Todorov's theory of narrative structure proposes that stories follow a pattern of equilibrium, disruption, recognition, attempt to repair, and reinstatement of equilibrium. According to Todorov, a story begins with a state of order or equilibrium that is disrupted by some event. This disruption is recognized, leading to an attempt to repair the disruption and restore the initial equilibrium. Todorov applies this model to the plot of Batman, identifying the stages as Batman's absence leading to low crime, Bane taking over Gotham causing disruption, recognition of the situation, Batman's attempt to stop Bane, and Batman defeating Bane to reinstate the initial equilibrium.

1. NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
TRISTANTODOROV
Events in a story have a causal relationship with one event leading to an other in a
pattern of cause and effect.The very notion of ‘cause and effect’implies a change in a
state of affairs. For Todorov,the primary function of narrative is to solve a problem.It
is this that forms the basis of Todorov’s theory of narrative. His modelbegins with a
state of equilibrium, a condition in which everything is in a state of order. This state of
equilibrium is disrupted either by a force of some kind or through the actions of an
individual. The narrative progressesto a restoration of equilibrium, or order.
Todorovbreaks the narrative process downinto five stages
• A state of equilibrium at the outset
• A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
• A recognition that there has been a disruption
• An attempt to repair the disruption
• A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium.
TODOROV APPLIED TO BATMAN
A state of equilibrium at the outset Batman hasn’t beenseen for eight years,
crime rates are really low and everything
in Gotham is safe due to Harvey Dent’s
act on crime.
A disruption of the equilibrium by some
action
Bane fights batman, breaks into Batmans
armoury, imprisons Batman and takes
control of Wayne’s nuclear reactor.
A recognitionthat there has beena
disruption
Bane blows up the bridges surrounding
Gotham so there is only one exit from
Gotham which Bane controls for supplies
and protection that no one leaves the city.
Bane alerts the world of the situation and
the fact that he controls a nuclear bomb
which will detonate in a matter of months.
An attempt to repair the disruption Batman escapesthe prison and returns to
Gotham to stop Bane and save the city.
Batman finds Bane and starts a war
between Bane’s army and the police
force.
A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium. Batman defeats Bane and his men and
fly’s the bomb out over the bay so the city
is clear of the blast radius, the bomb
detonates and the city is safe.