Todorov's theory of narrative structure identifies 5 stages: 1) initial equilibrium, 2) disruption, 3) recognition of the disruption, 4) an attempt to repair the damage, and 5) a new equilibrium. The document applies this theory to analyze the plot of a supernatural horror film featuring two sisters. It begins with the sisters enjoying a walk in the forest, representing the initial equilibrium. Their dog runs off, disrupting the order. One sister realizes the other is now missing, recognizing the disruption. She searches for her sister and battles the supernatural force, attempting to repair the damage. Finally, the force is destroyed and the sisters are reunited, representing the new equilibrium.

1. Todorov
• His theory focuses on the stages that take place
within narrative structures.
• Narrative is the organisation of events that take
place. It’s used so that, as viewers of a film or
performance, we can make sense of the events
taking place and link these events together.
• With everything there’s a beginning, a middle
and end. However Todorov separates narrative
into five different stages.

2. Todorov’s Five Stages
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• The five stages that a narrative can progress
through are:
1. A state of equilibrium (all is as it should be).
2. A disruption of that order by an event.
3. A recognition that the disorder has occurred.
4. An attempt to repair the damage of the
disruption.
5. A return or restoration of a new equilibrium.

3. A state of equilibrium
• The plot of our Supernatural Horror Film links
with Todorov’s theory of equilibrium and
disequilibrium.
• A sense of equilibrium is established at the
beginning of our film as the two sisters are
displayed to be leading normal and happy lives.
• Evie and Morgan prepare to walk their dog
through the forest, they’re enjoying each others
company and feel perfectly safe, therefore
equilibrium is established.

4. A disruption of that order
• The happiness of Evie and Morgan is broken
when their dog suddenly runs off, deeper into
the forest.
• The equilibrium is disrupted as the characters
are worried for their dog; Morgan goes after him,
telling Evie to stay on the path where it’s safe.
• The open cycle track contrasts with the dark
forest, and the fact that the dog has run off into
the dark forest creates a sense of ambiguity and
danger.

5. Recognition
• The recognition of the disorder occurs when
Morgan realises that Evie is missing.
• Before this happens, Morgan is running through
the forest in search of her dog but she
encounters a ghost like figure attacking an
unknown man.
• In fear, Morgan frantically sprints back to the
cycle track knowing that she’s in danger. She
escapes the forest and expects to find Evie
waiting for her on the open path, but she’s gone.
• Morgan knows that the supernatural force has
taken Evie.

6. Attempt to repair
• Morgan attempts to repair the damage of the
disruption when she returns to the forest in
search of Evie.
• Whilst investigating the forest, Morgan discovers
the unknown mans belongings, he was a
reporter who carried a notebook and camera.
• With this information, Morgan attempts to repair
the damage caused by the supernatural force by
destroying her.
• Morgan battles the evil force, and eventually
sets fire to her property, ultimately destroying
her.

7. A new equilibrium
• A return to a new equilibrium occurs after
the supernatural force is destroyed.
• Evie is rescued by Morgan- the sisters are
reunited and the bodies of the victims
(from the supernatural force) are found.
• Equilibrium is restored as the sisters are
once again safe.