Narrative Media Theories

As apart of our coursework, we had refreshed our knowledge on key media theorists along with their theories, which offers us insightful information that will be a beneficial tool in regards to the development of our briefs. Particularly with short-films, these theorists will provide me with content that will surely benefit my research and planning for my project as I will be meeting a level of expectations regarding the codes and conventions associated with text and story telling. As I am aware of the fixed conventions of text, it may also offer me the opportunity to manipulate the conventions of text to produce a media product with a unique style and take on the platform of text.

Propp’s Theory

Vladimir Propp studied Russian fairytales and is where he discovered that in every story; there are 8 main character types present. According to Propp, these character types helps offer stories a structure for text.

• The Hero - the one who embarks on a journey to seek  something.
• The Villain - an individual who opposes all actions committed by the hero and blocks his/her quest.
• The Donor - Prepares the hero by providing them with tools to aid their quest.
• The Dispatcher - Who sends the hero on their quest.
• The False Hero - Someone who claims the hero’s success.
• The Helper - Who aids the hero on their quest.
• The Princess/prize - an individual/item that acts as a reward for the hero’s accomplishments.
• Her Father - An individual who rewards the hero for their effort.

Within this theory comes certain conventions that must occur with these character:

• Hero’s are branded
• Good overcomes evil
• There is a form of struggle between two relations.
• The struggle is banished

This is a theory that will play as a useful tool through the development of my short-film as this theory will provide me with a basic structure to follow by using the listed types of characters in order to then incorporate the codes and conventions that follow along side the characters.

Barthes Narrative Codes

Roland Bathes suggested that all text can be open or closed; ‘open’ states that there is more than one way of interpreting the meaning behind the text, where as ‘closed’ is just one meaning behind the text. Barthes suggested that there are five different meanings behind text.

• Hermeneutic/ Enigma code : This code refers to a mystery behind the text; clues are given but not clearly stated. This is designed to make the audience want to know more, as unanswered questions may frustrate them.
• Proairetic/ Action code : This code element of action within the text in order to add the element of suspense and tension.
• Semantic Code : This code refers to parts of the text that alludes to possible alternative meanings within the text.   
• Symbolic Code : This code is referring to symbolism within the text in order to show greater meaning and to create tension or conflict which will result in character development.
• Referential Code :This code addresses themes of morality and ideology; which is essentially anything within the text that refers to external knowledge regarding cultural, religious, scientific or historical content.

Todorov’s Theory of equilibrium

Todorov’s theory essentially states that most stories and plots follow a structural pattern, which are based on five steps:

• Equilibrium : The first part is the opening to the story, where it will commence happily with the major characters demonstrating what is meant to be known about them.
• A disruption : The second part  of the story is where a problem arises and affects the happiness of the major characters.
• Realisation : The third part of the story is the moment when the problem develops into a crisis which everyone soon realises and causes chaos.
• Restored Order : Within the fourth part of the story, is where the major character attempt to repair the damages caused by the problem in order to restore happiness to their lives.
• Equilibrium again : By the final part of the story, the problem is resolved and everything is restored back to normality and the characters are happy once again.

Levi Strauss’ theory of binary opposition

Strauss’ theory is based upon his belief that we understood certain words based on our understanding of the word and it’s opposite, rather than understanding it through it’s meaning. The led to Strauss producing the theory of binary opposites. An example most frequently used in film/TV is good/evil; binary opposites are usually incorporated to help our understanding of a story as the conventions of good vs evil helps aid narrative and enables an equilibrium.