This document discusses narrative theories proposed by Barthes and Cameron. It outlines Barthes' 5 code theory which describes different codes that provide meaning and advance narratives, such as the hermeneutic code involving clues and the proairetic code involving actions. It also discusses Cameron's modular narratives, describing techniques like anachronic narratives using flashbacks, forking paths showing alternative stories, and episodic narratives connecting separate stories through a theme.

1. Narrative Theories
(Barthe’s & Cameron)
Rachael Sampson

2. Barthe’s 5 Code Theory
• The Hermeneutic Code – This code is also
known as enigma codes. These codes give
information to the audience which advances
the storyline, such as expressions of worry.
• The Proairetic Code – Also known the as
action code. This is any action which moves
the narrative forward (events taking place)
e.g., someone informing the protagonist on an
occurrence.

3. The Semantic Code
• This code refers to connotation within the
story that gives additional meaning over the
basic denotative meaning of the word.
• It is by the use of extended meaning that can
be applied to words that authors can paint
rich pictures with relatively limited text and
the way they do this is a common indication of
their writing skills.

4. The Symbolic Code
• This is very similar to the Semantic Code, but
acts at a wider level, organising semantic
meanings into broader and deeper sets of
meaning.
• This is typically done in the use of antithesis,
where new meaning arises out of opposing
and conflict ideas.

5. The Cultural Code
• This code refers to anything that is founded on
some kind of work that cannot be challenged
and is assumed to be a foundation for truth.
• Typically this involves either science or
religion, although other canons such as
magical truths may be used in fantasy stories.
The Gnomic Code is a cultural code that
particularly refers to sayings, proverbs, clichés
and other common meaning-giving word sets.

6. Allan Cameron – Modular Narratives
“Popular cinema has
displayed a turn
towards narrative
complexity”

7. Anachronic
• This is where a flashback or flash forward is
used in the narrative. E.g. Pulp Fiction – there
is no clear dominance between the narrative
threads

8. Forking Path
• Forking Path is where they show alternative
versions of the story, outcomes that might
result from slight changes, e.g. sliding doors –
the film shows a woman missing a train, and
how her life would be different if she actually
got on the train.

9. Episodic
• Episodic DOES NOT mean t.v series such as
The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones. It
means alternative stories joined together by
one theme e.g. a documentary talking about a
famous person.

10. Split Screen
• This one is pretty basic; splitting the screen
rather than temporal lines. – different things
happening at the same time.