by Kurt Perry

Todorov's Theory of Narrative

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:33:58 UTC

Overview

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:37:27 UTC

This is the 5 stages he said were used in all narratives:

What is the theory?

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:38:18 UTC

Todorov said that every narrative should follow an expected layout. He researched folk tales and found that almost all of them followed the exact same pattern in relation to the way in which the story developed. He finally decided that the were 5 stages to this. These can be seen to the right.

Example of the Theory

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:43:19 UTC

Shrek 4 is a Disney production which actually parodies the fairy tale genre in which Todorov's work was based on. Despite this it still follows many of the same stages. Here's how:

Stage 1 - Equalibrium

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:45:24 UTC

This is the starting stage for all narratives and is basically the point in which everything seems fine. There is no signs of major issues emerging and an equal balance between good and evil is very much apparant.

Stage 2 - Disruption

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:48:16 UTC

Quite simply this is when the equilibrium from stage 1 is broken. This is also the thing in which the 'hero' the of narrative will have to try and get rid of or change to resolve the equalibrium.

Stage 3 - Resolution

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:50:25 UTC

This is not actually the solution itself despite the name. Technically this is when the problem has been identified and a potential solution has been thought of. This could be in the form of a point of acceptance or an idea.

Stage 4 - Restored Order

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:52:30 UTC

This is when the idea from stage 3 in put into action successfully. The disruption is dealt with and the hero gets what it was that they desired.

Stage 5 - New Equalibrium

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:54:00 UTC

This is the final stage of a narrative. The new equilibrium is when the hero has not just repaired the distruption but now finds themselves in a better position than what they started in. This could be due to something they have gained or due to a realisation about their life/past.

Stage 1

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:56:08 UTC

Shrek is living happily with his family in his swamp. He is viewed as a celebrity and life on the whole seems very good for him.

Stage 2

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:56:53 UTC

Shrek can't deal with the fact he isn't viewed as a 'real ogre' anymore and is offered the chance to live a day as one by film antagonist, Rumpelstiltskin. This turns for the worse as their was a hidden clause where Shrek trades the day he was born away without realising.

Stage 3

09perryk — 2014-10-23 16:58:57 UTC

Shrek realises that he can cancel the contract by kissing his true love. He goes to find Fiona in order to solve this so that he can continue his life after the 24 hours are up.

Stage 4

09perryk — 2014-10-23 17:01:03 UTC

Shrek successfully kisses Fiona after she re-falls in love with him. He breaks the contract and is able to restore his life back to its old state.

Stage 5

09perryk — 2014-10-23 17:01:56 UTC

Shrek has his old life back but now he appreciates it far more. He comes to accept who he is and appologises to Fiona for his previous actions.