Narrative Theories

Films are more than often based around a Narrative theory. This dictates the events and characters in the film. There are different types of narrative theories such as - 

ARISTOTLE'S UNITIES

This is thought to be the first narrative theory made. The theory expects the narrative to be set in a real time, place and there to be actions allowing it to proceed and flow into a conclusion.

FREYTAG'S DRAMATIC STRUCTURE

Freytag was a 19th Century German dramatist and novelist who constructed his theory from the analysis of ancient Greek and Shakespearean drama. His narrative theory order was split into 5 different sections - Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and a Denouement, a Catastrophe OR a Resolution.

TODOROV’S THEORY

Todorov's theory is often referred to as a Classic or Hollywood structure. He bases it around films and programmes beginning with an equilibrium followed by disruptions causing disequilibrium followed by renewed peace for the protagonists (Main characters), bringing a new equilibrium to the chaos at the end. 

PROPP'S THEORY


V. Propp's theory was created in the early 20th century. He studied Russian fairy tales and based his theory on the way narrative's use 8 different characters - The hero, the villain, the donor, the dispatcher, the false hero, the helper, the princess and her father. He also stated that these are the only 8 different types of characters and 31 things they ever do. Once a character role is identified, it is easy to match it to the rest (Once identified the hero, it's easy to identify the villain and princess), this is called a Sphere Of Action. We can relate this theory to many films and tv programmes today. Eg. Lord Of The RIngs.


BARTHES’ ENIGMA CODE


This theory shows the narrative establishing enigmas (mysteries) and solving them as it proceeds.


LEVI-STRAUSS’ BINARY OPPOSITION 


This theory is based on the confilct of 2 sides. It could be as simple as 2 people or 2 large sides. Eg. Cowboys and Indians, LOTR, Star Wars.