Narrative Theory

There are three different types of narrative theories that are widely used within films.

The first theory that was used was proposed by Vladimir Propp, his theory suggested that in a narrative it's not important about the storyline, it's all about the characters and the role they play within the film for example there is a hero. This a character that tries to find a killer who opposes or actively blocks the heroes quest. A false her is somebody who disrupts the heroes success by making false claims who provides an object with magical properties. This creates and makes the film in the theory of Vladimir Propp. Propp's theory is mainly based on folk tails. 
There are 8 types of characters that all have a different function that they use:
1. The Hero – a character that seeks something

2. The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest

3. The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties

4. The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message

5. The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims

6. The Helper – who aids the hero

7. The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plots

8. Her Father – who acts to reward the hero for his effort

Within Propp's theory there are 5 stages that a film goes in;

Complication - There is a state of disorder within the kingdom/community/family or the kingdom/community/family desire something that they cannot find. The hero is sent to get what is desired and then the hero plans action against the villain

Transference - The hero then leaves home to get what is desired, the hero is then tested or attacked. The hero meets the test and is either given a magical gift or a helper and this then helps the hero arrive at the place to fulfill his quest.

Struggle - There is a struggle between the villain and the hero, the hero then defeats the villain and the state of disorder is settled within the film.

Return - The hero returns but is pursued, he then escapes or rescued then the hero arrives home and is not recognised. A false hero then claims the rewards the real hero is supposed to be getting. A task is then set for the hero and then the hero accomplishes it with ease.

Recognition - The hero is then recognised, the false hero or villain is then unmasked and punished for his actions. The hero attains the reward E.g. princess/kingdom.

However this theory does have some criticisms, Propp's theory is mainly male orientated environment and as such critics dismiss the theory in regards to a film. However it still may be applied because the function of the characters is the basis of the theory.

Critics have also argued that Propp’s strict order of characters and events is restrictive. We should rather apply the functions and events randomly as we meet new narratives. This happens when a director begins to change the traditional format will change the whole way a film is received.

Some critics claim there are many more character types than Propp suggests. E.g. the stooge in a sci-fi film, who is usually nameless and usually killed early on to suggest the power of the alien force, is a typical modern character type that Propp does not explain.

Propp's theory only applies to fairy tales and to other similar narratives that are base on quests, it doesn't apply to every narrative there is. 

The second theory was created by Tzvetan Todorov, his theory is all about the narrative and equilibrium and disequilibrium within the narrative of the film. At the beginning of a film the fictional environment begins with a state of equilibrium but then it is disrupted by something and a new equilibrium is produced at the end of the narrative.

There are 5 stages that the narrative can progress through: 

• A state of equilibrium
• A disruption of that order by an event
• A recognition that the disorder has occurred
• An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption
• A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium

In Todorov's theory the narrative is not seen as a linear structure but a circular one. The narrative then attempt to restore the equilibrium. However the equilibrium at the end of the story is not identical to the equilibrium at the beginning of the narrative. Todorov explained that the narrative involves a transformation for the characters or situations, they are transformed through a progress of disruption. The disruption itself usually takes place outside the 'normal' social events that take place within the narrative. 

Headings that are used by some producers and screenwriters include:

• Inciting Incident
• Dramatic Question
• Character Goal
• Antagonist/Protagonist
• Resolution
• Sympathy/Empathy

These headings are very close to those that were suggested by the father of narration theory, Aristotle. Aristotle's literary criticism is probably most famous for the "unities": time, place and action. Aristotle's most complete analysis is of 'tragedy', which is arguably the basis of the most 'serious drama.'