Narrative Theorists

Narrative Structure and Theory

Vladimir Propp

Vladimir Propp was a Russian literary critic and theorist. He founded the theory that all characters can be fit into ever narrative based on their specific roles. He did this by analysing 100s of Russian fairy tales in the 1920s. His theory has shaped many writers and producers who fit their narratives to his theory. Propp suggested there are eight character types in evert narratives, these are:

·        The villain- opposition to the hero.

·        The dispatcher- sends the hero on his quest and makes the villain known.

·        The helper- helps the hero in his quest.

·        The princess/ prize- often to be rescued at the end of the quest by the hero. Villain usually stands in the way of the hero’s prize.

·        Her Father- gives the task to the hero, often sought to for guidance through the narrative.

·        The donor- Gives the hero help/ magical object.

·        The hero- sent on the quest and saves the princess.

·        False hero- takes credit for the hero’s actions.

Appling the theory to a modern narrative- The Hunger Games

·         The hero- Katniss Everdeen

·         The villain- President Snow and the government

·         The donor- Haymitch who provides Katniss with physical things to help her in the Hunger games

·         The helper- Peter joins Katniss on her journey and aids her to victory

·         The princess- there are two different theories about who could be the princess in the Hunger Games. One is that it is Katniss’s sister who she takes her place in the games. The other is that by saving herself she is the princess

·         The dispatcher- Also has multiples theories. President snow can be seen has the dispatcher as he arranges the games. Other believe maybe it is district 13 who are the reason for the games. Also Katniss’s sister who Katniss replaced in the games

·         The false hero is ignored in this narrative but replaced by many false villains

Tzvetan Todorov

Todorov is a Bulgarian literary theorist who suggests that all narrative can be fit into a structure of five parts based around equilibrium. This model can be applied to a wide range of texts and narratives over time.

1.     Equilibrium- most characters are happy and content

2.     A disruption- something will disrupt the equilibrium of the narrative

3.     Realisation- chaotic part of the narrative in which everyone addresses the problem

4.     Restored order- the characters attempt to repair the damage made in the disruption

5.     Equilibrium- Normality is restored again

Appling the theory to a modern narrative- The Simpsons Movie

1.     The Simpsons family are carrying on with family life and Homor is doing chores.

2.     Springfield is put into a dome and Homor buys a pig.

3.     The Simpsons family are forced to move out of Springfield.

4.     The Simpsons family return to Springfield to save them.

5.     The Simpsons save Springfield and the dome is blown away.

Roland Barthes

Barthes was a French semiologist, he created many theories used in the media industry. His narrative theory suggests that films have five different codes to help the reader understand it.

1.     The Hermeneutic/ Enigma code- The narrative does not tell the full story but gives clues throughout to create mystery.

2.     The Proairetic/ Action code- cumulative actions to create a plot.

3.     Semantic code- By way of connotation additional meaning is added to the plot.

4.     Symbolic code- Uses contrast to (similar to semantic code) show greater meaning to the narrative.

5.     Cultural code- uses a certain sector of society for the audience to recognise.

Appling the theory to modern narrative

1.       Hermeneutic code- Reservoir Dogs, uses its non-linear narrative to unveil a series of mysteries.

2.     Proairetic code- Hitchcock builds tension using scenes of action in films like Psycho and Rope.

3.     Semantic code- This is used in Frozen when Elsa runs away suggesting she feels separate to everyone else.

4.     Symbolic code- The mask is used in the film Scream as a symbol of danger, when the audience see’s this they know to expect bad things to happen.

5.     Cultural code- An example being Goodfellas showing the culture of gang life.

Clause Levi-Strauss

Levi-Strauss studies myths of tribal cultures and studies how the myths had morals of the culture. He expressed these in the form of binary oppositions and they have been researched by modern media theorists. Some common binary oppositions are:

1.     Good/ Evil

2.     Male/ Female

3.     Democracy/ Dictatorship

4.     Young/ Old

5.     Peace/ War

Appling the theory to modern narrative- Harry Potter

1.       Good/ Evil

2.       Young/ Old

3.       Muggle/ Wizard

4.       Innocence/ Corruption

5.       Life/ Death