Planning and Research

Todorov and Props

Todorov’s Narrative Theory

• Todorov proposed a basic narrative structure to suit all narratives. He stated that all narratives started with an Equilibrium , a state as it should be. Then a disruption causes a Disequilibrium, a disruption and unsettlement caused by an event. This is then followed by an attempt to repair the damage of the disruption which finally results with the protagonists establishing a renown state of harmony as the restoration of the unsettlement if restored, a new equilibrium. This theory is the simplest form of narrative, sometimes referred to as ‘classic’ or ‘Hollywood’ narrative).

‘Narratology’

Todorov coined the term ‘narratology’ for the structalized analysis of a narrative. It denotes both the theory and the study of narrative and narrative structure and the ways these effect our perception. Modern narratology is agreed to have began with Russian formalists, in particular Vladimir Propps. The term Discourse, defines how the stylistic choices that determine how the narrative finally appears to its audience. For example, a stylistic choice may by to present to text in non-chronological order by using flashbacks or flash forwards, to reveal motives at a climatic point within the plot.

Vladimir Propps

A Russian formalist who extended the approach to narratology, and analysed types of characters and different kinds of action. By the braking down of Russian Folk tales, he was able to arrive at a typology within all narratives, concluding that there were thirty-one generic narratemes in these Russian folk tales.

An example of the first three sequences that occur after the initial situation is depicted:

• ABSENTATION: A member of a family leaves the security of the home environment. This may be the hero or some other member of the family that the hero will later need to rescue. This division of the cohesive family injects initial tension into the storyline. The hero may also be introduced here, often being shown as an ordinary person.

• INTERDICTION: An interdiction is addressed to the hero ('don't go there', 'don't do this'). The hero is warned against some action (given an 'interdiction').

• VIOLATION of INTERDICTION. The interdiction is violated (villain enters the tale). This generally proves to be a bad move and the villain enters the story, although not necessarily confronting the hero. Perhaps they are just a lurking presence or perhaps they attack the family whilst the hero is away.

Vladimir- Characters He also concluded that all the characters within the tales he analysed took one of the

broad character types: • The villian— struggles against the hero.• The dispatcher—character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off.• The (magical) helper — helps the hero in the quest.• The princess or prize — the hero deserves her throughout the story but is unable

to marry her because of an unfair evil, usually because of the villain. the hero's journey is often ended when he marries the princess, thereby beating the villain.

• The father — gives the task to the hero, identifies the false hero, marries the hero, often sought for during the narrative. Propp noted that functionally, the princess and the father can not be clearly distinguished.

• The donor—prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object.• The hero or victim/seeker hero — reacts to the donor, weds the princess.• The false hero — takes credit for the hero’s actions or tries to marry the princess.

My narrative

• When constructing my own narrative its important I consider the theories of both Todorov and Propps. In doing this It with ensure a level of fluency with my narrative structure. It would be expected to dictate as being clearer, more understandable and easier to relate to for the audience. The teaching of Props also will help me in the construction of my narrative by fuelling my ideas for my own story.