Tzvetan Todorov is a Bulgarian French historian born in 1939. He has written extensively on literary theory and history. Todorov proposed a theory of plot structure that identifies 5 stages: 1) equilibrium at the beginning, 2) a disruption to the equilibrium, 3) realization of the problem caused by the disruption, 4) an attempt to restore order, and 5) a return to the initial equilibrium. The summary uses The Simpsons movie as an example that follows this 5 stage structure.

1. Todorov
SHYAM AND ALFIE

2. Who is Todorov?
Tzvetan Todorov is a Bulgarian French historian. Born march 1 1939 (77 years old).
Wrote several books and essays about literary theory, thought history and culture
theory.
Todorov historical interests have focused on issues as the conquest of the Americas
and the Nazis and Stalinist concentration camps.

3. Todorov’s Theory
 Stage 1: Equilibrium- where the story will display a normal start.
 Stage 2: A disruption – Some thing will disrupt the happiness.
 Stage 3: Realisation- when everyone realises the problem and it is chaos.
 Stage 4: Restored order- when the character try to repair the damage.
 Stage 5: Equilibrium Again- this is the final part of the plot where the problem is
solved.

4. Example of Todorov theory
Equilibrium-Every
thing is fine and
well but it looks like
homer is about to
do something to
Bart.
Disruption-They are
trapped inside a
dome and have no
way out
Resolution-They
find a way out
because of what
they have done and
escape to Alaska
Restored order-
They find a way
back inside the
dome and they try
to save Springfield.
Equilibrium again-
Homer blows up
the dome and saves
everyone and
everything goes
back to the way it
was.
The Simpsons movie