Todorov proposes a theory of narrative structure that consists of five stages: 1) An initial state of equilibrium, 2) A disruption to the equilibrium, 3) Recognition of the disruption, 4) An attempt to repair the disruption, and 5) A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium. The primary function of narrative is to solve a problem by moving from the disruption back to the restored equilibrium. This model is then applied to the plot of The Dark Knight Rises, tracing Batman's journey to restore order to Gotham City after Bane seizes control.

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 ʻcause and effectʼ 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 Todorovʼs 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 Gotham city is in peace-time, organized
crime is gone. Batman has retired and
Bruce Wayne lives as a crippled recluse in
Wayne manor.
A disruption of the equilibrium by some
action
Bane comes to Gotham and executes a
plane to destroy the city and Batman.
Batman is broken and trapped in prison.
A recognition that there has been a
disruption
Bane announces to the world that he
holds Gotham under siege with a nuclear
bomb.
An attempt to repair the disruption Batman returns to Gotham and leads an
army of police officers against Bane.
A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium. Batman takes the bomb out to sea where
it safely detonates, sacrificing himself to
save the city. John Blake is left the Bat
cave and carries on the legacy of Batman