This slide includes the narrative theories of: Todorov, Levi-strauss and Propp.

1. Textual Analysis:
Narrative Theories
By Rocharna McNaughton

2. Todorov’s Theory
About: Tzventan Todorrov was born in Bulgaria in 1939 (is now age 75) however
now lives in France with his wife, Nancy Huston and two children.
Todorov’s theory analysed the basic structure of narratives. The idea that all
narratives FIVE parts:
1) Equilibrium – This is also known as the status quo were there is a world
unaffected by problems or dilemmas
2) Disruption – A problem/event that causes the equilibrium to be unbalanced
(disequilibrium)
3) Recognition of disruption- Characters are aware of the disequilibrium that has
occurred within the narrative
4) Attempt to repair- Characters go through a series of events to try and regain
equilibrium
5) Resolution/ Return to equilibrium - Characters have found a solution to the
problem

3. Todorov…
These narratives usual contain representation of hegemonic ideology (The
dominant or ruling set of ideas in a society) for example, the resolution of a
narrative would be the girl getting the guy she has had a crush on from the start
of the story.

4. Propp
About: Vladimir Propp was born in 1895 in Russia and died aged 75. His is most
known for his narrative theory and Morphology of the folktale that was published
in Russia.
Props theory suggested that all characters within a narrative could be matched to
SEVEN fairytale roles:
1) The villain- against the hero
2) The Dispatcher- person who sends the hero off
3) The helper- helps hero on quest
4) The princess & father – acts as the hero's prize
5) The donor – gives hero necessary tools/ object
6) The Hero – protagonist defeats the Villain and weds the princess.
7) The false Hero – takes credit for hero's actions/ tries to marry the princess.

5. Propp

6. Levi-Strauss
About: Claude Levi-Strauss was born on 28th November 1908 in Belgium and died
age 100 in France. His work was seen to be the key of the theory of structuralism
Levi-Strauss developed the idea of binary opposition, the idea of opposites
working against each other which is what the plot of the narrative is based upon.
For example, Human vs Supernatural.