Todorov created a narrative theory in 1969 that describes 5 stages that all stories follow: 1) equilibrium at the beginning, 2) a disruption to the equilibrium, 3) recognition of the disruption, 4) an attempt to repair the damage from the disruption, and 5) a return to a new equilibrium at the end with the problem resolved. The theory is demonstrated using the plot of the movie Iron Man 3 as an example, showing how it follows the 5 stages from the story's beginning of Tony and Pepper's happiness together to the resolution of the threat posed by the Mandarin.

2. Todorov’s Theory
 Todorov created his theory in 1969, which he believed could be
applied to any film, as he said they all follow the same narrative
pattern. He said they go through 5 stages;
1. Equilibrium; everything is how it should be in the narrative, the
majority of the characters are content.
2. Disruption of equilibrium; a problem occurs in the narrative,
something that disrupts the happiness.
3. Recognition of disruption; characters realise there is a
problem and chaos occurs.
4. An attempt to repair the damage; the characters attempt to
repair the damage and get rid of the problem.
5. New equilibrium; this part of narrative is when the problem in
resolved and normality can be resumed again.

3. Todorov’s Theory
1. Equilibrium
5. New equilibrium
4. An attempt to
repair the damage
3. Recognition of
disruption
2. Disruption of
equilibrium

4. Example: Iron Man 3
Equilibrium- Tony
and Pepper are
very happy
together, in their
mansion.
Disruption of
equilibrium-
The antagonist,
Mandarin,
attacks LA.
Recognition of
disruption- Tony
realises he needs
to defeat the
Mandarin and he
re-builds his suit.
An attempt to
repair disruption-
Iron Man and Iron
Patriot defeat the
Mandarin’s
company at their
trading shipyard.
New equilibrium-
Tony has the metal
from his chested
removed and is
happy with Pepper
again.