Media Language Theorists

Question 1

Vladimir Propp

Answer 1

• 7 different stock character types that are in all stories:
• protagonist/hero, antagonist/villain, dispatcher, donor, false hero, princess/prize, helper

Question 2

Todorov - Naratology

Answer 2

• believes that most stories will follow a similar format to have a successful narrative:
  1. equilibrium
  2. disruption
  3. recognition
  4. attempt to repair
  5. return to equilibrium

Question 3

Roland Barthes - Semiotics Theory

Answer 3

• Symbol code - image that represents something else ie. red cross = medical/health
• Semantic code - is implied to have a hidden meaning that should be interpreted by audience ie. red in horror meaning blood and danger
• Proairetic/action code - an action caused by previous events which leads to another event ie. lead pulling gun out that signifies gun may be used
• Hermenuetic/Enigma code - something unexplained and unanswered questions often appearing at the beginning of a story that creates tension engaging audiences. Enigma codes are root of all mysteries.

Question 4

Steve Neale - Genre Theory

Answer 4

• genres are made up of repition and difference
• repitition - films will have some similar features to indicate to audience what genre the film will be ie. low-key lighting in horror
• ## over time these similarities become conventions of the genre producers will use to indicate genre and give familiarity to audiences

Question 5

Levi Strauss - Binary Oppositions

Answer 5

• binary opposities - 2 things that are the oppositie of one another
• in media binary oppositions are used by producers because it creates conflict and drama but also show meaning