Narrative Theory

Narrative Theory is the way in which a story is told in both fictional and non-fictional media texts. 


Linear Structure: Beginning - Middle - End
Open Structure
Closed Structure
Circular Structure


Vladimir Propp
Hero - seeks something.
Villain - Opposes the hero.
Donor - Helps the hero by providing a magic object.
Dispatcher - Sends the hero on his way.
False hero - Falsely assuming the role of the hero.
Helper - Gives support to the hero.
Princess - Reward for the hero, but also needs protection from the villain.
^ Her Father


Tzveten Tordorov 


Equilibrium - in which life is 'normal' and protagonists happy.


Equilibrium - Disequilibrium - Process - New Equilibrium


1. A state of equilibrium (All as it should be)
2. A disruption of that order by an event
3. A recognition that the disorder has occurred
4. An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption
5. A return or restoration of a new equilibrium


Roland Barthes


Five different codes


Action - a narrative device by which a resolution is produced through action, e.g. a shoot-out.


Enigma - a narrative device that teases the audience by presenting a puzzle or riddle to be solved. Works to delay the story's ending pleasurably. 


Symbolic -  connotation


Semic (a sign) - denotation


Cultural - a narrative device which the audience can recognise as being part of a culture.


Claude Levi-Strauss


Binary Oppositions: 'Auteur Theory'
Good vs Bad - etc.