Narrative Theories

I began looking at narrative and some theorists behind it. The definition of narrative can be perceived in many different ways so I looked at definitions from three other sources to help define mine.

"Narrative refers to story-making and story structure. The narrative of a programme or an article is not just its storyline. It is also how the story is organised and about how the understanding of the reader is organised by the ways in which the stories are told." 

(BURTON, 1990)

"Films have a primary function of telling a story. The images are organised and made sense of around this function, especially feature films which are given a 'treatment' in terms of its plotline and this is perceived as being what the film is about."

(ROWE, 1996)

"Narrative is the process by which stories, fictional and non-fictional, are constructed by producers and understood by audiences."

(AQA MEDIA STUDIES BOOK, 2007)

I tried to consolidate my understanding of narrative through these definitions above. I concluded that narrative is a structure that tells a story in an organised manner so that the audience would understand depending on how the story is told through media texts. The narrative shapes the story in both chronological and non-chronological order with a possible addition of flash backs or fast forwards.

In most of the mainstream (and genre) films we watch, there is a basic narrative.
The structure usually consists of:

1. An exposition. A happy start where normal character(s) are introduced possibly with the protagonist/hero/victim
2. Dilemma. A complication is created including a villain/antagonist.
3. Solving the dilemma. Attempt to be saved/rescued/helped by the protagonist but there is a struggle
4. Reaches the peak of the film. This is the climax where there are many issues with the willingness to resolve.
5. The dilemma is resolved.

TODOROV 

Todorov was a Bulgarian theorist. He had a theory that all mainstream films follow a main structure which is:

1. Equilibrium- Carefully shown. The setting is established, key characters are introduced and the storyline is set. This needs to be done very carefully because the story plays around it and what the audience first establish these features as. 
2. Disruption- Oppositional character(s) appear and the story takes a particular direction.
3. Recognition of the disruption- The lives of characters and events are interwoven and tension builds throughout this section which is often the longest.
4. Repair- There is an attempt to repair the damage caused by the disruption- the highest point of tension after which is a change in dynamic. 
5. New equilibrium achieved/reinstatement of equilibrium- Matters are sorted, problems are solved and questions are answered. 

When we test Todorov's theory, we see that it does work and is still used. Many genre films still apply the structure such as:

• Christmas films
• Family films                                            
• Comedy                                                 
• Animation                              
• Chick flicks/romance

All these mainstream films have a wide mass audience. The theory is less likely with thrillers but a different arrangement may be used.

Enigma Code- Generates and controls what and how much we know in a narrative and holds our interest.
Action Code- Events we know will be significant in the development of narrative. We understand and recognise them instantly from other narratives.