NARRATIVE STRUCTURE TRISTAN TODOROV Events in a story have a causal relationship with one event leading to an other in a pattern of cause and effect. The very notion of ‘cause and effect’ implies a change in a state of affairs. For Todorov, the primary function of narrative is to solve a problem. It is this that forms the basis of Todorov’s theory of narrative. His model begins with a state of equilibrium, a condition in which everything is in a state of order. This state of equilibrium is disrupted either by a force of some kind or through the actions of an individual. The narrative progresses to a restoration of equilibrium, or order. Todorov breaks the narrative process down into five stages • A state of equilibrium at the outset • A disruption of the equilibrium by some action • A recognition that there has been a disruption • An attempt to repair the disruption • A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium.

TODOROV APPLIED TO BATMAN

A state of equilibrium at the outset At the beginning of The Dark Night Rises, Gotham City was safe from evil, however Batman was nowhere to be seen and had disappeared. Also from the film before, Harvey was killed, and this caused the prisoners to go crazy because of his death.

A disruption of the equilibrium by some action

Later on in the film, We see a scene where Bane shoots Commissioner Gordon in the leg. This happened in the sewers.

A recognition that there has been a disruption

As this happened in the sewers, this caused the rest of the policemen to investigate down below underground, however this was part of Bane’s plan all along.

An attempt to repair the disruption The police go down to the sewers, although they don’t realize its part of the plan and get stuck in underground. This is then another disruption as they can’t get out.

A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium. In the end, Batman and Catwoman bust the policemen out from underground so that they are free to help fight Bane with Batman