Narratology - Tzvetan Todorov

Question 1

Todorov’s theory is that a typical narrative follows a _-part structure

Answer 1

3

Question 2

How does Todorov say that narrative structures usually begin?

Answer 2

With an equilibrium

Question 3

What does Todorov mean when he says that narratives usually start with an equillibrium?

Answer 3

Everything is balanced and normal - there aren’t many problems at the beginning of the story

Question 4

What is the second stage of a narrative as identified by Todorov?

Answer 4

Disruption

Question 5

What happens during the disruption stage of a narrative as suggested by Todorov?

Answer 5

Something bad happens - the ‘hero’ has to go and sort it out. There is some kind of quest / something needs to be done

Question 6

What is the third part of Todorov’s narrative structure?

Answer 6

New equilibrium

Question 7

How does Todorov say that most media products tend to end?

Answer 7

With a new equilibrium - a happy ending

Question 8

True/False: Harry Potter follows Todorov’s narrative 3-part narrative structure

Answer 8

True

Question 9

The Kiss of the Vampire poster includes lots of elements of disruption/equilibrium

Answer 9

disruption

Question 10

True/False: All media products follow Todorov’s narrative theory

Answer 10

False, they don’t. E.g. horror films starting with immediate disruption or don’t end with a new equilibrium

Question 11

Give an example of why a media product may want to challenge Todorov’s narrative theory

Answer 11

Any from hooking you in from the start, making you feel like you need to watch the next episode/film or leaving you on the edge of your seat