The document discusses several narrative structures and techniques used in films. It describes Todorov's narrative structure of equilibrium being disrupted, recognition of the disruption, and a new equilibrium being established. It also discusses Propp's identification of common character types like the hero and villain, as well as narrative functions. Additionally, it outlines Levi-Strauss' concept of binary oppositions that create conflict and tension in narratives. Finally, it discusses Roland Barthes' idea of an "enigma code" where clues are left for the audience but no clear answers are given, leaving viewers guessing.

1. Narrative
Refers to the way the films story is
structured-the way in which events are
ordered and revealed to the audience.

2. Todorov’s narrative structure
Equilibrium
Disruption of the
equilibrium
Recognition of the
disruption
New equilibrium
An attempt to
repair the
damage caused
by the
disruption.
This is a typical structure to a film and can be seen
in many modern day films as well as films that are
older too.

3. Propps Character types and narrative
functions
Vladimir Propp studied loots of folktales and discovered they mainly contained 8
character types and 31 functions that move the story into more depth.
Character type Role
Hero Takes the journey/quest of the film
Villain Attempts to kill or throw off the hero’s plans
Helper A friend or companion that helps the hero
Princess Reward for the hero’s quest. Often trapped by
the villain
Princess’ father Rewards the hero
Dispatcher Character who sends the hero on their quest
False hero Takes credit for hero’s actions
Donor Provides hero with some form of help on their
journey
The 31 functions include events like:
• The hero being stopped from doing something
• The villain learns something about the victim
• The villain punishes the victim, or others

4. Levi-Strauss’ Binary Oppositions
Levi suggested that binary options are key to the meaning in narrative. He argued the
contrast creation of conflict and opposition propels narrative, and that narrative can
only end on a resolution of conflict.
Binary oppositions
examples:
• Good/evil
• Men/women
• Truth/lies
• Normal/abnormal
• Strong/weak
• Natural/unnatural
• Young/old
• Light/dark
It is important that
we judge one half of
each binary one is
more negative than
the other. Therefore
binaries are
ideological as they
are culturally
constructed.

5. Roland Barthes Enigma code
Barthe believes there are 5 codes in which are woven into every narrative. One of
them being the enigma code. The enigma code is:
• the way the tension is built up and the audience is left guessing what happens
next.
• Clues are dropped but no clear answers are given
• Unanswered enigmas leaves the audience often frustrated but hooked
In teen slasher films generally the main enigma is the killer. For example in Scream
throughout the film we are left guessing who the killer is. We as the audience do not
know who it is, we get given ideas but still don’t know. Another enigma used in teen
slashers is the motif of the killer. We as the audience want to know why the killer is
doing all these things and why these people again leaving the audience frustrated. Foe
example in Halloween we want to know why Michael Myers is killing these people and
why he killed his sister.