Maiya's Blog: Media Theory Research

For this blog, I am required to research about a media theory I would like to incorporate into my group and I's project. One theory that stood out, was Todorov's Narrative Theory.

Notes from handout:

Todorov's Narrative Theory of Equilibrium - every narrative has distinctive parts. Although Todorov's theory discusses more than three parts, for our purposes, we will focus on equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium:

Equilibrium - audience is introduced to characters and beginning of the story
Disequilibrium - includes the initial disruption; something that disrupts the protagonist's life, as well as other actions before the climax. When the protagonist recognizes their life has been disrupted, they will work to repair the situation.
New Equilibrium - protagonist has resolved the disruption, or not (usually due to a good reason)

Research:

Tzvetan Todorov, the creator of the theory, stated that he wanted this theory to apply to most films. Well, it does. His theory can be broken up into five main parts: equilibrium, disruption, recognition, repair, new equilibrium. These stages can act as a reminder to where the story is in its progression as well as benefit to those who are trying to write stories/films. The reason why I thought this theory would fit well with my group and I's project is because it provides a clear structure to follow. Like I mentioned in my previous posts, my project is a little confusing, so if my group decides to follow an easy structure, it will make more sense to those who are watching it. I know we're only filming the first two minutes, but the equilibrium in Todorov's theory allows for character to be built. Personally, that is what I think is most important for my group and I's idea.