Research: Narratives

Narratives play an important role in film making. They are about things happening in a specific order, allowing the audience to clearly understand the content of the film and comprehend the meanings intended by the director. For a film to be successful in this way, it needs to be structured correctly. 

Most commonly, narratives develop in a linear way, chronologically, where a set of events links into one another throughout the movie, developing a simple plot line. However, some movies, such as Pulp Fiction, follow a non-linear path. These types of films often use flashbacks in order to purposely interrupt the chronology. 

There are many different theories behind narratives.

The Three Tvetzan Todorov Stages:

• Equilibrium (introductions)
• Disruption (introduces a problem)
• Resolution (all issues are resolved)

PROPP:

Vladimir Propp was a Russian critic in the 1920's. As more and more films were being produced, he became increasing interested in the narrative of folk tales. Via research, he identified a theory about different characters and actions as narrative functions within film.

The Seven Archetypes -

1. Overcoming the monster 
2. Rags to riches
3. The Quest 
4. Voyage and Return
5. Comedy
6. Tragedy
7. Rebirth

Character theories -

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 their quest
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 villains plots
8. Her Father - who acts to reward the hero for their effort 

There can also be a parallel narrative which includes two stories going on within film.