Narrative structures

Narrative Structures

3 Act structure

The 3 act structure is a model used in narrative fiction that divides a story/film in three parts;

Setup, confrontation, resolution.

Propp's Character Theory

Vladimir Propp analysed Russian fairy tales and came up with a theory that most stories/films have different types of characters in them;

The villain, Hero, Princess, Mentor, False Hero and etc.

Todorov's narrative theory

Todorov's narrative theory is quite similar to the 3 act structure but with more steps. He suggests that all narratives follow this structure;

1. Equilibrium (everything is as it should be)

2. Disruption (by an event)

3. Recognition of disruption

4. Attempt to repair disruption

5. Return to equilibrium

Strauss' binary opposites

Levi-Strauss proposed a theory of 'binary opposites' which suggests that the majority of narratives in media forms such as books and films contain opposing main characters. These binary opposites help to thicken the plot and further the narrative; and introduce contrast. For example, in a superhero film this could be good vs. evil, in a horror film this could be human vs. supernatural, and in a comedy this could be young vs. old. A problem with binary opposites is that they may often represent negative stereotypes. For example, if the binary opposite was man vs. woman, according to gender stereotypes, the man may be portrayed to be 'strong' whereas the woman is the 'damsel in distress'.

What issues are there in delivering a convincing narrative with a time limit?

I think the key issue is that you cant fit most of the ideas in the narrative structure. For example, it would be quite hard to do a really good film that includes well used Todorov's narrative stages because the limited time wont allow you to emphasise on all of Todorov's stages. Also, most theories have an end to the story but, what if the director leaves it on a cliff hanger or the hero dies and etc. Would it be a good story/film without an end?