Narrative theory is fundamental within the story telling world, however you decide to go about developing and telling your story to an audience. I’ve decided to recap on some areas within narrative theory to remind me of components i can use in my own storytelling.
Todorov’s Equilibrium Theory believes that plots follow five key stages,
1. the Equilibrium stage, this gives the audience an idea of how the characters normal days are.
2. the Disruption stage this breaks the equilibrium and usually results in the characters coming to an understanding that something needs to be done about it.
3. Realisation Stage, the characters plan to do something about the disruption, usually putting the characters into a dangerous situation.
4. Restored Order Stage, the characters will attempt to restore the equilibrium
5. Equilibrium is restored.
Propps Fairytale Character Theory,
The Hero, usually the main character, defeat the villain and marry the princess
The Villain and the hero struggle conflict wise between one another
The Dispatcher, sends the hero on their quest
The Helper. Helps the hero on their quest
The Princess, A female character the hero is trying to resque or win over
The Donor, gives the Hero a magical object to help them on their quest.
The False Hero, someone at the beginning of the story which we are lead to believe wants to help the hero but turns out they are against them. ( A traitor)
Strouse’s Theory of Binary Opposition
CCH-Animation Degree 