this is for an evaluation questtion in media for AS level. "In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?" this goes over theorys in narrative for the question such as Todorovs equilibrium and Propps theory. Hope this come in handy :)

1. Narrative
The narrative in a film is how the plot is put together to be
presented to an audience.
The narrative can be based around characters, events, setting
and genre.
All pieces of media have a narrative structure in which we
can analyse (eg films, tv shows, documentary's etc)

2. Types of narrative
• Narrative can have an open or a closed structure. This is how the
narrative ends
• Open Structure – this can be when there is no final ending to a
story or plot (like a cliffhanger). Most tv dramas, soaps and
sometimes sitcoms can have these. They will usually continue
into another episode or sequel.
• Closed structure – The plot and story line has come to a
complete end. The audience has closure to the film

3. Analysing Narrative
• Technical codes – this includes many elements such as camera angles,
lighting, editing etc. This gives the audience a way of understanding what’s
going on and how to feel about certain characters.
• Verbal codes – this is to do with the things that are being said in the film
which establishes narrative.
• Symbolic codes – These are things that we see withing the film which we
take as a meaning for something significant eg a character wearing a smart
suit we might decide that this suggest that the character is classy and rich.

4. Theory - Todorov
This theorist believes that narrative is in 3 parts.
This is known as the Equilibrium. This can be
applied to many narratives in films.
It splits the film into a sense of the beginning
middle and end. The beginning is the idea of
the equilibrium (every how is should be), then
something will disrupt it leading to it being
resolved back to how it should be. This creates
a new equilibrium.

5. Todorov’s Theory- Our opening Sequence
Equilibrium
Disruption
Resolution
Restored Order
New Equilibrium
Our opening sequence it linked to the theorist
Todorov’s. The narrative coincided with the
equilibrium presented.

6. Theory – Valdimir Propp
Protagonist They are usually the main focus of the narrative and are
usually trying to solve or find something. Sometime is
also known as the hero.
Antagonist Big part of the narrative. They will usually get in the
narratives way and try and stop them.
Heroine Can be a prize or a reward for protagonist. If protagonist
is male then this will usually be an attractive female.
Father Can be an authority figure and usually will start the
quest or mission for the protagonist
Helper A sidekick to the protagonist during the mission. Will
sometimes turn into another hero.
Donor Will offer or give th hero something inn order to
complete the quest or mission. Such as a clue or an item
to help.
Mentor Guides and can also help the heor get to what they
need.

7. Valdimir Propp’s Theory – Our opening
sequence
Our opening sequence does not fit into the idea of Propps
theory. In our opening sequence we only reveal two characters,
The protagonist and antagonist. This means the narrative in our
opening sequence does not conform to all conventions and
forms.
Protagonist (male) Antagonist (female)

8. Theory – Levi Strauss
He showed binary opposites through the narrative of the film.
• Good vs evil
• Male vs female
• Dark vs light
• Humanity vs technology
• Dirt vs cleanliness

9. Levi Strauss’ Theory – Our opening
sequence
The binary oppisites shown in the opening sequenc of the ‘the
cycle’ are
• Good vs Evil – The innocent male character who are bing hunted
and prayed upon by the female antagonist
• Male vs Female – The female is trying to victimise the male
characters and could therefor lead to male vs females later on in
the film.
• This also helps build narrative and encourages to support the
male character as he is seen as weak and powerless compared
to the woman character.