STUDY OF NARRATIVE STRUCTURES

In our set Homework we were set the task to study the narrative structures of Horror Films. This would include writing about the narrative theory's conducted people in the past time, and analysing recent films and how they apply these concepts.


Toderov's Theory


Toderov's theory outlines 5 key stages to a basic storyline structure. Often renowned as the 'Classic' storyline as it's used in so many popular films.

1. Equilibrium introduced
2. Disruption of the Equilibrium
3. The Recognition of the Disruption
4. Attempt to repair Disruption
5. Reinstatement of the Equilibrium

http://www.writework.com/essay/media-writing-and-todorov-s-theory

Propp's Theory

This theory was developed by Vladmir Propp, based on the work of the Russian Formalists. Propp used Russian Folktales as the basis for his theory but it can be applied to all types of fiction as well as many movies.

7 Character types:

1. The hero (seeks something)
2. The villain (opposes the hero)
3. The donor (helps the hero by providing a magic object)
4. The dispatcher (sends the hero on his way)
5. The false hero (falsely assuming the role of hero)
6. The helper (gives support to the hero)
7. The princess (the reward for the hero but also needs to be protected from the villain
8. Her father

http://www.scribd.com/doc/8332774/Propps-theory-in-detail


To fully understand these theories I have analysed some thriller/horror films where I have outlined the Characters and their roles, along with a detailed analysis on the structure on the stories. Horror movies tend to not follow the Toderov's 5 stages chronologically because sometimes there is no happy endings. We can see from my analysis's that there are going to be more disruptions than anything else.

The Grudge

Disruption- The first scene we are shown is a couple in a multistory flat waking up in the morning. All of a sudden the man commits suicide by falling over the balcony to his death in the middle of the street.
Another scene draws us to a house where a young woman explores a house where she caring for a woman who has a disability. She hears noises. Seeking this noise she pops her head up through the attic door where she turns around until the haunting figure comes out of the darkness and kills her.

Equilibrium- Main Character Karen Davis (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is seen wake up in late in day. With her boyfriend they makes their way to work and splitting up during their journey in the busy city to each others jobs in the city.

Disruption- Karen goes to the house where the young girl disappeared and she covers her shift as she is missing, not knowing of the dangers. Karen explore the house until she is found by her boss in a tormented state.

Recognition - Karen is in hospital after a bad day at work. Questioned by the police they search for answers.

Disruption- Karen's boss and boyfriend are next to be perished by the haunting grudge.

Character role in The Grudge

• KAREN - PROTAGONIST - VICTIM
• DOUG - HELPER/DONOR - VICTIM
• ALEX - KAREN'S BOSS - HELPER/ VICTIM
• GRUDGE- VILLAIN
• UNKNOWN SUICIDE MAN- VICTIM
• YOKO - JAPANESE SOCIAL CARER- VICTIM