Narrative structure!

When it comes to films, a Bulgarian Literary theorist named: ‘Tzvetan Todorov’ suggested that most films abide by a certain structure. To begin with, the film would most probably start with a state of equilibrium whereby the protagonist is in their normal frame of mind and happy. However, this sense of normality gets disrupted by either another character or an event which takes place in the story. This leads as an action code for the next stage within a film which is the protagonists ‘quest’ in resolving this problem or unwanted disequilibrium that occurs.

As the film continues, they normally come to a resolution which leads the equilibrium to be restored. Others say that this theory behind films enhances the idea that films are mainly goal orientated and that the protagonists’ pursuit of a goal drives the narrative. This idea is linked to Vladmir Propp’s findings (a Russian critic and literary theorist) as he has stated that a films narrative is based around some regular patterns that featured within the characters in a story: The protagonist seeks something, then the ‘false hero’ gets involved too-The villain/’problem’ which arises, which also drives the plot. And then a certain character or object becomes a result of it (the thing that the protagonist originally was seeking.)

An example of how this theory is structured is:

Protagonist

Problem Quest/Journey Resolution.

Other character

In terms of the state of equilibrium that was previously described, this is how it is set out:

Equillibrium disequillibrium equillibrium

As you can see, the disequilibrium that appears, happens at the time of the problem occurring and the quest. These two parts play the main part in engaging the audience’s attention as they are the epicentre of most of the action within the films narrative.

In terms of an existing film, this narrative structure has been applied. For example: in 'Clueless' the film starts off in equilibrium as the character Cher Horowitzis a wealthy and popular 15-year-old in Beverly Hills. She lives with her widowed father, Mel in an enormous house, enjoying the luxurious life that Mel provides as a very successful lawyer. Though good-natured, Cher is naive and caught up in a superficial lifestyle revolving around expensive clothes and the social hierarchy of her high school. Her best friend Dionne has a similar outlook on life, though she dates a high school boy, which Cher claims is pointless.

A slight agent of change occurs when Cher's debate teacher Mr. Hall gives her a C grade for the semester, which starts a dramatic chain of events. Dionne, who got a lackluster grade as well, hatches a plan with Cher to find a romantic interest for Mr. Hall, thus making him happy enough to consider boosting their grades. They select another teacher, Miss Geist, as the chief candidate, and slip a fake love letter into her mail cubby. She soon begins dating Mr. Hall, and both teachers become much more lax with their grading. Cher works her grade up to an A minus, which greatly impresses her father.

At home, Cher interacts with Josh, the college-age son of one of Mel's ex-wives. Josh often stays at the Horowitz home to avoid his mother and new stepfather. He and Cher usually have a typical sibling relationship

Soon afterward, an action code - a new girl arrives at school occurs. Tai Frasier - a grungy artist with a clueless grasp of high school popularity. Cher and Dionne befriend her, and decide to give her a makeover to improve her social standing. However, Tai sparks up a romance with a cheerful skateboarding stoner, Travis... Cher attempts to steer Tai toward the rich and popular Elton. Josh disapproves of Cher's project with Tai, and accuses her of attempting to turn an innocent girl into a superficial brat.

Through a quest and a series of hints, Cher gets Tai and Elton to notice each other. Tai is filled with excitement, and Elton seems surprisingly accepting, though he pays much more direct attention to Cher. Cher and Dionne bring Tai to a party. Once again they attempt to steer her toward Elton, and believe that they made a connection when Tai is knocked unconscious, and Elton revives her with an ice pack. However, when leaving the party, Cher ends up being driven home by Elton who tries to get with her in the car, saying that he had been interested in her all along. Cher is shocked and repulsed, so Elton abandons her in a parking lot far from home. Cher is mugged, and is forced to call Josh to come pick her up. On the drive home, Cher suggests that they pick up food for Mel and his fellow lawyers who are working on a difficult case at the house. Josh is impressed by Cher's selfless act, and begins to form a new opinion of her.

Another new student arrives: a handsome boy called Christian. Cher is taken with him immediately, and considers breaking her own rule of never dating a high school boy. The two become friends, and attend a party along with Tai. After Christian picks Cher up at the house, Josh is envious and tells Mel that he will take them to the party for Cher's protection. Cher and Christian bond on the dance floor, while Tai is standing alone in a corner (viewing Elton dancing with his new girlfriend, Cheer's rival Amber). Josh arrives, and dances with Tai to cheer her up. Cher sees this and is surprised at his thoughtfulness.

The out come is unexpected as Cher and her 'sibling' Josh end up becoming a couple and Tai ends up with the skateboarding stoner that she liked originally, therefore the state of equilibrium is restored after the disequilibrium that featured in the centre of the story.

When it comes to my film, the strusture abides by Tedorov's theory. To begin with there is a sense of normality when Marley Shea is introduced. Although her life is pretty hectic with pushy parents and spiteful characters at school...this is the norm for her. Then disequalibrium occurs when an agent of change is introduced: Danny. This is where the story changes and the original life that Marley had becomes a tad more interesting. This section features a quest to talk to him, a series of obsticles: Megan and Finn obstrust and decrese her chances of getting to know Danny and also a transformation of the character. After the disequalibrium, equalibrium is restored and Marley is new person and has reached the resolution of ending up being friends-maybe the girlfriend of Danny.

Enigma Codes Enigma codes pose questions to the audience which are then answered within the film. For example, some of the questions that may arise are: who is she? Where is she going? Why is she doing that? They're questions enabling the audience to become intrigued with the film and wanting to find out the answers to these questions, resulting in them watching more of it. Enigma codes entice the audience to watch the rest of the film as they're curious as to what will happen next; they also help to move on the narrative and fulfill the audience's expectations.

Action Codes Action codes are significant events which move the narrative on in a particular direction. For example, a new student at a school. The actions are used to change the scene/narrative for specific reason but to also keep the narrative relevant and exciting! Action codes also give the audience further or greater information on something specific.for example, something new about a character or possibly the plot itself. This allows the audience to be clear on the film and be fully engaged in what is taking place.