Narrative Theory

Definition:

Narrative - The way in which a story is told in both fictional and no fictional media text.


Narrative Techniques.

• Plots and twists
• Multiple lines of action
• Flashbacks
• Narrative retardation
• Red herring
• Chases/pursuits
• Mis- direction
• Principle of concealment
• Mysterious  characters
• Morally complex characters

In lesson, we discussed the multiple theorists which include, Vladimir Propp, Tzveton Tadarou, Roland Barthes and Claude Levi-Strauss. 

TzvetanTodrov

 

• A Bulgarian literary theorist                                        .
• He suggests more narratives start with a state of equilibrium in which life is 'normal' abd protagonists are happy.
• The state of normality is disturbed by an outside force which has to be fought against in order to return to a state of equilibrium.

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Claude Levi-Strauss

 

• A structuralist philosopher.
• He was interested in how the world is described in terms of opposites (night/day, light/dark).
• He believed these opposites struictured many texts in stories, plays and films as well.
• He thought that the contrast is what attracts consumers.

They all owned their theory of what films contain, but the two theorists suggestions that I believe are more commonly used in thrillers are:

Vladimir Propp

• He analysed over 100 Russian fairytales in the 1920’s.
• He suggested that there should be classified characters and that their actions should clearly define their roles and functions. (E.G Starwars have several of these models, however Pulp Fiction does not follow the traditional theory). 

Propp's Character Roles

• Hero
• Villain
• Dispatcher
• False hero
• Helper
• Princess
• Princess' Father

I believe that Propp's theory of defining characters is commonly used in the thriller genre as a subtle reference or obvious. This is used to create emotion towards the characters, add tension/suspence to the plot and to make the storyline more fluent and enjoyable.

 

Roland Barthes

• He suggested that the narrative works with five different codes which activate the reader to make sense of it.
• ACTION
• ENIGMA - tease the audience.
• SYMBOLIC
• SEMIC
• CULTURAL
• The use of denotation and connotation (hidden meaning)should also be present throughout movies.

Barthes theory of the use of connotation and dennotation throught the thriller genre is also important. This is because the sub-genres of thrillers contain alot of mystery and suspence, to add to this the subtle detail of objects that dennote hidden meaning is important to the plot/storyline.