Todorov's narrative theory proposes 5 steps rather than the typical 3: 1) equilibrium, 2) disequilibrium, 3) an acknowledgement of the disruption, 4) an attempt to fix the problem, 5) a return to equilibrium. Many films follow this pattern of introducing conflict, recognizing the issue, attempting to resolve it, and concluding with resolution. Propp's theory focuses on 8 common character archetypes that frequently appear, such as the protagonist, antagonist, dispatcher, and helper. Levi-Strauss argued that all narratives rely on binary oppositions of opposing concepts, like power vs. weakness. The document discusses how these three theorists' ideas could inform the structure and characters of the author's planned gangster

1. Tzvetan Todorov
Todorov narrative theory is a linear ideal but instead of 3 steps his theory is 5 steps.
He firstly thinks that all films start with it being peaceful and the characters being happy
with each other
He then thinks that there is a imbalance between the characters which cause something
to happen which will cause a misunderstanding between them.
In the normal linear 3 step method it would be beginning, middle and end. However with
Todorov theory he follows the first 2 steps of linear but adds in an extra 2 after the middle
sequence. These two acknowledge of disruption which is recognized by the characters and
then the attempt to fix the problem by the characters. After the two new sequences the
end would be the resolve of the problem and the characters being how they were in the
beginning.
He calls these steps the following:
Equilibrium
Disequilibrium
Equilibrium
Pulp fiction doesn’t follow the theory of Todorov as they start by robbing a bank which is
not following the Theory.
Many films do follow his method. Films such as lock stock follows his method the
characters are fine at first. Something happens. They discover what happens, they
attempt to fix it, they resolve it which is the end.
Films follow the similar sequence as the audience are used to following this order.
I could use this theory in my film as things start of all okay. They got into some trouble
which the audience do know but don’t know what happened. Things start to go wrong in
which the characters discover what happened. They attempt to resolve it. When the film
is beginning to end it will all be resolved. This is following the method of Todorov.

2. Vladimir Propp
Propp theory is that there are eight characters
These characters could be. The protagonist (hero), antagonist (villain). The helper and the
donor. False hero the princess. The dispatcher, princess’s father.
Propp theory is not telling us how the narrative should be it is telling us how it is told
through characters.
For example, the film Cinderella has most of the above characters.
Cinderella would be the protagonist as she is the women that fit the shoe
The prince is the princess
Cinderella dad is at the start of the play. He does die which has a huge impact on the story
line.
Cinderella stepmom is the villain of the film
Family godparents would be the dispatcher which means the help out the protagonist.
Mouse would be the helper.
Cat would also be the villain
Ugly Stepsisters would also be the villain
This film is sort of following Vladimir Propp ideal but has more villains than he suggests.
Other Disney films such as Frozen follow this character method.
I might use this method in my film as every character has a different background and in
gangster films everyone has different backgrounds. So this method would be suitable for
my gangster film.
Claude Levi-Strauss
Claude says that all narratives are binary oppositions this means themes that are based on
oppositions.
This could be in a gangster films such as power v weak, good v evil. All of these are
opposite.

3. 1. In critical theory, a binary opposition (also yudipota) is a pair of related terms or
concepts that are opposite in meaning. Binary opposition is the system by which,
in language and thought, two theoretical opposites are strictly defined and set off
against one another.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_opposition
I could possibly show this in my opening film scenes to show a different sort of how
people live there life. This would be involved around the gangster genre. By this I mean I
could show the rich side of gangsters and the not wealthy side of the gangster.