Todorov proposed a narrative theory consisting of 5 stages: equilibrium, disruption, recognition of disruption, attempt to repair damage, and restoration of equilibrium. Die Hard follows this theory, with John McClane arriving home for Christmas until Hans Gruber takes over the building, McClane recognizes this, attempts to repair it by confronting Gruber, and equilibrium is restored with everyone's escape.

2. In 1969 Tzvetan Todorov proposed the following narrative theory;
A state of
equilibrium
A disruption of
that order
Recognition
that the
disorder has
occurred
A return or
restoration of a
new equilibrium
An attempt to
repair the
damage of the
disruption

3. In An Action Film…
An example of a film that follows Todorovs theory is ‘Die Hard’ :
- Equilibrium: John McClane played by Bruce Willis arrives home for Christmas
and all is well.
- Disruption: Hans Gruber played by Alan Rickman and his terrorist cohorts take
over the nakatomi building which is the building that McClane and his wife are
going to a Christmas party in.
- Recognition: McClane is not in the room when the terrorists storm in, meaning he
is able to move up the building when he hears screaming.
- Attempt to repair: The police send in a S.W.A.T. team that fails to resolve the
problem. McClane then resolves the issue by throwing Gruber out of a window
and killing him.
- Equilibrium restored: The police get McClane, his wife and everybody else out of
the building.