Narrative Theory

What is narrative ?

• Story
• Plot
• Narrative is the way the story is organised

Elements of narrative:

• Time
• Closure
• Enigma (Problems created)

Classical Hollywood Narrative:

• Linear
• Few, if any, sub plots
• Tendency towards closure

Theories of narrative

1. Todorov

• Equilibrium (happy start)
• Disruption (Enigma - problem; who/what/why?)
• Resolution (End of film; closure - problems and questions are sloved)
• New equilibrium (Happy ending)

2. Propp

• Analysed folk stories
• 8 key character roles :
• THE HERO (protagonist)
• THE VILLAIN (antagonist)
• THE DONOR (provider; gives magic item to hero)
• THE HELPER (side kick; helps the hero)
• THE FATHER (gives advice)
• THE DISPATCHER (sends hero on mission)
• THE PRINCESS
• THE FALSE HERO (villan; we think is hero but is villan)

Levi Strauss & Binary Oppositions

• Levi Strauss argued that a structure of narratives was a dependence on a binary oppositions.
• A conflict between two qualities of terms.
• The binary oppositions can form the basis of narratives eg: YOUNG -- OLD , MALE -- FELMALE.
• Eg. Gender; narratives can be organised through binary oppositions of gender stereotypes

Gender Stereotypes : MASCULINE

• professional
• strong
• rational
• competitive
• independant
• aggressive
• rithless
• ambitions

Gender Stereotypes : FEMININE

• domesticated weak
• emotional
• co-operative
• communal
• passive
• sensitive
• supportive

Eg. The Western

• Homesteaders - Narrative Americans
• Christian - Pagan
• Domestic - Savage
• Weak - Strong
• Feminie - Masculine
• Garden - Wilderness
• Inside society - Outside society