Todorov’s narrative theory

• What is the main focus of todorov’s narrative theory?

  It analyzes the structure of narratives.
• What is the typical structure of a narrative according to Todorov?

  A typical narrative follows a three-part structure: equilibrium, disruption, and new equilibrium.
• What does 'equilibrium' mean in the context of a narrative?


  Equilibrium means that everything is balanced and normal.
• What happens during the disruption phase of a narrative?


  Something bad happens that the hero must resolve.
• How does the quest relate to the disruption in a narrative?


  The quest is the hero's journey to resolve the disruption.
• What is meant by 'new equilibrium' at the end of a narrative?


  New equilibrium refers to the return to normalcy after the disruption is resolved.
• Why might some media products not follow the typical narrative structure?


  Some products may aim to hook the audience immediately or create suspense.
• What are the three parts of todorovs narrative theory?

  • Equilibrium: Everything is balanced and normal.
  • Disruption: Something bad happens that the hero must resolve.
  • New Equilibrium: The return to normalcy after the disruption is resolved.
• Why might printed products like film posters emphasize disruptions over equilibrium?

  Disruptions engage the audience and create intrigue.
• Why do some horror films start with immediate disruptions?


  To hook the audience from the beginning and create suspense.
• What effect does a sudden disruption at the end of a horror film have on the audience?

  It leaves the audience on the edge of their seat and wanting more.
• What is the main focus of Todorov’s narrative theory?

  It analyzes narratives in general, applicable to various media.
• What is the typical structure of a narrative according to Todorov?

  A typical narrative follows a three-part structure: equilibrium, disruption, and new equilibrium.
• What does 'equilibrium' mean in the context of a narrative?

  Equilibrium means that everything is balanced and normal at the beginning of the story.
• What happens during the disruption phase of a narrative?

  Some kind of problem occurs that the hero must resolve.
• Can you give an example of a quest that a hero might undertake in a narrative?

  The hero might have to save the world or find treasure.
• What is meant by 'new equilibrium' at the end of a narrative?

  New equilibrium refers to the resolution of the disruption and a return to normalcy.
• Why might printed products like film posters emphasize disruptions rather than equilibrium?

  Disruptions engage the audience and create intrigue.
• Why might horror films challenge the typical narrative structure?

  They often start with disruptions to create immediate tension and suspense.
• What effect does a sudden disruption at the end of a horror film have on the audience?

  It leaves the audience on the edge of their seat and wanting more.
• What are the three parts of Tadros narrative theory?

  • Equilibrium: Normal state at the beginning
  • Disruption: Problem that needs resolution
  • New Equilibrium: Return to normalcy after resolution
• How can you identify narrative structures in media products?

  • Look for equilibrium at the beginning or end
  • Identify disruptions within the narrative
  • Consider the audience's engagement with the structure
• What should you consider when analyzing film posters for narrative elements?

  • Look for signs of equilibrium and disruption
  • Analyze visual and written codes
  • Think about the intended effect on the audience
• Why is it important to recognize that not all media products follow Todorovs narrative structure?

  • Some products intentionally challenge the structure
  • Understanding variations enhances media literacy
  • It helps in analyzing different genres effectively
• Who was Tzvetan Todorov?

  A literary theorist interested in narratives
• What did Todorov believe about narratives?

  They share similar features and meanings
• How does Todorov's view differ from Lévi-Strauss's?

  Todorov believes characters transform through oppositions
• What is the significance of recognizing transformations in narratives?

  It prompts ideological instruction for audiences
• Who influenced Todorov's narrative theory?

  Vladimir Propp
• What did Propp analyze in his book, Morphology of the Folktale?

  Russian folk stories and their narrative structures
• What types of heroes did Propp identify?

  Seeker-hero and victim-hero
• What role does the villain play in Propp's narrative structure?

  Fights against the hero and must be defeated
• What is the role of the donor in Propp's narrative structure?

  Provides the hero with a magical agent
• How does Propp's narrative structure typically organize stories?

  Using a combination of 31 defined plot moments
• What is the significance of the first seven narrativemes in Propp's theory?

  They introduce the hero and key characters
• What does Todorov argue about media narratives in the 1970s?

  They are created using moments of action
• What are the three stages of Todorov's ideal narrative structure?

  Equilibrium, disruption, new equilibrium
• How does the new equilibrium differ from the initial equilibrium in Todorov's theory?

  The world is transformed at the end
• What are the key features of Todorov's three-act narratives?

  • Linear structure
  • Proppian character stereotypes
  • Focus on single character transformations
• How do contemporary narratives test Todorov's three-act structure?

  They can omit equilibrium or disruption stages