This document provides an overview of several narrative theories used in media studies, including Todorov's theory of equilibrium, Propp's character types, Barthes' enigma code, and Levi-Strauss' binary opposition theory. Todorov's theory suggests that most stories follow a pattern of equilibrium, disruption, resolution, repairing damage, and returning to equilibrium. Propp identified 7 character types that commonly appear in narratives. Barthes' enigma code proposes that narratives create and resolve questions to engage audiences. Levi-Strauss analyzed narrative structures in terms of sets of binary oppositions such as good vs evil.

1. N A R R A T I V E
T H E O R Y
MEDIA STUDIES
BY: IZZY SAAB

2. WHAT IS NARRATIVE THEORY?
It's simply a media word meaning telling a story. It's
a way in which different elements in a story is
organized to create a meaningful story.
There are many narrative theories but they key ones
used in media studies are:
- Todorov's Theory of Equilibrium
- Propp's Theory
- Barther's Theory
- Levi-Strauss Theory
These theories explain what stories contain and are
made of and how the story is told.
Narrative organizes random events into a logical
form for the audience.

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TODOROV - THEORY
Todorov's narrative theory basically suggested that
most of the story's or plots follow the same pattern or
path.
THERE ARE 5 STEPS INTO THIS PATTERN:
1. EQUILIBRIUM
2. A DISRUPTION
3. RESOLUTION
4. REPAIR OF DAMAGE
5. EQUILIBRIUM AGAIN
An Example of a film
that has these 5 stages
included is "The Hunger
Games"

5. L E V I S T R A U S S
BINARY OPPOSTION THEORY
Levi‑Strauss looked at the narrative structure in terms of
binary oppositions. Binary oppositions are sets of
opposite values which reveal the structure of media
texts.An example would be GOOD and EVIL ‑ we
understand the concept of GOOD as being the opposite
of EVIL.
Strauss was not so interested in looking at the order in
which events were arranged in the plot. He looked
instead for deeper arrangements of themes.
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6. BINARY OPPOSTION THEORY
EXAMPLE
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7. Neon Dye Inc.
R O L A N D B A R T H E R S
ENIGMA CODE
Roland Barthers came up with the theory Engima,
which is based on creating questions that the
audience wants to find the answers to.
Enigmas create and resolve questions

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ENIGMA CODE example:

9. V L A D M I R P R O P P
CHARACTER TYPE
Propp suggested that the way to classify the characters
and their actions into clearly defined roles and functions
is by putting them into one of the character types.
THERE ARE 7 CHARACTER TYPES:
1. The Hero – seeks something.
2. The Villain – opposes or actively blocks the heroes
quest.
3. The Donor – the one who provides an object in magical
properties.
4. The Dispatcher – sends the hero on his/her quest via a
message.
5. The False Hero – makes false claims and disrupts the
heroes' request.
6. The Helper – aids the hero.
7. The Princess – reward for the hero and the object of
the villain's plots Neon Dye Inc.

10. CHARACTER TYPE example:
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11. Neon Dye Inc.
T H E E N D
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