Narrative theories - Todorov's theory

Narrative Theories - Todorov's Theory

Todorov’s Theory: Todorov’s narrative theory basically states that most story’s or plot lines follow the same pattern or path. Todorov says that there are 5 steps in this pattern. He produced this in 1969 and he believed that this could be applied to any film as all films followed the same narrative pattern. Here are the 5 steps: 

1- Equilibrium - The story at first starts happy and calm and everything is as it should be, and the majority of the characters are content. 
2- A disruption – The second part of the story will have a problem or something that will disrupt the happiness 
3- Realization – This is where everyone in the film digesis realizes there is a problem and it becomes chaos. 
4- Restored Order – This part of the plot is when the characters attempt to repair the damage and restore the problem 
5- Equilibrium Again – The final part of the plot where the problem is resolved and normality can resume again.