Monday 28 November 2016

Narrative Theory - Part 1

Narrative Theory
Narrative - a spoken or written account of connected events; a story.

Todorov's Narrative Theory
Todorov's theory, created in 1969, states that there is a key pattern that a narrative follows. There are 5 key parts to a narrative. These parts are:
  1. The Equilibrium - The beginning of the story will display a happy start where the majority of the characters are content and everything is as it should be.
  2. The Disruption - The second part features an issue arising. This will disrupt the happiness. 
  3. Realisation - This part of the plot shows the realisation of the chaos.
  4. Restored Order - The fourth of the part of the plot shows the protagonists attempting to restore the peace and delimitate the problem.
  5. New Equilibrium - The final part shows the problem being resolved and a new equilibrium begins where life is as normal.
Maleficent
The opening scenes of Maleficent show a happy equilibrium in a magical kingdom. The atmosphere is very cheerful and the land is very much like a fairytale. 

A royal family live close to her kingdom. Maleficent entrusts a young boy from the family who then takes her wings. Therefore, the main disruption to Maleficent is that her wings were taken by the False Hero. The distruption for the family however is that Maleficent cast a curse on their baby daughter as revenge for taking her wings.
Realisation
The realisation is that simply, Maleficent woke up to find her wings are gone. She then goes on a quest to find and retrieve her wings to return to her normal fairy state but to also try to break her own curse because of her love for the girl as she grew older. The realisation for the family however is that their daughter will fall into a "death-like sleep" and they need to try to resolve this.

She finds her wings and restores order to herself. She then causes a disruption by fighting the family and the kingdom for her revenge.
The restoration of order for the family and for Maleficent is actually restored by Maleficent's sidekick, who brings Aurora back to life. 




For Maleficent, her equilibrium is resorted when she defeats the family and her kingdom becomes hers to rule once again. Aurora wakes up.



Propp's Narrative Theory - Character Types
Captain America & Iron Man vs. Loki - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcdqMhhzNN4


Binary Opposites - A binary opposition is a pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning. Binary opposition is the system by which, in language and thought, two theoretical opposites are strictly defined and set off against one another. A Protagonist and Antagonist is a perfect example of Binary Opposites. 

Protagonist (The Hero) - The leading character or one of the major characters in a play, film, etc.
Their Characteristics Include: 
- Bravery
- Leadership
- Curiosity
The Protagonists may also show some type of venerability at some point within the film. This is usually done so that the audience can connect easier to the main characters. 
Example: Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)

Antagonist (The Villain) - A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. 
Their Characteristics Include: 
- Selfishness
- Determination
- Ruthlessness
The Antagonist may also show venerability towards the end of the film or play to again, connect with the audience. 
Example: Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Anti-Hero - A major character, usually the protagonist, who lacks conventional nobility of mind, and who struggles for values not deemed universally admirable.
Their Characteristics Include:
- Easily Corrupted
- Seems Innocent
- Relatable
Example: Walter (Breaking Bad) 

The helper (Foil) - Assists the hero with their quest, often referred to as their 'sidekick'. A foil is any character whose personal qualities contrast with the protagonist. By providing this contrast, we get to know more about the other character.
Their Characteristics Include:
- Comedic or Serious
- Either Extremely Intelligent or Unintelligent
- Loyal
Example: Watson (Sherlock)


The dispatcher - Is the character who sends that hero on their mission or quest.

The princess - Needs assistance from the hero, usually because they are in some form of danger, typically the princess is the victim within the narrative. 

The donor - Gives the hero an object or a piece of information that helps them prepare for what is to come. 

False hero - May appear good but has an ulterior motive, or attempts to take credit for the hero's actions. 
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