Key terms and theories

Todorov's Narrative Theory

Todorov's Narrative Theory applies to many films and to how they are structured. It states that at the beginning of the film or programme everything is normal, known as the equilibrium. Then, half way through, there is an issue (disequilibrium) which disrupts the calm environment, for example, a kidnapping. The rest of the film or programme is then spent trying to solve this issue therefore it ends where everything is good again and this is known as restored equilibrium.

Mode of Address

The mode of address states how the audience is being addressed by the film or programme. Examples include direct address in dialogue (meaning a character is speaking out to the audience involving them in the media piece), a voice over which is sound over what is going on on screen which could address the view and written dialogue which could be on the screen aiming at the viewer.

Key Terms

Enigma- A narrative device that teases the audience by presenting a puzzle to be solved.

E.g. - In a horror when someone/thing is in the house, the long space of time time between realising and finding them.

Action Code- A narrative device by which a resolution is produced through action.

E.g. - A fight breaking out between two characters to solve an issue.

Linear Narrative- A plot that moves forward in a straight line without flashbacks or digression.

E.g. - A fairy tale such as Goldie Locks, there is a straight forward start, middle and end plot.

Parallel Action- A narrative device in which two scenes are observed as happening at the same time by cutting between them.

E.g.- A phone scene between two people with cuts in between the two places where the characters are.

Anti-narrative- Describes a text which seems to deliberately disrupt narrative flow in order to achieve a particular effect.

E.g.- Repetition of images or disruption of a chronological sequence of events with a flash back.