Todorov's narrative theory proposes that narratives follow a cause-and-effect structure from an initial equilibrium, through a disruption of equilibrium, a quest to restore it, and finally a resolution or return to the original equilibrium. The document provides an example of how this structure applies to the opening of a thriller film, starting with a happy family, a disruption caused by an argument, a mystery when a document is found, and an unresolved ending leaving the audience to interpret what will happen.