This document discusses three theories of media narrative: 1. Propp's theory argues that all stories share the same internal structure of 8 character roles and 31 functions. 2. Levi-Strauss studied how primitive societies functioned and argued they shared elements with advanced societies. He looked at binary oppositions between groups. 3. Equilibrium theory says all stories are about returning to normality after an event disrupts the equilibrium. It examines what event caused the disruption and how the narrative works to restore balance.

1. Lesson aim: to apply three theories of media narrative to some moving image media

2. Propp’s theory of narrative He argued that, whatever the surface difference between stories and fairy tales, they all share the same internal structureCharacters and actions can be grouped into:- 8 character roles31 functions

3. The eight character types in ProppThe villainThe hero – he/she seeks something, motivated by an initial ‘lack’The donor – provides an object with magical propertyThe helper who aids the heroThe princess – the reward for the heroHer father – who rewards the heroThe dispatcher- who sends the hero on his wayThe false hero

4. Levi StraussAn anthopologist.He studies how ‘primitive’ societies functioned. He argued that primitive societies and so-called ‘advanced’ societies shared similar elements.

5. Binary oppositions Homesteaders Native AmericansChristian Pagan Domestic SavageWeak Strong Garden WildernessInside society Outside society

6. ‘Equilibrium’ theoryThis theory says that all stories are about the fight to return to normality.An event happens, and everything after the event is about the attempt to return to normal – or ‘equilibrium.’

7. What event broke up the equilibrium? In what ways have World events since 9-11 been about the attempt to ‘return the World to equilibrium (peace) again?