The document discusses several theories of narrative including those proposed by Roland Barthes, Todorov, Propp, and Levi-Strauss. It then examines how each theory relates to the author's short film. According to the summary, Barthes identified the hermeneutic code, which refers to unexplained elements that create mystery, and the proairetic code, which builds tension around future events. Todorov's theory of equilibrium involves an initial steady state that is disrupted, followed by resolution. Propp identified common character archetypes. Levi-Strauss noted drama stems from tension between binary opposites that is resolved. The author analyzes how their short film incorporates elements of each theory.

1. Theories of
Narrative
Agatha Parry
Agatha Parry

2. Roland Barthes
Hermeneutic code

3. Barthes is a linguist who's work is considered to be a key aspect of cultural studies. He looks at semiotics along
with the process of myth creation.
Roland Barthes has produced and described five different codes which can be woven into any narrative. One
of these codes is known as the Hermeneutic code which refers to any element of a story which has not been
fully explained and thus remains a mystery for the audience. This causes the audience to put forward
questions that demand answers. In many plot's details are not always given so as to increase interest and
create a larger impact when the final revelation occurs. A good example of this is the detective storyline.
Truth is often avoided in various ways:
- in snares (where the truth is deliberately avoided)
- in Equivocation (a mixture of snare and truth) bit of both
- partial answers
- suspended answers
- Jammings (acknowledging that there is no answer to a problem)
It happens one after another. The mystery needs to be unravelled and lose ends must be tied up to create a
satisfied audience. Suspense is inherent as what drives narrative is our need to see the mystery explained.
Detective story's operate primarily by the hermeneutic code.
"The variety of these terms (their inventive range) attests to the considerable labour the discourse must
accomplish if it hopes to arrest the enigma, to keep it open"
­Roland
Barthes

4. Hermeneutic code
How it links to my
short film
How it links to my short
film

5. 1. We leave a mystery for
the audience
2. our mystery for the audience is
not something they are aware of.
hhooww ddooeess iitt lliinnkk ttoo
mmyy sshhoorrtt ffiillmm??
5. our film is possibly more
about action rather than
mystery
4. this code is all about hiding
truths from our audience showing
the way it relates very well to our
film
3. Our film hides certain
truths from the audience
and they are not aware
that the truth is not
being portrayed.

6. Roland Barthes
Proairetic code

7. The Proairetic code
It also builds tension referring to any other action or event
that indicates something else is going to happen, and which
hence gets the reader guessing as to what will happen next.
The Hermeneutic and Proairetic Codes work as a pair to
develop the story's tensions and keep the reader interested.
In the proairetic code the audience is curious about what's
going to be the result. For instance the audience will wonder
how characters will react to the final event.

8. Proairetic Code
How it links to my
short film

9. 1. The code links well with our film as we
create tension in places so that the
audience will wonder what happens.
hhooww ddooeess iitt lliinnkk ttoo
mmyy sshhoorrtt ffiillmm??
3. links better with our film as
our film is about action and
tension to keep[ the audience
interested.
5. Tension is also created when the male
that is on a date with the female character
is seen to flirt and take interest in the
waitress.
2. The main female
character follows sticky
notes and therefore the
audience starts to
consider who has left the
notes and what will
happen.
4. It does not have a
murder theme and thus is
more action than mystery.
6. This suggests his
personality and his
negative intent when
on a date with her and
the audience begin to
wonder what will
happen at the end.

10. Todorov
Theory of Equilibrium
Theory of Equilibrium

11. Todorov states that:
•equilibrium is the status quo which is steady to start with - e.g. the
family is happy
•something will happen to cause chaos e.g. mum and dad announce that
they are moving the family abroad which is known as disequilibrium
•something happens to put everyone in a state of confusion
•deal with the problem - acknowledgement
•new equilibrium - family no longer fighting but acceptance of after
disorder

12. Todorov’s theory
How it links to my
short film
How it links to my
short film

13. 1. equilibrium is the status quo
which is film this would be that the
girl does not have any drama in her
life and this stays consistent with her
being quiet and continuing to visit
the library
hhooww ddooeess iitt lliinnkk ttoo
mmyy sshhoorrtt ffiillmm??
7. she drops the notes
and there is a new
equilibrium when
another male shows real
interest in her
2. then this steadiness is disrupted and
something will happen to her to cause
change in her life - in this case she has
an admirer
3. then this steadiness is
disrupted and
something will happen
to her to cause change in
her life - in this case she
has an admirer
4. this is known as the
disequilibrium stage
6. the acknowledgement stage occurs as she
does not fight for him, instead she realises that
she is not wanted and decides to leave
5. the state where there is confusion is when
she is not sure why he is talking to someone
else and is giving another girl notes that he
once gave to her

14. Propp’s
Theory of Narrative
Theory of Narrative

15. Propp suggested that every narrative has eight different character types, such as:
The Villain - Fights the hero
The dispatcher –one who sends the hero out, and makes the villain’s evil known
The (magical) helper –the sidekick who accompanies and helps out the hero
The Princess or the prize – the reward for the hero, what he is trying to save or
acquire, usually to the villains dismay.
Her father – gives the task to the hero and identifies the false hero.
The donor – prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object
The hero or victim/seeker hero – reacts to the donor, weds the princess.
False hero – takes credit for the hero’s actions, or try’s to marry the princess.

16. 1. Where short films differ from longer
films in length they also have a twist which
means that character roles may shift in the
course of the narrative. For instance the
hero may become the villain or a fake hero.
2. It's likely that there will be a much
smaller range of characters in the cast
in my film. This means it makes it
unlikely that you will find as larger
range of characters as in props,
complex plots.
hhooww ddooeess iitt lliinnkk ttoo
mmyy sshhoorrtt ffiillmm??
3. My short film for instance has three
central characters and one minor role. It
has one central character, the princess, who
is accompanied by a hero and a villain/false
hero.
5. The key advantage of making sure we
have clear cut roles in our short film is so
that audiences can grasp the personality
of the character early on in the film. The
character can't be over simplistic however
as this could sacrifice the effect of the
twist.
4. Propps theory is useful tool in relation to our short film. It helps to show the roles and
plot of our short film and how we must make sure our characters can be recognised in
these roles. This will assist the audience in understanding the film. The audience is able to
identify that the main character is the role of the princess. The female is a damsel in
distress; she appears eager and innocent and is lured by a male who would represent the
villain or false hero. He uses lies to entice her and takes credit for the true hero's effort to
attract the female. He is outed at the end of the short film and thus shows a fairy tale
styled ending as the true hero and princess are united.

17. Levi Strauss’
Theory of Narrative
Theory of Narrative
Theory of Narrative

18. Levis Strauss outlines that:
•Drama is linked with tension
•drama is all about conflict
•Binary opposites - opposites can be equally powerful which creates the
tension in the film
•interest of powerful forces that clash
•all narratives could be reduced down to binary opposites
•Herro goes up against the villain
•The narrative needs to end with the resolution of conflict because conflict
propels all narrative
•conflict can only end with resolution
•conflict can be visual like light and dark or emotional like love and hate

19. 2. The conflict is about who deserves the girl
1. In my short film there is conflict
between the two male roles who fight
over the princess.
hhooww ddooeess iitt lliinnkk ttoo
mmyy sshhoorrtt ffiillmm??
4. Opposites - one has a mean and
intention where as the other is romantic
and has a kind and considerate intention
when trying to attract the attention of
the princess.
3. it is shown visually through using
specific language and shots that often
focus on the male representing the
fake-hero and his unappealing body
language specifically when the two
are on a dinner date.