GCSE Film Studies : Todorov's Theory On Narrative Structures

Todorov’s narrative theory	Starts with equilibrium> disruption>Resolution
Propps’s Stock Characters	Hero, Villain, Princess, Princesses Father, Pretend hero, Donor
Narrative devices and what they do	Red Herring-takes audience on wrong path Flashback/forward-past/future Dramatic irony-Audience know more that the characters Foreshadowing-hinting and things to come Pathetic fallacy-weather sets mood Twist-unexpected turn
Linear narrative	Forward- real time- start-middle-end
Non linear- narrative	Not in chronological order, flashbacks/forwards
Protagonist	Good person
Antagonist	Bad person
Open narrative	No resolution, to be continued
Close narrative	Outcome, close explained ending
Restricted narration	One characters point of view
Omniscient narration	Narrative is from all different Character’s point of view

Film	Structure	Character types	Narrative devices
28 days Later	Disruption, equilibrium version of reality, chaos linear narrative omniscient	Princess-turns into villain Scientist first seen as villain, but is hero Subverting characters	Twist Foreshadowing Red herring Flash back
Scream	Disruption -Equilibrium Restricted character	Main guy- Hero/Villain Glasses Man– Villain/Hero Subverted Characters	Twist Foreshadow-Condition Enigma set up Flash back
Memento	Linear Restricted narration Disruption is early	Villain Princess-Stupid (conflicts with villain) Hero-False	Foreshadowing-popcorn, knives Twist-Man is nice/Evil Red herring -Man on phone is seen as nice turns out bad