1. Story? Narrative? Plot? What is narrative? While the term narrative certainly is not used ascommonly as story, most people know that it refers,in some way, to stories; in fact stories are endemic toour lives.

2. What is narrative then? Narrative has probably existed as long ashuman beings; it is likely that the stone ageartists who drew 18,000 year old cavepainting in the Ardeche, in France, expectednarratives to be woven around their images. Because narrative seems to be such a trulyuniversal aspect of the human race, it isimpossible to completely discuss relevance toour existence. In media studies, we need to have a goodworking knowledge of narrative theories anddebates. 3. Clued-up on CharactersOr how to spot the key character types in ALLnarrative stories (and include them in yourown!) 4. Character types How many different character types can you name? 5. Lesson Aims: To understand and identify key charactertypes within ALL narrative structures. To be able to apply your new understandingto your own favourite narrative. 6. Vladimir Propps Character TheoryVladimir Propp believes that the same essential TYPESof characters exists in ALL stories. The Hero This is the main character whom the audience willrecognise as the key person in the story. This character is usually a goodperson, who we want to succeed. The Villain This character is the opposite to the Hero and is oftenthere to create the disruption (Todorov) in the story. This character isusually bad. This can sometimes be a situation rather than a character The False Hero This character pretends to support the maincharacter in the story, and generally the audience will know this.However, the main character does not (dramatic irony). Sometimes thischaracter also turns out to be the main villain.6 7. Vladimir Propps Character Theory 2 The Helper The main character usually has a companion whohelps the main character, gives advice and supports them throughouttheir journey. The Donor This character is similar to the role of the Helper. Thecharacter will give the main character something which helps himrepair (Todorov) the problem in the story. The Princess This character can be the reward for the Hero orthe person whom the Hero and False Hero are in competition for.Just as with The Villain, this could also be a situation rather than anactual person.7 8. Vladimir Propps Character Theory 3 The Father Rewards the hero for his/her efforts. The Dispatcher This is the character who sendsthe main character on his/her way. Perhaps they seta quest or mission for them to complete.8 9. Batman Begins (Official Trailer)Make notes as you watch which character fits into eachof the character types? How doyou know?Names of characters: Bruce Wayne/ Batman,Henri Ducard, Alfred Pennyworth, RachelDawes, Lucious Fox, The Scarecrow 10. Answers Here are the answers but can you tell me why HERO Bruce Wayne / Batman VILLAIN The Scarecrow FALSE HERO - Henri Ducard HELPER Alfred Pennyworth DONOR Lucious Fox PRINCESS Rachel Dawes 11. Now fill out the Character Worksheet for a film of your choice. Try toexplain why / how we know which character type each character is. 12. What do elements do all stories/filmshave?Commonstoryelements 13. TODOROVS THEORY Tzvetan Todorov believes that every narrative has the same fivestages to it, based around the main character. Lets take a look:EquilibriumLife is just rightHere, the main characters lifeis balanced and normal.There have been nodisruptions to the maincharacters lifeyet.The Shining:Family move into a hotel for the dads career.1 14. TODOROVS THEORYDisruptionA problem disruptsThe main characters life hassuddenly been disrupted,shattering their previousequilibrium.The Shining:Child hears voices and sees ghosts and the mum sees that the father hasbecome different2 15. TODOROVS THEORYRecognitionThe main character realisesThe main character nowbegins to realise that theirsituation has changed andnot for the better.The Shining:Father tries to kill his wife and son.3 16. TODOROVS THEORYRepairRepairing the situationbeginsThe main character now setsout to right the wrongs andrepair their situation, so thatlife can be as good as it wasoriginally (equilibrium).The Shining:Wife and son try and escape the father.4 17. TODOROVS THEORYNewEquilibriumThe character has gained aNEW equilibrium The main character has workedthrough the problems and as a result,have gained back their equilibrium.However they have grown fromtheir experience. Life is nowBETTER than it was at thebeginning of the narrative.The Shining:Wife and son get in a truck and drive away, escaping and living happily everafter.5 18. The journey of the main characterEquilibrium Disruption Recognition RepairNewEqilibriumHighs and lows of the main characterLife isnowbetterthanbefore! 19. To sum up... Any story is essentially someone improving / betterunderstanding themselves through adversity. If you think about it, this is exactly what life is! Think about a period of your life where life has beenfine; its then been disrupted; youve recognised thisand tried to repair the situation; youve grown as aperson and improved your life as a result of this.Discuss in pairs. Be prepared to share with the class. 20. Why are we interested in stories? In the best narratives, we can identify with the maincharacters situation. Were pleased for them when they reach their NewEquilibrium because we have all had to do this insome point in our lives, too. Weve all had toovercome challenges and have grown as a result. If the narrative can make the audience identify withthe main character and want them to improve theirlife, it is a good narrative. Its that simple! 21. Applying the theory 1: Night and DayNote down the five stages as you watch this short film byDreamworks... 22. Applying the theory...Now havea go atapplyingTodorovsnarrativetheory toyour ownfavouritefilm. 23. FEEDBACKShare your findings with the restof the class. 24. Propp and Todorov homework Take photos of your (completed) worksheets fromlesson and write up (in a paragraph or two)explaining both the theories as if to someone whohadnt come across them before. 25. Plenary Exit CardOn your exit-card, write down:1) The most important thing that you think youvelearnt today.2) One question you have that youd like to answeredin next lesson.