Todorov's Narrative Theory

Todorov’s theory of narrative states that all narrative plots follow the same basic pattern:

1. State of equilibrium
2. Disruption to that equilibrium
3. Recognition that disorder has occurred
4. Attempt (or attempts) to resolve the situation
5. Return to equilibrium or establishment of a NEW equilibrium

This pattern can then be re-started in subsequent narratives (eg sequels).

For example, the film Die Hard:

1. Equilibrium: John McClane (Bruce Willis) is meeting his wife for Christmas at her office Christmas party at the Nakatomi Building.
2. Disruption: Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and his team of terrorists take over the Nakatomi building in order to break into the vault.
3. Recognition: McClane isn't in the room when the terrorists storm in so is aware of the situation AND outside of their control.
4. Attempted resolution: The police try sending in a SWAT team (failed resolution).
5. Equilibrium/New equilibrium: McClane kills Gruber and saves the hostages. He and his wife leave happily together.

This week’s work:

1. Come up with a film in your chosen genre and analyse how it does/doesn’t fit into Todorov’s Theory of Narrative (like above)
2. Decide if your film is going to follow Todorov’s narrative theory
3. Devise the plot for your film
4. Decide at what point in your narrative your film is going to start and how much your opening scene is going to show
5. Develop a script for this opening scene