Narrative theory examines how stories are structured and told. Tzvetan Todorov proposed that most narratives follow a five-stage structure: equilibrium, disruption, recognition of disruption, attempted repair, return to equilibrium. Roland Barthes identified five codes that are present in texts: hermeneutic code, proairetic code, semantic code, symbolic code, and cultural code. Syd Field suggested that films can be divided into three dramatic acts: the setup (Act 1), the confrontation (Act 2), and the resolution (Act 3). Major plot points occur between acts to change the direction of the story.

1. NARRATIVE
THEORY
IZZY SAAB

2. WHAT IS NARRATIVE THEORY?
Narrative is simple a media word meaning ‘How a story is
told’. It's a way in which different elements in a story is
organized to create a meaningful story to the audience.
Not all narrative follow the beginning, middle and end
structure. Writers choose to play around with narratives to
confuse the audience watching the film and leaving them
guessing throughout the movie.

3. TZVETAN TODOROV
● Franco-Bulgarian Philosopher
● He published about 21 books about ‘ literary theory’,
thought history and ‘culture theory’.
● He was a visiting professor at numerous universities,
including Harvard.
● His theory suggested that most stories and plot lines
follow the same pattern or path.
● They consists of 5 stages.

4. In 1969 Todorov produced a theory which he believed was able to
apply to any film. This theory was based on 5 staged which are the
equilibrium, disruption, recognition of disruption, repair disruption,
return to equilibrium.
1. Equilibrium - The beginning of the
movie. Displaying a normal and happy
life. This is where the characters are
content.
- Simpsons Movie; Characters are
presented to be normal and Homer is
doing chores.
THE 5 STAGES - SIMPSONS MOVIE

5. 3. Realisation - This part of the plot is
when the characters are identifying the
problem that has occured.
- The Simpsons are kicked out of
springfield and they move to Alaska.
2. Disruption - The second part features
a problem or an event that disrupted the
equilibrium and the happiness.
- This event occurs in the Simpsons
when Homer saves the pig.

6. 5. Equilibrium - This is the final part of the
narrative where the problem is usually solved
and all characters are content again.
- This happens after the Dome blows up
and Springfield is saved by Homer and
Bart.
4. Restored Order - After the characters
realise the problem they attempt to fix it and
repair the damage that has been done.
- Simpsons go back to springfield to save
it.

7. ROLAND BARTHES
● He was a French Social and Literary critic.
● He studied structuralism (human behaviour, culture
and experience) and semiotics (interpretation of signs
and symbols.
● He was a 20th century philosopher.
● He came up with 5 codes that suggested that in each
text there will be one or more code that shows and
describes the meaning of the media text.

8. THE 5 CODES
1. Hermeneutic Code - The story avoids to tell the audience the truth or revealing facts.
This is done to create mystery and leave the audience questioning the story.
2. Proairetic Code/Enigma Code - The Hermeneutic Code and Proairetic code are
similar as they work together. It's the way tension is built up so the audience are left
guessing what will happen next.
3. Semantic Code - Refers to the parts in the narrative that suggests additional meaning.
4. Symbolic Code - Relates to the Semantic Code but in a deeper level. This code is
about symbolism within the narrative, it emphasis opposites to show contrast, create
tension and develops a character in a greater meaning.
5. Cultural Code - Looks at wider knowledge of the audience.
This usually involves science and religion

9. Example: of Proairetic Code/Enigma Code
ENCHANTED MOVIE
Enigma is created when Giselle
eats the apple and falls down on
the floor and the clock is almost
12 which creates tension for the
audience. This leaves the
audience wonder how will she
survive? Whos her true loves kiss
as the kiss with Prince Edward's
didn't work out.

10. SYD FIELD
● He was an American Screenwriter and Author.
● He wrote the books Screenplay, The
ScreenWriter's Workbook, Four Screenplays,
Going To The Movies and more.
● He graduated from University of California at
Berkeley with a BA in English literature.
● He created the Paradigm theory which
consists of 3 structures.

11. PARADIGM THEORY
His theory was more of a piece of advice for filmmakers. He is interested in the way one
thing leads to another or causality. As you watch a film you should see a structure of
events develop as things lead to other things.
HE SUGGESTED THAT FILMS CAN BE SEPARATED INTO THREE SEPARATE
DRAMATIC SECTIONS OR ACTS.
ACT 1 - THE SETUP: the first 10 mins is very important to grab the audience. if they like it
in the first 10 mins they are unlikely to change their minds later. this is where the main
character is introduced The next 20 mins show the audience the nature of the problem the
hero has to face or this can be left to plot point 1.
ACT 2 - THE CONFRONTATION: This shows us the hero in more and more extreme
problems. It's where things turn around.

12. ACT 3 - THE RESOLUTION: This is where the hero wins. Where Act 1
becomes Act 2 and Act 2 becomes Act 3 there is a plot point – a particularly
important piece of the plot which turns around the lives of the characters,
change their relationships and alter the tone of the film.