The document explores narrative theory, distinguishing between a story and a narrative, with insights from theorists like Vladimir Propp, Tzvetan Todorov, Roland Barthes, and Claude Lévi-Strauss. Propp identifies eight character types in narratives, while Todorov outlines a five-stage structure common to stories. Barthes discusses five narrative codes, and Lévi-Strauss introduces the concept of binary oppositions to highlight conflicts in narratives.

1. S
NARRATIV
E THEORY
Gruvin Singh

2. INTRODUCTION
S A story refers to the base, including events, places and people.
S A narrative is not the same as a story. Although, a narrative is
how a story is told. Giving it shape, structure and perspective. It
is about organising the story material and making choices about
how to put it together.
S Not all narratives follow the beginning-middle-end
arrangement. Writers choose to play around with the narrative
to manipulate the audience, keeping them guessing and
challenging expectations.

3. VLADIMIR PROPP
S Vladimir Propp was a Russian theorist and
based his theory on folk tales that he’s
studied.
S After analysing over 100 Russian folk tales,
he suggested that you are able to classify
characters and their actions into 8 different
character types.
S These character types were heavily
influenced in Hollywood films. You are able
to distinguish between each character and
classify into which type they belong to.

4. VLADIMIR
PROPP’S 8
CHARACTER
TYPES1. The Hero: Has an objective (examples: Batman, Indiana Jones, Neo)
2. The Villain: Goes against the hero (examples: Joker, Hannibal Lecter, Voldemort)
3. The Helper: Assists the hero (examples: Robin, Dr. Watson, Morpheus)
4. The Donor: Provides the hero with an object holding a extraordinary powers (examples:
Yoda, Lucius Fox, Q)
5. The Princess: Threatened by the villain and needs rescuing by the hero (examples: Gwen
Stacey, Rachel Dawes, Kim Mills)
6. Her Father: Rewards the hero (example: Big Daddy)
7. The Dispatcher: Sends the hero off (examples: Professor X, Nick Fury, Uncle Owen)
8. The False Hero: Deceives the hero (examples: Anakin Skywalker, Prince Charming, Cypher)

5. EXAMPLES
HERO VILLAIN HELPER DONOR
DISPATCHERHER FATHERPRINCESS FALSE HERO

6. TZVETAN
TODOROV
S Tzvetan Todorov was a Bulgarian literary
theorist.
S Wrote several books and essays about
literary theory. 21 books published in
total.
S He was a visiting professor at numerous
universities, including Harvard.
S Todorov’s theory suggests that each
narrative are structured in 5 stages.

7. TZVETAN TODOROV’S STAGES
AND EXAMPLES (THE
SIMPSONS MOVIE)
2.) Disruption – The following part features a
problem or an event that disrupts the
equilibrium. This event occurs when Homer
dumps the pig waste into the river, causing a
large dome to cover Springfield.
1.) Equilibrium – The beginning, displaying a
normal life where the protagonists are happy
and content. In the beginning of the
Simpsons movie, the characters are shown
doing daily activities including chores, visiting
church and eating.

8. TZVETAN TODOROV’S STAGES
AND EXAMPLES (THE
SIMPSONS MOVIE)
4.) Restored Order – Following realisation is
when the characters attempt fix the problem
and repair the damage. This happens when
the Simpsons decide to go back and do what
they can to save Springfield.
3.) Realisation – This part of the plot
presents the characters identifying the
problem. The Simpsons are kicked out of
Springfield and move to Alaska, only then
do they realise that Springfield in a
terrible state.

9. 5.) Equilibrium – This is the final part of the narrative where the
problem is solved and normality is restored, all characters are
content again. This happens after the Dome blows up and
Springfield is saved by Homer and Bart.
TZVETAN TODOROV’S STAGES
AND EXAMPLES (THE
SIMPSONS MOVIE)

10. ROLAND
BARTHES
S Rolland Barthes was a French social and
literary critic.
S Being a 20th century philosopher,
Barthes studied structuralism (human
behaviour, culture and experience) and
semiotics (interpretation of signs and
symbols.
S Rolland created a theory which suggests
that a narrative could be distinguished
between 5 codes.

11. ROLLAND BARTHES’
5 CODES
1. Hermeneutic Code – Elements of the story that are not fully explained, creating a
mysterious effect on the audience. This is used to try and intrigue the audience,
keeping them questioning until answers are revealed.
2. Proairetic Code – When tension builds from an action resulting into another action.
This is also used to keep the audience anticipating. The hermeneutic code and
proairetic code work together to help create a narrative based around a mystery
genre.
3. Semantic Code – Refers to parts in the narrative that suggests additional meanings.
4. Symbolic Code – Relates to the semantic code but in a deeper level. This code is
about symbolism within the narrative, it emphasises opposites to show contrast,
create tension or a greater meaning and develops a character.
5. Cultural code – Looks at the wider knowledge, morality and ideology of the
audience. This usually involves science and religion.

12. CLAUDE LEVI-
STRAUSS
S Claude Levi-Strauss was a French
ethnologist and anthropologist.
S He studies of human culture in society
was significant in the development of
structuralism.
S Strauss developed a theory which
grouped 2 related concepts that have a
directly opposite meaning to one
another. This is known as binary
oppositions.

13. BINARY
OPPOSITIONS
S Binary oppositions are concepts used to
outline opposing roles. They are usually used
to demonstrate controversy and conflict
between both ideas. In the narrative, one of
these must overcome the other in order to
create a resolution.
S Strauss also outlined that the audience tends
to favour one of the oppositions due to their
ethical values in society or culture. For example
being bias towards the protagonist compared
to the antagonist since they root for good over
evil.
Examples:
S Honesty vs. Dishonesty
S Right vs. Wrong
S Humble vs. Proud
S Selfish vs. Selfless
S Kind vs. Rude

14. EXAMPLE
S An example of binary oppositions is in the the film ‘The Dark Knight’ between
Batman and the Joker.
S The film has an omniscient point of view, presenting the narrative of the antagonist
and the protagonist. Outlining their motives and the actions that define their
character. This presents the contrast between the two since Batman is shown as a
symbol for order, justice and the guardian of Gotham whilst the Joker represents
chaos, twisted sense of justice and Gotham city’s terroriser.