2. TODOROV'S NARRATIVE THEORIES
Todorov's narrative theories states that most stories follow pattern this includes:
1. Equilibrium - starts off being happy etc.
2. A Distribution – second part features a problem
3. Realisation – everyone realises the problem is chaos
4. Restored Order – characters attempt to restore the problem
5. Equilibrium – The story ends with everyone being happy
Todorov's narrative does fit in with our storyline as we have looked at starting our trailer with the
main character being happy with their life. Then to follow this we wanted to show the character
having problems within their life that is making them feel upset and as the trailer progresses we
want there to be an intense problematic situation. We don't end our trailer on a happy ending as
we wanted to fit in with the psychological thriller genre.
3. PROPP'S NARRATIVE THEORIES
Propp's narrative theories states that in stories there are similar characters these include:
1. The Hero – the character that seeks something
2. The Villan – character who blocks the heroes quest
3. The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties.
4. The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message.
5. The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims.
6. The Helper – who aids the hero.
7. The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plots
8. Her Father – who acts to reward the hero for his effort.
Our trailer idea doesn't fit in much with Propp's narrative theory. This is because our trailer/story focuses
mainly on one specific character and their position doesn't fit in with the character ideas Propp has come
up with.
4. LEVI STRAUSS THEORY
The Levi Strauss Theory looks a 'binary opposites' which means looking at opposing
characters. This idea was used to create a tense plot and further the narrative as well as
show contrast between the different characters. They can also form the basis of our
understanding of the story.
The Levi Strauss Theory doesn't fit in much with our trailer idea, however we do include a sort of
opposite through our characters. The two characters in our film are best friends but are different in
many ways. While the main character is seen as hard working her best friend is seen as a bad
influence as she introducers the main character into the world of drugs. This then leads both
characters to be the same.
