Teaching and Learning with Mr. Miller: Narrative Theory

Overview

• Focus on narrative theory in relation to previous discussions on genre and representation.
• Useful for narrative analysis or creative writing, especially in vocational courses like BTEC.

Definition of Key Terms

Story vs. Narrative

• Story: A sequence of events, chronological in nature (e.g., Titanic's events).
• Narrative: The way a story is told, which may be linear or non-linear.
  • Example: Titanic uses dual timelines (modern day vs. 1912).
  • Example: Star Wars has a different narrative order than its story chronology.

Narrative Paradigms

Sid Field's Narrative Paradigm

• Every narrative consists of three acts:
  1. Act One: Setup
  2. Act Two: Confrontation
  3. Act Three: Resolution
• This is an oversimplified version of Field’s full narrative structure.

Todorov's Narrative Paradigm

• Builds upon Sid Field’s paradigm with five stages within the three acts:
  1. Equilibrium: Normal state in the story world.
  2. Disruption: An event that disturbs the equilibrium.
  3. Obstacles: Challenges faced by the protagonist in the middle act.
  4. Resolution: Resolution of the disruption.
  5. New Equilibrium: A new normal after resolution.
• Example: Die Hard
  • Equilibrium: Protagonist visits estranged wife.
  • Disruption: Terrorists invade the building.
  • Resolution: Protagonist defeats the terrorists.

Vladimir Propp's Character Types

• Identified recurring character archetypes in folk tales:
  • Hero: Protagonist on a quest.
  • Villain: Antagonist opposing the hero.
  • Donor: Provides the hero with resources.
  • Dispatcher: Sends the hero on their journey.
  • False Hero: Tempts the hero away from their quest.
  • Helper: Assists the hero.
  • Princess: Reward for the hero; often a love interest.
  • Father: Provides the hero with rewards.

Applying Narrative Theory

• Analyze narratives in films and TV shows:
  • Consider how narratives follow these paradigms.
  • Suggests looking at The Hunger Games trailer for practice.

Narrative Devices

• MacGuffin: A device that drives the narrative forward without significant importance to the plot itself (e.g., The Maltese Falcon).
• Flashbacks/Flashforwards: Techniques to present events from different time frames.
  • Example: Casablanca uses flashbacks.
• Foreshadowing: Hints at future events (e.g., World's End).
• Chekhov's Gun: Plot device where an element must be used later (e.g., Thelma and Louise).
• Poetic Justice: Good outcomes for good characters and bad outcomes for bad characters (e.g., The Lion King).
• Deus Ex Machina: Unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation (e.g., Jurassic Park).

Conclusion and Activities

• Suggested activities include:
  • Analyze a narrative of a recently watched film.
  • Create a new story using learned narrative structures.
  • Review case studies with narrative applications.
• Reminder: Focus on relevant narratives when preparing for exams.
• Open the floor for questions or comments.