1. Narrative – Part 2
What are ‘Binary Opposites’?
French structural theorist Claude Levi-Strauss argued that meaning-making systems (such as narrative) use
sets of 'binary oppositions’
Binary
Opposites
French structural theorist Claude Levi-Strauss argued that meaning-making systems (such as narrative) use
sets of 'binary oppositions'
These are conflicts between two qualities or terms, which are expressed as opposites.
Binary oppositions help to make narratives easier to understand.
The absence of clearly defined characters and values may confuse audiences who are expecting them.
Draw up a list of Binary Oppositions that you think are typical of the Science Fiction genre film
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2. Draw up a list of binary oppositions in the focus films’ narratives. War of the Worlds or IOTBS
Film Title: EXAMPLES FROM TEXT
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Vladimir Propp
Vladimir Propp developed a theory about characters and their actions or roles within a
narrative.
Characters, according to Propp, have a narrative ‘function’; they provide a structure for the
text.
He also identified the role that character interaction plays in setting a narrative in motion,
pushing it along, and finally bringing it to a ‘satisfying’ conclusion.
He suggested that the number of characters in a narrative was limited to 31, although we
will consider the seven main ones.
His work has also been applied to films, and it is possible, for example, to use Propp's
theory to fit the character types in a range of feature films.
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3. Character
Character Purpose
Title
The Hero
The Villain
The Donor
The
Dispatcher
The Helper
The Princess
The False-
Hero
Character motivation is an important aspect to consider when we are analysing a film.
Characters come into conflict with other characters that may be acting out different
motives and are intent on achieving different goals.
Conflict is central to the functioning of narrative, not least because it is conflict that invites
us, the audience, to take sides.
All others characters motivations are governed by the Hero Character!
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4. Film Title:
HERO
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