Key Aspect: Narrative - Structures and Conventions Flashcards
Name 2 theorists who could be used when discussing narrative STRUCTURES
- TODOROV: Structure based on cause and effect
- LEVI-STRAUSS: Binary opposition
Binary Opposition is used to…
Generate plot/narrative
AND
Create interest by creating opposition in a piece of media through:
- creating conflict
- enhancing the characteristics of a protagonist or a plot (e.g. good vs evil)
Remember: even between just two characters you may find more than one set of binary opposites e.g. young vs old, strong vs weak, masculine vs feminine etc
Todorov’s narrative structure identifies a easy pattern into which many narratives fall (sometimes planned sometimes by chance). What are the KEY STAGES of his structure and what do they achieve?
EQUILIBRIUM -normality
DISRUPTION - something/someone that upsets the norm
RECOGNITION - an awareness of the disruption
REPAIR - trying to overcome the event
NEW EQUILIBRIUM - new/adapted normality
Why might you use TODOROVs structure appeal to an audience? Give 4 reasons
- To create interesting narrative with dynamics (not just a flat plot where nothing happens or is achieved)
- To add conflict which can lead to more complex narratives/issues covered
- To enable an audience to experience conflict/opposition whilst not being directly affected
- To ensure a conflict is resolved in the end (more satisfying for the audience)
- To leave an audience feeling they have achieved something (e.g. they worked it out who the murderer was)
- The audience can be very invested in characters and need/want a positive/negative outcome for them
- To leave an audience with a new equilibirum/normality (which may inform future narratives)
Remember in many pieces of media the LACK of a full resolution can inform follow-ups, and further parts in the series
Vladimir PROPP identified a CHARACTER theory which details common roles within many narratives.
Name 4 character roles from Propps character theory.
The hero The Princess The Villain The Donor/Mentor The Helper The False Hero The Dispatcher
Remember you may want to discuss these if writing about REPRESENTATIONS/APPEAL TO AUDIENCE
Narrative structures are not to be confused with narrative codes and conventions.
Name 4 NARRATIVE CODES/CONVENTIONS from the theorist BARTHES.
VOICE OVER
HAPPY ENDING
ACTION CODE
ENIGMA CODE
Can you give examples of WHERE and HOW (techniques) you see the used in a piece of media you have studied?
What is an ACTION CODE?
An important EVENT which moves the narrative forward (creates cause and effect)
e.g. In “Taken”(2008) Pierre Morel - the protagonist’s daughter is kidnapped by traffickers and this drives the narrative of the entire piece.
**Note also here the use of PROPPS character theory (Hero, Princess, Villain)
What is an ENIGMA CODE?
A series of clues set to the audience which initial generate curiosity to entice them in, then systematically enable the viewer to try and work out key components of the narrative (e.g. who is the killer?)
e.g. the noose on the poster for “The Conjuring” (2013) James Wan - who will be hung? why can we see their shadow but not the body?
What is a CULTURAL CODE?
Anything which is used to relate to time period, location, event, character to help audience understanding (or to assist in the believability of the piece)
e.g. costume, props, music, make-up, furniture, historical or societal references
Do Todorov’s Narrative Structure, Levi-Strauss’s Binary Opposition, Barthes codes/conventions and Propp’s character roles have to be used independently?
NO!!!
They are often used in combination to push the narrative forward, add interest and add to audience understanding and acceptance of the narrative before them.
Can you think of a piece of media you have studied which uses both TODOROV and LEVI-STRAUSS?
