The document discusses three theorists - Tzvetan Todorov, Vladimir Propp, and Claude Levi-Strauss - and their theories on narrative structure. Todorov proposed that all narratives follow the structure of equilibrium, disequilibrium, and a return to equilibrium. Propp identified common character archetypes in stories, including heroes, villains, helpers, and dispatchers. Levi-Strauss believed narratives are driven by binary oppositions such as good vs evil, young vs old, and male vs female. Examples of films that do and do not support each theorist's ideas are provided.

1. MEDIA THEORY
Jacob Dunlop

2. TZVETAN TODOROV
 He said “All narratives follow the structure: Equilibrium,
Disequilibrium, Equilibrium.”
 By this he means, characters, setting and story are
introduced, a dilemma is introduced, that dilemma is
resolved.
 It is also said there are two other levels as well.
 Equilibrium, Disequilibrium, Characters acknowledge
disequilibrium, Characters resolve disequilibrium,
Equilibrium.
 This can be applied to almost any story.
 An example of a film that supports this is I Am Legend.
 An example of a film that doesn’t support this is Pulp
Fiction.

3. VLADIMIR PROPP
 Propp said that almost any character in a story can fit to a certain
category and most narratives have most of these characters.
 Hero – Protagonist
 Villain – Antagonist
 Donor – Gives Hero a device or power
 Helper – Helps Hero on their journey
 False Hero – Appears at first as a good character but turns out to
be evil
 Dispatcher – Sends Hero on journey
 Princess – Marries Hero
 These characters are based on fairytales and don’t stick to other
kinds of narrative so well but are still applicable to modern
narratives.
 An example of a film that supports this is Shrek.
 An example of a film that doesn’t support this is LA Condifential.

4. CLAUDE LEVI-STRAUSS
 He said that there are almost always binary opposites
motivating characters and plot, these are:
 Good vs. Evil
 Weak vs. Strong
 Young vs. Old
 Male vs. Female
 These opposing forces are still very relevant to modern
narratives and usually at least one can be found in every
narrative.
 An example of a film that supports this is Harry Potter.
 An example of a film that doesn’t support this is Amelie.