Narrative theorists
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The document discusses several narrative theorists and their theories. Vladimir Propp analyzed Russian folk tales and identified common character types like the hero, villain, and donor. Roland Barthes identified narrative codes that structure texts, such as the action code, enigma code, and cultural code. Tzvetan Todorov suggested narratives follow a three-part structure of equilibrium, disruption, and restoration of equilibrium. Claude Levi-Strauss stated that all narratives are organized around binary oppositions like good vs evil. The document provides examples of how these theories can be applied, such as to the film The Incredibles for Propp's characters and Toy Story for Todorov's structure.
Narrative theorists
- 2. Vladimir Propp Vladimir Propp uses a theory that is driven by characters using many narrative proponents. Propp is a Russian scholar who is mostly known for his work of analysing old Russian folk tales by their distinctive narrative structure. Characters are identified as :  Hero(Protagonist) – This is a character that usually has a pragmatic mission or quest that has to completed.  Villain(Antagonist) – A villain type of character always interferes and tries to stop the hero.  Princess – Often portrayed as a person who is looking for a prince and love.  Father-A figurative person with knowledge.  Dispatcher– Sends the hero off  Donor- Offers the hero aid during quests or missions  Sidekick- Also another person who plays a part in the hero’s quest or mission  False hero- A disguised villain that tricks The Incredibles proves this theory in the characters that are displayed for example Mr incredible who according to Propp’s narrative theory is the ‘Hero'. In this film Villain is Syndrome who has conflict with the hero. The heroine is Mrs Incredible as she also plays a part in defeating the antagonist. The father is also Mr incredible. In Incredibles the helper is Dash,Voilet and Frozone. The Donor is the omnidrioid and lastly the mentor being Bob.
- 3. Roland Barthes Roland Barthes was a French semiologist who deciphered how texts were put together. He discovered that narrative codes were the prime proponents of texts are put together. Narrative codes:  Action code –The action code allows the audience to know and identify what is going to happen. For example a cow pulling out his gun on an enemy or intruder this makes the audience simultaneously guess what the resolution of this action will be.  Enigma code- The enigma code theory portrays a mystery to draw the audience in allowing them to be intrigued .The mystery usually doesn’t always reveal the murderer identity until the end. In CSI where the footage begins with a mystery and directly raises questions for explanation.  The semantic code-This can be any element within a text that suggests it has an additional meaning. For example an object such as a skull can be a connotation of death.  The cultural code-This looks at the audience wider cultural knowledge, morality and ideology.  The symbolic-This is quite similar to the semantic code but acts as wider level meaning that it is much broader and deeper in terms of connotation.
- 4. Tzvetan Todorov The Bulgarian theorist had suggested that all narratives trail a three part structure. Todorov created a chronological order of how all narratives should be : ï‚› A state of equilibrium at the outset ,this is where everything is balanced. ï‚› A disruption of the equilibrium by an event or action. ï‚› A recognition that there has been some disorder . ï‚› An attempt repair the disruption. ï‚› Last a restoration of the previous equilibrium outset. Todorov theory can be applied to Toy Story. Equilibrium is seen when Woody and the other toys are getting along with each other. A disruption of equilibrium is caused at the birthday party of Andy and a new toy is introduced by the name of buzz light-year the new toy replaces woody as the most favourable toy. The recognition of disorder is then spotted by woody jealousy and not being the most popular toy anymore. Woody then attempts to remove Buzz light-year from being the most favourable toy and they both get lost having to find their way back home before Andy moves. Lastly a restoration of equilibrium occurs when Woody and Buzz light-year team up ,Andy now doesn't neglect Woody resulting in Andy playing with all the toys .
- 5. Claude Levi Strauss Levi Strauss stated that all narratives can be reduced down to binary opposites. He observed the narratives and concluded that all narratives are organised around conflict. For example: Good vs evil Black vs white Boy vs girl Peace vs war Civilised vs savage Democracy vs dictatorship Conqueror vs conquered First world vs third world Domestic vs foreign/alien Articulate vs inarticulate Young vs old Man vs nature Protagonist vs antagonist This can be seen in many films such as fantastic four which represents good defeating bad.