The document summarizes Todorov and Propp's theories of narrative structure. Todorov suggested narratives follow five stages: an initial equilibrium, a disruption, recognition of the disruption, an attempt to repair it, and reinstatement of the equilibrium. Propp analyzed fairy tales and identified six recurring stages: preparation, complication, transference, struggle, return, and recognition. Propp also identified seven main character types that typically appear: hero, villain, helper, mentor, dispatcher, blocker, and prize.

1. 2. Explain Propp and
Todorov’s theories in
your own words.

2. Todorov suggested that narrative was split into five stages
of conventional narratives which consist of:
• state of equilibrium at the outset
• a disruption of the equilibrium by some action;
• a recognition that there has been a disruption;
• an attempt to repair the disruption;
• a reinstatement of the equilibrium

3. All of these stages feature in the ‘mainstream’ film
narratives and is very familiar to us as an audience.
In media terms narrative is very important and is the
organisation given to a series of facts. The human
mind needs narrative to make sense of what has
happened. We connect events and make
interpretations based on these connections. In
everything we seek a beginning, middle and an end.

5. Vladimir propp splits narrative into six stages he used fairy tales to do this:
• Preparation: a community or a family is in ordered state of being
• Complication: The villain harms a member of the hero's family, and the hero
plans action against the villain.
• Transference: The hero is given a magical gift and the hero then arrives at the
place he can fulfil their quest.
• Struggle: There is a struggle between the hero and villain.
• Return: The hero escapes and a task is then set for the hero and then the hero
accomplishes the task.
• Recognition: The hero is rewarded.

6. Propp always has seven main characters in his narrative which
include a:
• Hero- The central protagonist of the narrative who drives it
forward.
• Villain- Seeks riches, glory and or power, and seeks to stop
the hero succeeding in the quest or mission, while
presenting a genuine threat. The sometimes want the
heroine themselves. Can be male or female.
• Helper- Accompanies the hero for some or most of the
quest and can sometimes help.
• Mentor- Gives the hero important information or
equipment to help him/her in the quest. They are often
represented as wise as having magical powers, but can do
the quest without the hero.
• Dispatcher- Sends the hero on his/her quest.
• Blocker- Tries to prevent the hero completing at least part
of the quest.
• Prize- Acts as a reward for the hero, in older more
stereotypical narratives it can be a princess.