Todorov's Narrative Theory.

1. Luke Chillingsworth

2. 
Equilibrium means a state of
balance and this is shows
throughout an opening of a
film. Usually Equilibrium is
present at the start of the
film as families continue life
as usual and no problems are
present. For example, in
Harry Potter and the
Chamber of Secrets. The
Equilibrium begins as the
new term starts and students
are looking forward to the
year ahead.

3. 
At some point during the
film there will be some kind
of disruption to the
equilibrium. A challenge to
authorities or fall out in a
relationship may cause a
problem that must be
overcome. For example, in
Harry Potter we find out
many students have been
petrified. This causes a
problem that has to be
solved.

4. 
The next stage will be
when the main
protagonists recognise the
disruption that they face.
In Harry Potter we
understand that the
Chamber of Secrets has
been opened and that
Ginny Weasley’s body is
in the Chamber.
Something must be done
to fix the problem.

5. 
The next stage of the film will
be the attempted repair of the
disruption caused. This could
be the main character
repairing the damage caused
earlier on in the film. In Harry
Potter the repair of the
disruption comes when Harry
battles and defeats Lord
Voldemort and the Basilisk in
the Chamber of Secrets and
saves Ginny Weasley.

6. 
A film will naturally end with
a new order restored, a new
equilibrium. This will restore
harmony, but something may
have changed from the
beginning of the film. In Harry
Potter the order is restored
with the defeat of Lord
Voldemort, the Chamber of
Secrets closed, and everyone
happy once more enjoying the
end of term feast.

7. 
Therefore we have found
out that Todorov’s
narrative theory follows
five simple steps that are
common throughout all
narratives. From the
starting equilibrium, to a
problem or disturbance,
and then finishing with a
new equilibrium once
again.