Narrative

ClassicalNarratives

Alternative

Narratives

Deconstructing Narratives

Narrative Patterns (or structures)

Narrative Theories• It is important to consider and to

learn how to apply traditional narrative theories before we consider how they may have evolved and changed.

• These theories are important as they give us a framework for analysing and also creating film and televisions media productions

Tzvetan Todorov (1939)

• Todorov is a Bulgarian theorist who suggested that the main function of any narrative was to…

• solve a problem • and that characters pass through a series of stages • following a linear narrative • where events follow a chronological order

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Todorov’s TheoryThe narrative starts with an equilibrium

An action/ character disrupts the equilibrium

A quest to restore the equilibrium starts which involves conflict

The narrative moves to a confrontation /climax

Resolution/ equilibrium is restored

Claude Levi-Strauss (1949)

• Levi-Strauss is a French anthropologist who studies the myths and legends of many different countries and cultures.

• He claimed that in any narrative there is the constant creation of conflict/opposition that propels the narrative forwards (binary oppositions)

• Narratives can only end on a resolution of conflict.

• Opposition can be visual (light/darkness, movement/stillness) or conceptual (love/hate, control/panic good/evil.)

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Vladimir Propp (1928)

• Propp was a Russian critic and folklorist- he researched the characters in myths and fairytales.

• He was concerned with the relationship between narrative and characters.

• He argued that stories are character driven and plots develop around characters.

• He looked at characters and their functions in a story/narrative.

(Morphology of the Folktale -1928)

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Propp’s Theory7 Character Roles &

Function1. The hero (who has a quest)2. The villain (struggles against the

hero, tries to stop him completing his mission.)

3. The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)

4. The helper (helps the hero in the quest)

5. The princess (the heroes reward)6. Her father (gives the hero his

reward for completing the quest)7. The dispatcher (character who makes

the lack known and sends the hero off)

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Task

• Choose a film or TV programme ( fiction please!) Try to find one that fits Todorov’s frame for a linear narrative:

a) Break down the narrative into sections suggested.

b)What experiences do linear narratives offer audiences?

Task

• Watch the Pixar short film ‘Boundin’

a) Apply Levi-Strauss’ theory/ structure to the film.

a) Apply Propp’s theory/ structure to the film.

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Challenges to his theory

• This is a simple typical structure that most texts fit into/follow.

• However we should be considering the problem of a ‘return to equilibrium’ or the idea of a ‘resolution’…

• Some media texts that try to challenge audiences have OPEN ENDED NARRATIVES - leaving the audience to interpret what they understand by the ending.

• Other resolutions are far from a ‘return to equilibrium’ e.g. the end of the film Se7en (1995) which is bleak and desolate.

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Non- Linear Narratives• Also not all texts conform to the linear structure.

• A key aspect of narrative is its ability to manipulate time and space.

• Many narratives are circular in their structure and / or move around in time.

• Films like Memento (2000) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) The Butterfly Effect (2001) and Vantage Point (2008)

• The narrative can be complicated and can challenge the audience - due to its structure.

• In non-fiction - such as sports programmes - time and space is manipulated - we readily accept action replays and the same events from different camera angles.

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Multi-strand Narratives• The narrative structure in many TV programmes and

some films does not always follow only one storyline.E.g. series, long running dramas and Soap Operas.

• Many TV dramas such as Holby City operate a 3 strand narrative structure.

Each narrative strand is introduced at the beginning of the episode and then interweave as the programme progresses.

On going storylines - that continue across episodes - appeals to regular loyal audiences.

You can also have split screen narrative techniques

Narrative strands are important in attracting and maintaining audience interest.

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Narrative Devices

• A narrative device is a technique used to tell a story. Narrative devices have the ability to:

• Move the story forward• Organise time and space• Manipulate audience understanding of events

and characters

Narrative Devices• Linear• Non-Linear• Flashback• Flash-forward• Multi-strand Narratives• Point of View• 1st Person Narration• 3rd Person Narration• Open and Closed narrative• Cliff hangers• Split Screen • Real time• Realist/Anti Realist