Research and critical theory: understanding narrative theory

Linear & Non-linear

• Linear - Everything follows a chronological order; the story cannot jump past any stages only follow through one by one.

• Cemetery Junction : this follows Levi Strauss' opposition theory, as well as Barthes' theory which suggests each action follows from the previous, and Propp's fairy tale theory since Freddie Taylor chases his childhood sweetheart (the princess)

• Non-linear - Story-line doesn't follow chronologically, the plot can jump backwards and forwards in time.

• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind : this follows Levi Strauss' theory of  opposition, this film also follows Propp's and Todarov's theories since it appears to leave an equilibrium that is disrupted and restored while simultaneously following Propp's theory about fairy-tales since Jaroel proceeds to chase Clementine who would fill the character of the princess.

Levi Strauss - Binary oppositions:

 Strauss (1908-2009) created a theory that suggesting : in order to have one independent state (e.g the antagonist - villain) you must have a perception of the opposite (Protagonist - hero) For your perception of the villain to be extremely negative you must have a comparison to somebody displaying positive actions.This is said to drive the narrative.

Tzvetan Todorov - The concept of equilibrium and disequilibrium:

Todorov (From 1939) introduced the theory surrounding the equilibrium. The equilibrium is the normal state that the narrative starts off with, this is disrupted usually by the antagonist, this creates an adventure/journey for the protagonist to restore the former equilibrium, to be followed by a climax and ending with the new equilibrium.

Barthe - Actions and Enigmas:
Barthe's theory presents the theory that in some films the narrative is directed through the actions, one thing happens, which causes the next to happen. Although Barthe's theory also suggests that the enigma can drive the narrative by making the audience wonder what happens next.

Vladimir Propp - Fairy-tales:
Propp indicates that narrative is character driven, that it thrives on the characters present and the actions they pursue.

Examples of Characters from Goldfinger (1964)

The hero, the one who is on a mission, usually to save someone or something (The protagonist)
Example : James Bond

The villains,characters that prevent the hero from completing his mission, usually the cause of the mission (The Antagonist)
Example: Auric Goldfinger and Oddjob

The Doner, the character who tries to help the hero, usually by giving something up.
Example: Tilly Masterson

The Dispatcher, the character who sends the hero on a quest.
 Example: "M"

The Princess, a stereotypical persecuted maiden.

Example: Jill Masterson

The Helper, also known as the 'sidekick' who aims to aid the hero.

Example: Jill Masterson

The False Hero, a character who appears to be good but tricks the hero with bad advice.

Example: (More of a False Villain) Pussy Galore

Sometimes the Princess' Father is included, who usually rewards the hero usually with his daughter.

Media narrative codes from Elaine Humpleby