Research - Narrative Structures and Theories

Todorov's Theory of Equilibrium:

Tzvetan Todorov developed a narrative theory which fundamentally states that the majority of stories or plot lines within films follow the same path or pattern. He simplified the idea of narrative theory whilst also allowing a more complex interpretation of film texts with his theory of Disequilibrium and Equilibrium.
Todorov split his theory into five stages:
1. Equilibrium - the first part of a plot line will display a happy atmosphere, where equality of  importance or effect exists among the various parts of any complex unity. the majority of the  characters are content and everything is as it should be in a state of equal balance between two  powers of any kind.
2. Disequilibrium - a disruption of the contentedness during the first part of the plot line due to an  event that has taken place.
3. Realisation - a recognition that the disorder has occurred, typically causing chaos within the  narrative.
4. Restored Order - an attempt to repair the the damage of the disruption caused.
5. Equilibrium - the final part of the plotline where the problem is resolved and normality and  contentedness can resume again.

Narrative is seen as a circular structure rather than a linear one within Todorov's five stages of his theory. His theory states that the narrative is predominantly driven by attempts to restore the equilibrium, however the equilibrium attained at the end of the narrative is nonidentical to the initial equilibrium portrayed during the start of the plotline.
Todorov also argues that narrative involves a transformation, meaning that the characters or the situations involved are transformed throughout the progression of disruption within the narrative. The disequilibrium itself usually occurs outside the conventional social framework (outside the normal social events taking place within the setting).
Todorov's narrative structure theory can be applied to many mainstream film narratives.

Propp's Seven Archetypes:

Vladimir Propp, a Russian literary critic and scholar, founded the judgement that a certain type of character was to be used in every narrative structure in order to make it successful. Propp's theory has influenced many filmmakers to write and produce highly successful narratives in film since his findings during the 1920's. He was most interested in the narrative structures of fairytales and identified a common theme throughout his investigation; that there were seven broad character types in the 100 folk tales he analysed. His theory suggests that all characters used within a narrative have a particular narrative function and therefore provide a structure for the film.
The 7 Proppian Archetypes: 
1. The Hero - the most common of these archetypes, the hero is the character who eliminates the villain; the hero is a character who seeks something, reacts to the donor and often weds the princess in order to conclude the narrative.
2. The Villain - this character fights the hero in some way. Villainous characters within a narrative often oppose of actively block the hero's quest. Villains juxtapose the hero's character which is often prominent in their appearance; they generally wear dark mysterious colours and in some cases are not very attractive, highlighting the juxtaposition between the two characters.
3. The Donor - this character prepares the hero or offers them some sort of help by providing them with an object which will help them on their quest.
4. The Helper - the helper helps the hero during their quest and often accompanies them throughout their journey.
5. The Princess - this character often acts as a reward for the hero, as well as becoming the object of the villains evil plots against them.
6. The Dispatcher - the dispatcher sends the hero on their quest via a message, inviting them to eliminate the villain. Their purpose is to make the villain's evil known to the hero.
7. The False Hero - this character often takes credit for the hero's actions although they have not achieved anything themselves; the false hero disrupts the hero's success by making false claims about themselves.