The document discusses two theoretical approaches to analyzing narratives: Todorov's narrative theory and Propp's character types. Todorov's theory states that most stories follow a specific five-step order of events that results in either a return to normal or a new equilibrium. Propp analyzed over 100 Russian folktales and identified seven recurring character types that most stories contain, such as the villain, dispatcher, and hero. The document also examines audience theories, differentiating between demographic categories like social class and psychographics, which segment audiences based on personality and lifestyle.
3. Todorov’s Theory
• This theory states that a majority of movies follows a
specific order of events that always ends in one of the two
predicted outcomes, this theory can be applied to most
old and modern films, the order goes…..
1. A state of Equilibrium- everything is as it should be.
2. A disruption of order by some sort of event- likely by the villain.
3. A recognition that the disorder has occurred- this could be by
the protagonist, or a support character. Eventuality, the
protagonist finds out.
4. An attempt to repair the damage that has been done – this is the
counter-attack, the main fight of a film, the run from the killer, all
those memorable moments from films belong in this category.
5. EITHER: return to the norm OR a new Equilibrium is established-
meaning either the world is saved, or the events change the
world in some way so that the aspect of ‘normal’ has changed.
4. Propp’s Character Types
• Well known like Todorov’s theory, this one comes from a man known
as Vladimir Propp, who studies over 100 Russian stories and
managed to create 7 groups to which every single character that has
ever existed can be sorted to. These groups are..
The Villain- struggles against the hero.
The dispatcher- character who makes the lack known and sends off the hero.
The (magical) helper- helps the hero on their quest.
The princess- The one the hero desires throughout the story, but is unable to
marry her because of an unfair evil (usually the villain). Hero’s quest ends
when he beats the villain and marries the princess.
The donor- Prepares the hero or gives them some useful/magical object.
The Hero/victim/seeker- Reacts to the donor, weds the princess, fights the
villain. (this category is usually the protagonist)
The false hero- tales credit for the hero’s deeds/ tries to marry princess, but in
the end turns out to be evil.
Important!- Not every category has to be filled, some stories can still
work without having one or two of these character types, if the
narrative works, there is no need to force them in just for the sake of
it.
6. Demographic categories
• This helps to determine more about the target audience
that a film is set to appeal to, it takes the middle class and
separates them into a model known as the ABC1 model.
Social Grade Social Status Occupation Examples
A Upper middle class High manager, admin or
professional
Bankers, lawyers, doctors
B Middle class moderate manager, admin
or professional
‘creative jobs’
C1 Lower middle class Supervisor or lower
manager
Office supervisors
C2 Skilled working
class
Skilled manual workers ‘white collar’ workers
D Working class Semi and unskilled
workers
‘blue collar’ workers
E Those at the lowest
level of subsistence
Pensioners, widows and
lowest grade workers
Unemployed, students,
pensioners
7. Psychographics
• Psychographics on the other hand focus more on dividing
people into groups by their lifestyle and personality. It
assumes that the types of things a person buys are a way
of reflecting who they are.
Group name What the group seeks
Aspirers Seek status and material goods (typically
young people).
Succeeders Seek control, strong goals, confidence
(typically higher management).
Resigned Seek survival, authoritarian values. Have an
interest in tradition (typically older people).
Explorers seek experience and discovery (typically
students).
Strugglers Seek escape. Usually buys alcohol, junk food
and lottery tickets.
Reformers Seek enlightenment, freedom and personal
growth. Typically anti-materialistic.
