get rid of it • She will get rescued.
together and fall in love. and everything will be
okay.
9. Colour= Green
Green surroundings Foods=
= nature. Raw green foods
represent health and Peace=
well being. Represents peace
and harmony.
10. Symbolic code
• The symbolic code is the real meaning behind what
is happening in the scene with the characters and
their different actions.
11. Cultural code
• Cultural code is used to improve our reading and
understanding of the text, also where the film is set
would help our understanding stronger. The
costumes used would enhance the audiences
knowledge.
12. Part D: Propp
• After studying folklore, legends and fairy tales Propp noticed
there is many similarities within them, this is the character types
and same sort of problems. Propp has two theories, the first
one is “7 spheres of action” and they are :
• Hero
• Villain
• Dispatcher
• Donor
• Helper
• Heroine
• False hero
13. Hero
• The hero is always on a type of mission or search
rescue. It was often that a male would play the
hero as they are strong, however it has become a
lot more common for it to be female hero's.
The hero in the dark knight
rises is the dark knight.
14. Villain
• The villain is always an enemy of the hero and
causes destruction and damage. They usually take
something precious from the hero to hold against
them.
The villain in the dark
knight rises is “Bane”.
15. Dispatcher
• The dispatcher is the one who gives the hero advice
and helps them in order for them to complete their
mission.
16. Donor
• The donor is the person which is created by the
story which the characters come across and
experience.
17. Helper
• The helper is the person who is like a sidekick to the
hero throughout their journey.
Cat woman in the dark
knight rises is a helper of
the dark knight.
18. Heroine
• Usually referred to as “princess” in fairy tales. Mostly
female but not always.
• Is the most vulnerable characters a needs rescuing
by a heroic strong male.
• Usually falls in love with the hero at the end.
19. False hero
• This is the person who pretends to help the hero but
leads them the wrong way so they can be the hero.
20. Diegesis
• The diegesis is the internal world created by the
story which the characters come across and
experience.
21. Narrative Range
• Unrestricted narration
• This is a narrative which has no limits and the
characters give away as much information as
possible, they are not hiding any information. E.g. a
newspaper.
• Restricted Narration
• Only offers minimal information and doesn’t give
much away to the audience.
