Narrative+Theories

=**Tzvetan Todorov**=
 * Equilibrium** - The Normal (norm) state at the beginning of a text. Any opposing forces are in balance. The setting is established & key characters introduced. EG - in Jaws, it begins with a normal seaside resort - characters introduced - hero and mayor etc.
 * Dis-Equilibrium** - An action or conflict introduced into the narrative, often through the introduction of oppositional characters. EG - Jaws the big white shark eating people.
 * New Equilibrium** - The Conflict is resolved and the narrative strands are tied together. You are satisfied with the ending.

=**Roland Barthes**=
 * Enigma / Hermeneutic Code** - most powerful technique employed in a text. It’s a pleasure for the audience to watch.


 * Cultural Code** - EG Toscani (Benetton) - Nun kissing Priest advertisement. Culture of the audience is crucial in terms of how you interpret a media text. EG - British Audience not bothered by Benetton ad, Italians outraged because of culture.

=**Claude Levi - Strauss**= Strauss argued that meaning in narratives is based upon binary oppositions. Strauss applied this to the Western Narrative (excluding modern Arabs**).** The use of opposing colors/tones could be described as Binary opposites. It’s about different Idealogy - As in Who is making the text and what values do they have.
 * ===Pilgrims=== || ===Native American=== || ===Arabs=== ||
 * Christian || Pagan || Islamic ||
 * Domestic || Savage || Terrorist ||
 * Weak (Need Hero) || Strong || Dangerous ||
 * Garden || Wilderness || Desert ||
 * Wilderness || Outside Society || Threat To Society, Nomadic ||
 * Civilized || Barbaric || Also Barbaric ||

=**Vladimir Propp**=

He Identified 8 Character roles or spheres of action. 31 functions, always highly predictable such as the villain being punished at the end of the story.

The Villain - The Hero - The Donor - The Helper - The Princess - Her Father (the king who rewards hero) - The Dispatcher who sends hero on his way - The False Hero (usually good looking and a coward).