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Introduction to Narrative TheoryNarrative Theory and Todorov
Learning Objective• To become familiar with the ideas of Todorov• To begin to apply narrative theories to film
Once Upon a Time…
Tell me about your day so far…
Narrative
Plot
StoryWHAT (IF ANY) IS THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE 3 KEY TERMS?
Narrative
Plot
Story
A narrative is the relation between a series of events
Plot is the order in which the characters find out about these events
The story is the strict chronological order in which the events occur
Remember, making notes is a crucial part of AS Level Film Studies...
So, that means…
• "Story is the irreducible substance of a story (A meets B, something happens, order returns), while narrative is the way the story is related (Once upon a time there was a princess...)“
Key Concepts in Communication - Fiske et al (1983)
Narrative Structure
• There are three ways in which narrative is structured.
1. Circular2. Episodic3. Linear
Circular Narrative
• The is when a film begins at the end. This might sound strange, but if you think about it there are many films that start at the end and use a series of flashbacks, or construct the narrative around a single flashback and then return to where the film began.
Episodic Narrative
• Not all films with flashbacks and voice-overs are circular. For example ‘Forrest Gump’ has an interesting narrative structure because although events unfold more or less in chronological order, rather than just seeing Forrest at the beginning and end of the film, we keep returning to him sitting on the bench telling his story. The narrative is broken up into episodes or more manageable narrative pieces.
Linear Narrative
• This is the most simple and commonly used narrative structure; it refers to a story that is told in the order in which events happen – from beginning to end. These are sometimes referred to as ‘cause and effect’ narratives as the consequences of one event have an effect on something else and things move along in this linear fashion. This doesn’t mean to say linear narratives are boring – Sixth Sense and Pan’s Labyrinth follow linear narratives but still create intrigue and mystery. Remember – linear narratives are only simplistic in reference to time and place, not in terms of plot!
Copy and Complete the table below with examples of films you know.
Circular Narrative Episodic Narrative Linear NarrativeExample: Example: Example:
Explanation: Explanation: Explanation:
Narrative Viewpoint
1. Restricted Narrative• A narrative that only allows us to know
what the characters know.
2. Omniscient Narrative• A narrative which allows us to know
more about the characters and their situations than they know themselves
TaskOf the genres below, which have omniscient narratives and
which have restrictive (usually) and why?
CRIME
ACTION
DISASTER MOVIE
SCI-FI
HORROR
ROMANCE
OMNISCIENT RESTRICTIVE
TZVETAN TODOROV
Todorov was a Bulgarian
theorist who devised a way of
looking at different stages of the narrative.
As a group, apply this theory to Casablanca. You will need to put things that happen in the PLOT section – and which characters are involved in
the CHARACTER section. PLOT CHARACTER
Stage 1Equilibrium
Stage 2Disruption
Stage 3Recognition
Stage 4Action
Stage 5Equilibrium
Restored
Relationship Between Narrative and Genre
• A study of different genres in film and television will suggest that the formula requires the narrative to be closed in a different way for each genre.• “Both are means in which the world of human
experience can be reconstructed, rearranged and reimagined.” - H.Newcomb (2004)
Task
Using Todorov’s narrative theory as a base, create a diagram which represents the general narrative patterns of these genres. Use the films you know to help you.
HORRORCOMEDY
SCI-FI