The document discusses several narrative theories:
- Todorov's theory outlines a typical narrative structure of equilibrium, disruption of equilibrium, and a new equilibrium.
- Propp's theory identifies common character roles in narratives like the hero, villain, donor, and dispatcher.
- Barthes identifies common narrative codes like action, enigma, semantic, cultural, and symbolic codes.
- Straus' theory analyzes narratives in terms of binary opposites such as good vs bad, strength vs weakness.
- The Pixar short story "Boundin'" is used to illustrate Todorov's theory of narrative structure.
2. A state of equilibrium at the outset A disruption of the equilibrium by some action A recognition that there has been disruption An attempt to repair the disruption A reinstatement of the equilibrium Todorov’s Theory Equilibrium Disequilibrium New Equilibrium
3. Suggests that the characters take the part of specific roles in every narrative. Stating 8 main character roles- The Hero – a character that seeks something The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest The Donor – who provides an object to the hero The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims The Helper – who aids the hero in their quest The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plots The Father – who acts to reward the hero for his effort Props’ Theory
4. Suggests narrative is told through narrative codes, Barthes says that narrative needs to be unravelled and this can lead to meanings which he narrowed down to 5“narrative codes” which can be present in any narrative. Action Code Enigma Code Semantic Code Cultural Code Symbolic Code Barthes’ Theory
5. Suggests that narratives are split into a series of “binary opposites”, where two subjects are opposite and working against each other. For example some could be.. Good + Bad Hero + Villain Strength + Weakness Rich + Poor Straus’s Theory
6. Equilibrium- A lamb lives on a high mountain plain with his wool all fluffy, big and clean. This makes him so happy that he breaks into a high stepping dance and his friends love him. Disequilibrium- One day a van comes and shaves all his fluffy wool off and he is left bare with all his “friends” laughing at the new him. Boundin’ Pixar Short Story
7. New equilibrium- A wise Jackalope comes along and teaches the lamp that woolly or not, it’s what’s inside him that will help him rebound from his troubles. His friends then respect the new him. The Hero- Lamb, seeks happiness The Villain- Farmer/Van, stole his fur The Donor- Jackalope, teaches the lamb The Dispatcher- Jackalope, again
8. The Helper- Jackalope, again! The Princess- His friends, the happiness and respect they give to him Good- Lamb + Jackalope Bad- Farmer/Van Weakness- Lamb without fur Strength- Jackalope with wise words
