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 Batman hasn’t been seen for 8 years, this
is peace in Gothem city for the first time.
A disruption of the equilibrium by some
action
Batman is thrown in prison by Bane.
A recognition that there has been a
disruption
Bane blows up a bridge and announces to
the world he is arming nuke.
An attempt to repair the disruption Batman escapes from prison and sets the
police free that have been trapped
underground for months. He then
organizes a war against the criminals.
A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium. Batman defeats Bane and gets all the
criminals back to jail.