Film trailers - Analysing narrative theory

NARRATIVE = the coherance/organisation given to a series of facts.
The human mind needs narrative to make sense of things. We connect events and make interpretations based on those connections. In everything we seek a beginning, middle and end.

Propp’s theory of Narrative:

• Suggested that characters took on the role of narrative ‘spheres of action’ or functions. From a comprehensive study of folktales Propp came up with seven different character types
• Some characters fit more than one role
• Have these roles changed/adapted for modern audiences?

     Hero:

- Usually male, is the agent who restores the narrative equilibrium (everything’s ok) often by embarking upon a quest (or search)

- Propp distinguishes between the victim hero, who is the centre of the villains attentions, and the seeker hero who aids others who are the villains victims

- The hero is invariably the texts central character

            Villain:

- Usually creates the narrative disruption

Donor:
- Gives the hero something, it may be an object, information or advice which helps in resolution of the narrative

Helper:

- Aids the hero in the task of restoring equilibrium

Princess:
- (the victim) usually most threatened, has to be saved by the hero at the climax
- The father’s role is usually  to give the princess away to the hero at the narrative’s conclusion

Dispatcher:
- Sends the hero on his/her task (who can typically be the princesses father)

False hero:
- Appears to be good, but at the end he/she is revealed to be bad

Todorov’s Narrative Theory: Equilibrium & disequilibrium

·        He argues that narrative involves a transformation

·        The characters or the situations are transformed through the progress of the disruption

5 Stages:

1.       A state of equilibrium (All as it should be)

2.      A disruption of that order (by an event)

3.      A recognition that the disorder has occurred

4.      An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption

5.      A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium