Narrative Theories - Todorov and Propp

Todorov's Theory

Tzvetan Todorov stated most narratives start with a state of Equilibrium in which life is normal and protagonists happy. There are 3 stages in his theory:

1. Equilibrium - Where everything is normal and everything is as it seems
2. Disruption  - This is something that has altered what the equilibrium was originally like which could a tragedy such as a death.
3. New Equilibrium - The new equilibrium would be that the death of a character has been accepted and everyone around them has adjusted to it.

However it has been argued that there are 5 stages in this theory which are:

1. Equilibrium 
2. Disruption
3. Recognition of Disruption - The characters in the narrative have actually noticed the change thats occurred 
4. Attempt to repair Disruption - The narratives characters try to undo what has been done by the disruption.
5. New Equilibrium - (or return to equilibrium depending upon the disruption)

Propp's Theory

Vladmir Propp generated the idea that all media texts, specifically folk tales, have 8 character types. These are the following:

• Hero  - the main protagonist who has to  perform a dangerous task/journey that  involves rescuing the princess.

• Princess - Someone who the hero saves from and is usually the hero's prize at the end of an arduous task.

• Princesses Father- Acts to reward the hero for helping his daughter, can often be the daughters hand in marriage.

• Helper - Someone who helps aid the hero in completing their task of saving the princess.

• False Hero  - The false hero is someone that takes credit for the hero's good deeds in order to gain a reward.

• Villain - This is the person who openly tries to inhibit the hero's progress and is normally the one who the princess needs to be rescued from.

• Donor - This is someone who helps the hero on the journey by offering something of use.

• Dispatcher - This is someone who sends the hero on their way.