Todorov's theory of narrative structure identifies 5 stages in a typical story: 1) An initial state of equilibrium or order, 2) A disruption to this equilibrium caused by some event or character, 3) Recognition that a disruption has occurred, 4) An attempt to repair the disruption, 5) A reinstatement of the original equilibrium. The document then applies this model to the plot of the Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises", identifying examples from the movie that fit each stage of Todorov's narrative structure.

1. NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
TRISTANTODOROV
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 modelbegins 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.
Todorovbreaks the narrative processdown 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 At the beginning of The Dark Night Rises,
Gotham City was safe from evil, however
Batman was nowhere to be seen and had
disappeared. Also from the film before,
Harvey was killed, and this caused the
prisoners to go crazy because of his
death.
A disruption of the equilibrium by some
action
Later on in the film, We see a scene
where Bane shoots Commissioner
Gordonin the leg. This happened in the
sewers.
A recognitionthat there has beena
disruption
As this happened in the sewers, this
caused the rest of the policemento
investigate down below underground,
however this was part of Bane’s plan all
along.
An attempt to repair the disruption The police go down to the sewers,
although they don’t realize its part of the
plan and get stuck in underground. This is
then another disruption as they can’t get
out.
A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium. In the end, Batman and Catwoman bust
the policemenout from underground so
that they are free to help fight Bane with
Batman