The document summarizes Tzvetan Todorov's theory that most films follow a common narrative structure of equilibrium, disequilibrium, and restored equilibrium. It provides an example of this structure in the film "Clueless" where the protagonist Cher begins in a state of equilibrium that is disrupted by a problem (her bad grade), leading her on a quest to resolve the issue and restore equilibrium. The document also discusses other literary techniques used in narratives like enigma codes and action codes that engage audiences and move the plot forward.

2. When it comes to films, a Bulgarian Literary theorist named:
‘TzvetanTodorov’ suggested that most films abide by a
certain structure. To begin with, the film would most
probably start with a state of equilibrium whereby the
protagonist is in their normal frame of mind and happy.
However, this sense of normality gets disrupted by either
another character or an event which takes place in the
story. This leads as an action code for the next stage within
a film which is the protagonists ‘quest’ in resolving this
problem or unwanted disequilibrium that occurs.

3. As the film continues, they normally come to a resolution
which leads the equilibrium to be restored. Others say that this
theory behind films enhances the idea that films are mainly
goal orientated and that the protagonists’ pursuit of a goal
drives the narrative. This idea is linked to VladmirPropp’s
findings (a Russian critic and literary theorist) as he has stated
that a films narrative is based around some regular patterns
that featured within the characters in a story: The protagonist
seeks something, then the ‘false hero’ gets involved too-The
villain/’problem’ which arises, which also drives the plot. And
then a certain character or object becomes a result of it (the
thing that the protagonist originally was seeking.)

4. An example of how this theory is structured is:
Protagonist
Problem
Other character
Quest/Journey
Resolution.

5. In terms of the state of equilibrium that was previously described,
this is how it is set out:
Equillibriumdisequillibriumequillibrium
As you can see, the disequilibrium that appears, happens at the
time of the problem occurring and the quest. These two parts
play the main part in engaging the audience’s attention as they
are the epicentre of most of the action within the films narrative.

6. In terms of an existing film, this narrative structure has been
applied. For example: in 'Clueless' the film starts off in
equilibrium as the character Cher Horowitzis a wealthy and
popular 15-year-old in Beverly Hills. She lives with her widowed
father, Mel in an enormous house, enjoying the luxurious life
that Mel provides as a very successful lawyer. Though goodnatured, Cher is naive and caught up in a superficial lifestyle
revolving around expensive clothes and the social hierarchy of
her high school. Her best friend Dionne has a similar outlook on
life, though she dates a high school boy, which Cher claims is
pointless.

7. A slight agent of change occurs when Cher's debate
teacher Mr. Hall gives her a C grade for the semester, which
starts a dramatic chain of events. Dionne, who got a
lackluster grade as well, hatches a plan with Cher to find a
romantic interest for Mr. Hall, thus making him happy
enough to consider boosting their grades. They select
another teacher, Miss Geist, as the chief candidate, and slip
a fake love letter into her mail cubby. She soon begins
dating Mr. Hall, and both teachers become much more lax
with their grading. Cher works her grade up to an A minus,
which greatly impresses her father.

8. At home, Cher interacts with Josh, the collegeage son of one of Mel's ex-wives. Josh often stays
at the Horowitz home to avoid his mother and
new stepfather. He and Cher usually have a
typical sibling relationship

9. Soon afterward, an action code - a new girl arrives at school
occurs. Tai Frasier - a grungy artist with a clueless grasp of
high school popularity. Cher and Dionne befriend her, and
decide to give her a makeover to improve her social
standing. However, Tai sparks up a romance with a cheerful
skateboarding stoner, Travis... Cher attempts to steer Tai
toward the rich and popular Elton. Josh disapproves of Cher's
project with Tai, and accuses her of attempting to turn an
innocent girl into a superficial brat.

10. Through a quest and a series of hints, Cher gets Tai and Elton to
notice each other. Tai is filled with excitement, and Elton seems
surprisingly accepting, though he pays much more direct attention
to Cher. Cher and Dionne bring Tai to a party. Once again they
attempt to steer her toward Elton, and believe that they made a
connection when Tai is knocked unconscious, and Elton revives her
with an ice pack. However, when leaving the party, Cher ends up
being driven home by Elton who tries to get with her in the car,
saying that he had been interested in her all along. Cher is shocked
and repulsed, so Elton abandons her in a parking lot far from home.
Cher is mugged, and is forced to call Josh to come pick her up. On
the drive home, Cher suggests that they pick up food for Mel and his
fellow lawyers who are working on a difficult case at the house. Josh
is impressed by Cher's selfless act, and begins to form a new opinion
of her.

11. Another new student arrives: a handsome boy
called Christian. Cher is taken with him immediately,
and considers breaking her own rule of never dating
a high school boy. The two become friends, and
attend a party along with Tai. After Christian picks
Cher up at the house, Josh is envious and tells Mel
that he will take them to the party for Cher's
protection. Cher and Christian bond on the dance
floor, while Tai is standing alone in a corner (viewing
Elton dancing with his new girlfriend, Cheer's rival
Amber). Josh arrives, and dances with Tai to cheer
her up. Cher sees this and is surprised at his
thoughtfulness.

12. The out come is unexpected as Cher and her
'sibling' Josh end up becoming a couple and Tai
ends up with the skateboarding stoner that she
liked originally, therefore the state of equilibrium
is restored after the disequilibrium that featured
in the centre of the story.

13. When it comes to my film, the strusture abides by Tedorov's theory. To
begin with there is a sense of normality when Marley Shea is
introduced. Although her life is pretty hectic with pushy parents and
spiteful characters at school...this is the norm for her. Then
disequalibrium occurs when an agent of change is introduced:
Danny. This is where the story changes and the original life that
Marley had becomes a tad more interesting. This section features a
quest to talk to him, a series of obsticles: Megan and Finn obstrust and
decrese her chances of getting to know Danny and also a
transformation of the character. After the disequalibrium, equalibrium
is restored and Marley is new person and has reached the resolution
of ending up being friends-maybe the girlfriend of Danny.

14. Enigma Codes
Enigma codes pose questions to the audience which are then
answered within the film. For example, some of the questions that
may arise are: who is she? Where is she going? Why is she doing
that?
They're questions enabling the audience to become intrigued with
the film and wanting to find out the answers to these questions,
resulting in them watching more of it. Enigma codes entice the
audience to watch the rest of the film as they're curious as to what
will happen next; they also help to move on the narrative and fulfill
the audience's expectations.
Action Codes
Action codes are significant events which move the narrative on
in a particular direction. For example, a new student at a school.
The actions are used to change the scene/narrative for specific
reason but to also keep the narrative relevant and exciting!
Action codes also give the audience further or greater information
on something specific.for example, something new about a
character or possibly the plot itself. This allows the audience to be
clear on the film and be fully engaged in what is taking place.