The document discusses several theories of narrative structure. It describes linear and circular narrative structures, with linear having a clear beginning, middle, and end, and circular having the beginning and end be the same. It also summarizes Todorov's theory of narrative structure involving equilibrium, disequilibrium, recognition, resolution, and restoration. Additionally, it discusses Propp's identification of common character roles and Barthes' theory involving different narrative codes that engage readers. Finally, it provides an example analysis of the film Sweeney Todd using Todorov's narrative structure.

1. Theoretical Research

2.  A narrative, also known as a story, is a series of connected events.
This can be presented in a sequence of written or spoken words,
and/or in a sequence of (moving) pictures.
 There are different structures of narratives, such as linear and
circular. Linear is the idea of the narrative having a clear beginning,
middle and end. It was Aristotle who formed the basic linear line
structure and observed that the middle section may involve the
climax of the story which can be resolved by the end section. This
structure is popular with fictional stories. Circular narrative structures
are the idea of the beginning being the same as the end of the film.
For example, the film The Hangover features a circular structure.

3.  Todorov’s narrative theory states that a narrative will follow this structure:
- Equilibrium: how the place and characters begin at the start of the
story/beginning being normal
- Disequilibrium: a disruption within the equilibrium
- Recognition: recognition of the disruption
- Resolution: a plan which is put together in order to solve the disequilibrium
- Restoration: the story returns back to the beginning
 Vladimir Propp identified that every narrative has eight main character roles:
villain, hero, donor, helper, princess, father, dispatcher and false hero. He also
identified thirty one functions which move the story along, for example
punishment of the villain.
 Levi Strauss introduced the theory of binary opposition and the idea that every
character/group has one. For example, old to young, weak to strong, girl to
boy.
 Roland Barthes is a French semiologist who suggested that narrative works with
five different codes which activate the reader to make sense of it.
- Action: a narrative device by which a resolution is produced through action.
For example, a shoot-out
- Enigma: a narrative device that teases the audience by presenting a puzzle
or riddle to be solved. Works to delay the story’s ending pleasurably.
- Symbolic: (connotation)
- Semic: (denotation)
- Cultural: a narrative device which the audience can recognise as being part
of a culture. For example, a ‘made man’ in a gangster film is part of the mafia
culture

4.  Todorov’s theory can be applied to many horror films. An
example of this could be Sweeny Todd.
 1. Benjamin Baker returns to London 15 years after his arrest
wishing to return to a normal life and new identity, Sweeny Todd.
This would be the equilibrium.
 2. Later he learns that his wife, Mrs Lovett, poisoned herself after
being raped by Judge Turpin. He also finds out that Judge Turpin
is the legal guardian to his teenage daughter. This would be the
disequilibrium.
 3. He decides to reopen his barber shop and continues with his
life. He becomes a very restless man and finds the opportunity to
kill Judge Turpin and rescue his daughter. This would be
recognition.
 4. He then turns his revenge on the entire world and waits to kill
Judge Turpin. Mrs Lovett designs a plan of using dead bodies in
her pies in order to make more money and improve their
business. This is the resolution.
 5. In the end he kills Judge Turpin and a beggar women.
However the beggar is actually his wife and eventually allows a
boy named Toby kill him so he can be at peace with his wife.
This is the restoration.