4. Todorov suggests that there are 5 main
stages of narrative (with 3 major stages)
◦ Equilibrium (Normality)
◦ Disequilibrium (conflict of equilibrium by action
or event)
◦ Recognition of Disequilibrium
(conflict/disruption)
◦ Attempt to repair disequilibrium
◦ New Equilibrium (New Normality)
Todorov
5. 1.EQUILIBRIUM
2. DISRUPTION
5. NEW OF EQUILIBRIUM
EQUILIBRIUM
Todorov‟s Narrative Theory
4. AN ATTEMPT 3. RECOGNITION
TO REPAIR THE OF THE
DAMAGE DISRUPTION
6. The disturbance of the equilibrium pushes the effect/cause chain of
events that makes the plot of the film. Stages 2,3,4 can sometime s be
repeated over and over again before we can reach the final stage of new
equilibrium (end). Thus, the anticipation („the edge of our seats‟) is
maintained by the lack of resolution. The complete narrative structure
builds the audiences pleasure and satisfaction that are met by the
resolution: „Happy Ending‟.
Quite often, the new equilibrium absorbs a new state of being, where not
only has order been returned, but some kind of learning process or
improvement to life has taken place.
In the case of mainstream films (trilogies), each film leaves the audience
with an unfinished aspect of the plot of the film, in order for the audience
to get ready for the next sequel.
Different types of genres will show the 5 stage process differently,
capturing different typical disturbance and resolutions
Todorov
8. Equilibrium – White Chicks
FBI doing there daily job, looking for
whatever it is they need to look for.
Todorov Task 2
9. Disequilibrium
They have two famous twins that they
have to escort to a hotel, but get into a
car crash.
Task 2
10. Recognition of Disequilibrium
The two officers have to switch places
with the twins, taking there place as
them. Without telling anybody.
Task 2
11. Attempt to repair disequilibrium
After everybody found out about the
officers switching places with the twins,
the villains get caught, one of the officers
relationship gets fixed
Task 2
12. New Equilibrium
The officers go shopping with their new
found friends.
Task 2
14. He believed that our world is described as Binary Opposites. When we see
into the themes that the stories and even real life consist of, we come to
realize that they have differences, contradictions and conflict or opposites.
◦ Day/Night
◦ Good/Bad
◦ Light/Dark
◦ Female/Male
We recognize that the essential conflict in relation to the narrative, which
shows a familiarity in stories and films
Strauss also believed that these oppositions are quite fundamental to our
ability to make meanings of our own lives. For example, we understand
the fact the good is an opposition of evil.
He believed opposition brought more structure to text including things like
stories, books, plays, and films
Levi-Strauss
15. HERO VILLIAN
GOOD EVIL
NATIVE OTUSIDE
LOVE HATE
HANDSOME UGLY
Example
16. SETTLERS NATIVE
AMERICANS
CIVILISED SAVAGE
CHRISTIAN PAGAN
ORDERED SOCIETY OUTSIDE SOCIETY
TOWN WILDERNESS
HANDSOME SCARRED
Example – Western Genre
17. However there is a problem with Strauss‟
theory
Oppositions can essentially lead to a status of
hierarchy, leaning on one side having to „win‟
the conflict; even though it is tied to the
structure of the narrative
But the audience are expected to favour the
winning side.
This may create a dangerous norm (e.g. ideal
image of white, big muscles, strong,
handsome, brave male hero).
Problem
18. Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation
“Juice” The difference
between the two is
that one of them is
good, knowing his
rights from wrong
and doesn‟t want to
cause trouble,
• Q is a member of “The • Bishop is also a whereas the other
Wrecking Crew” but is the member of “The
character seems to
most sensible out of all. Wrecking Crew” but he
do all things bad,
He knows his right from is the most violent out
of all of them. He seeks and seeks things
wrongs and is also an
to have power and that must be earned
aspiring DJ.
respect, even though and not forced.
he doesn‟t really
deserve it. For this
causes him to kill a
numerous amount of
people to try and
accomplish this mission
Genre: Drama
19. Film Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation
The Unborn They‟re opposite to
each other
because we see
that one of them is
evil than the other
character who is
• Young unborn • Young girl who is a innocent and good
child who is victim of the family
seeking revenge curse. She is a good
within the family girl throughout the
curse movie as she in
unaware of the
family curse
Genre: Horror
20. Films Opposite 1 Opposite 2 Explanation
Spiderman The differences
between the two
is that one seeks
to have power
and greed, than
in contrast to the
hero who wans to
• Peter • The Green protect and save
Parker/Spiderman Goblin is a villian those he loves.
, two alter egos who seeks to
meet as one, to take over the
create a brave city, so that he
and bold hero can rule under
his own powers.
Genre: Action