This document provides an overview of narrative theory and techniques. It defines narrative and identifies three common narrative theories: Todorov's theory of narrative structure, Propp's characterization roles, and Levi-Strauss's concept of binary oppositions. Examples are given for each theory and students are tasked with applying these concepts to analyze various media texts, including films, news, and advertisements. Non-linear narratives are also discussed.

1. Media Forms and
Language
Narrative

2. In this lesson we will:
• Define narrative
• Identify 3 narrative theories
• Apply these theories to media products
• Define non / linear narrative

3. Firstly…
• Collect Misfits / Advert Homework
(Those who do not have it will stay at 3.45 to
complete it)

4. • Give back special effects homework:
• 2 marks – spelling and grammar
• 2 marks – opinion
• 2 marks – terminology
• 2 marks – valid example
• Semiotics Terminology Quiz!

5. What is narrative?
• Narrative is about how stories are told
• So stories which are told again and again, can
still have different narratives
• What stories can you think of that have
been told time and time again?

8. What happens at the end of these
films? Is there a ‘happy’ ending?

9. Narrative Theory
• Narrative theory sets out to show us that what
we experience when we ‘read’ a text is to
understand a set of conventions
• In Media, it is important to be aware of how
these conventions are put together

10. Todorov
• Todorov argued that all stories share a
common structure
• How do you think most stories could be
structured?

11. Todorov’s theory is very similar, with
just two extra stages added:
1. Equilibrium - all is in order
2. Disruption - of the ordered state by an event
3. Recognition - that the disruption has taken
place
4. At attempt to repair - the damage of the
disruption
5. New equilibrium - different from where the
story began

12. Task
• Using a film of your choice apply Todorov’s
theory of narrative
• 10 minutes

13. Linear and Non Linear Narratives
• What does linear mean?
• So a linear narrative will go in a straight line
– or normally in chronological order
• A non linear narrative will be a story told
out of order and can often be confusing for the
viewer

14. Can you think of any examples of non-
linear texts?

15. So, why are these texts non linear?
What devices do they use?
• Non chronological order
• Flashbacks
• Flash forwards

16. Vladimir Propp
• A Russian theorist who analysed fairytales
• He argued that whatever differences there might
be in a story you can group together the
characters into 7 character roles
• Can you guess what some of these might
be?

17. Propp’s Character types
1. The hero
2. The villain
3. The donor (someone who provides an essential
object)
4. The helper (aids hero)
5. The princess
6. The dispatcher (sends hero on a mission)
7. The false hero

18. Individual Task
• Choose an adventure or action
film
• Identify the character role
• Identify the character’s function
(Why are they there? What is
their motivation?)

19. Applying Todorov/Propp to other texts
• We need to practice identifying narrative
structure and characters in other types of texts
• It is easy to identify some of the roles and
structure in a film or a TV programme but what
about texts on different platforms?

20. Binary Oppositions – Levi-Strauss
• He said that it is the constant creation of
conflict/opposition that propels narrative
• Narrative can only end on a resolution of conflict
• Oppositions can be visual (light/darkness,
movement/stillness) or conceptual (love/hate,
control/panic)
• These are called ‘Binary Oppositions’

21. Some examples:
• Love / hate
• Beauty / ugliness
• Law abiding / criminal
• Freedom / imprisonment
• In what texts are these examples found?

22. Task – Watch the news from
yesterday
• 1) List the three main stories
• 2) What are the binary oppositions in each story?
• 3) Is there any language which indicates the ‘good’
or ‘bad’ sides?
• 4) can you apply any of Propp’s character roles to
the stories?
• 5) Can you apply Todorov’s narrative structure to
the stories?

23. Homework Task – Due Thursday 13th
October
• Apply Propp and Todorov to a text of your choice
• If you can describe any binary oppositions you
notice
The text must be one of the following:
• A magazine article
• A news broadcast
• A reality TV programme
• An advert
• You may use bullet points