Media studies

Pixx Productions
Ayan Magudia

Theories.
Todorov: Todorov proposed a basic structure for all narratives. He stated that films and programmes
begin with an equilibrium, a calm period. Then agents of disruption cause disequilibrium, a period of
unsettlement and disquiet. This is then followed by a renewed state of peace and harmony for the
protagonists and a new equilibrium brings the chaos to an end. The simplest form of narrative
(sometimes referred to as Classic or Hollywood narrative).
Barthes: The narrative will establish enigmas or mysteries as it goes along. Essentially, the narrative
functions to establish and then solve these mysteries.
Propp's:Vladimir Propps theory was formed in the early twentieth Century. He studies Russian
fairytales and discovered that in stories there were always 8 types of characters evident. These are:
the hero, the villain, the donor, the dispatcher, the false hero, the helper, the princess and her
father. He did not state these characters were all separate people e.g. the provider could also be the
helper. There are only 8 different character types and only 31 things they ever do. Once you have
identified the character type (e.g., the hero) its easy to guess what they will do (save the maiden,
defeat the villain, marry the maiden or whatever) because each character has a sphere of action.
This is easily relatable to films and programmes today