The document discusses three theories of narrative: 1. Todorov's Narrative Theory which states that stories follow a five step pattern of equilibrium, disruption, realization, restored order, and equilibrium again. 2. Propp's Narrative Theory which identifies character archetypes that appear in stories like heroes, villains, mentors, etc. 3. Levi-Strauss's Narrative Theory which says that opposites like good vs evil are used in stories to reinforce themes through binary relationships. Examples given are vampires vs werewolves in Twilight and Harry Potter representing good vs Voldemort representing evil.

1. Three Theories of Narrative
By Seun Oyepitan

2. Todorov’s Narrative Theory
• Todorov’s Narrative Theory states that most
stories or plot lines follow the same pattern or
path. Their are 5 steps to this pattern:
1. Equilibrium
2. A disruption
3. Realisation
4. Restored Order
5. Equilibrium Again

3. Equilibrium
• The first start of the story everything is going
well and the majority of characters are
content with the ways everything should be.
• In this case, Homer and Bart are having fun
and doing chores.

4. Disruption
• The second part will feature a problem and
everything will mess up.
• In this case it happens when Homer adopts a
pig.

5. Realisation
• This part is when everyone realises the
problem and chaos ensues.
• In this plot, The Simpsons are kicked out of
Springfield and move to Alaska

6. Restored Order
• The is the part where the characters attempt
to restore the damage and repair the problem.
• In this case The Simpsons go back and save
Springfield.

7. Equilibrium Again
• This is the part of the plot where everything is
normal and everyone has been saved.
• In the Simpsons Springfield is saved and the
dome in blown up.

8. Propp’s Narrative Theory
• Propp’s theory states that in every narrative there
are always characters that play certain roles.
1. Hero
2. Villain
3. Heroine
4. Father
5. Helper
6. Donor
7. Mentor

9. Hero
• The hero leads the plot and is usually looking
for something or looking to achieve
something.
• In The Incredibles, the hero is Bob Parr, or Mr
Incredible. He Is looking to save people and
fight crime so he and Frozone save people
every Wednesday night.

10. Villain
• The villain is the antagonist and conflicts with
the hero.
• In the plot the villain is Syndrome. He created
bots called “omnidroids” to kill real super
heroes so he can pretend to be one.

11. Heroine
• The heroine is sometimes an accomplice or is
the prize for the hero. (It can be switched
through genders.)
• The heroine is glory. Mirage tell Bob that he
can “relive his glory days” when he didn't have
to hide his super powers.

12. Father
• A figure of authority that offers the prize to
the hero.
• Mirage offer Bob a large pay increase and a
chance to relive his glory days.

13. Helper
• The helper often helps the hero and is often
the sidekick.
• In the Incredibles their are many helpers like
his family, Frozone, and Edna Mode.

14. Donor
• Gives the hero a clue to find out the mystery
and complete their quest.
• The first omnidroids helps bob because as he
defeats it he finds out that omnidroids can
destroy themselves and Syndrome killed all
the superheroes.

15. Mentor
• The mentor teaches one of the main
characters although it doesn't always have to
be the hero.
• Bob acts as a mentor to his kids, Violet and
Dash. This is shown when he tells his kids to
be proud of their powers and not ashamed

16. Levi-Strauss Narrative Theory
• This theory states that the opposites depends
on the belief of words not the word in itself.
• Binary opposites are used to help film plots,
they are also used in different forms of media
including songs to reinforce lyrics.

17. Vampire Vs Werewolves
• The twilight saga is a recent example of
opposites. None of them are good or bad per
se but their rivalry are shown through Jacob
and Edward.

18. Good Vs Evil
• Harry is constantly shown to represent evil
while “he who shall not be named” is
represented as evil. Voldemort is always
shows to be scary and non human like while
Harry represents youth and goodwill.