Construction: Todorov Theory of Narrative

Tzvetan Todorov, a Russian theorist came up with the theory of Narrative. This theory simply states the idea of there are 5 different phases within a narrative. A narrative is a type of way that events join together and shown to the audience. The 5 different types of phases of a narrative would be the Equilibrium, disruption, realization, attempt to repair the damage and restoration of the equilibrium.

1. Equilibrium

Equilibrium is a state where the opposed influences/ forces This stage is always at the very beginning of a narrative whether it is a movie or a music video. This is where everyone is calm, happy and is getting on with their lives. There is no drama whatsoever.

An example of this can be found in Disney's movie Toy Story. The movie starts of with Andy peacefully playing with his toys including Woody, Mr Potato Head and Slinky Dog.






2. Disruption

This is the state where a problem occurs where a problem occurs which therefore disrupts the equilibrium. In all cases, this is where the narrative begins to get intensifying.

In Toy story, the disruption firstly occurs when Andy recieved Buzz Lightyear as a birthday present and Woody became envious. Whilst Andy was preparing for a birthday meal at Pizza Planet, the two toys fought other over who's Andy's favourite & they both end up meeting each other at Pizza Planet. The real disruption occurs when they both enter the skill game machine & found out that it was Sid, Andy's menacing neighbour that was operating the machine. They both get collected and are taken to his house.

3. Realization

This where the characters in the narrative start to realize that the disruption has occurred and everything starts to get chaotic.


This  occurs in Toy Story after Woody and Buzz enter Sid's house. They see Sid's mistreated and his terrifying dog.  Following on that, Buzz attempted to fly in order to escape from Sid's house but ended up injuring himself & therefore lost belief.




4.  Attempt to repair the damage

This is the phase where the characters (usually the protagonists) aim to restore any problem caused by the disruption. Many examples would involve the protagonist having a battle with the antagonist in order to restore order.

This applies to Toy Story after Buzz and Woody spent the night at Sid's house. They escape onto a moving truck using Andy's remote control car.
 







5. Restoration of the equilibrium

This is the last stage of Todorov's narrative theory. The restoration of the equilibrium normally happens at the end of the narrative where the problem has been solved and everything  is back to its balanced state. This is where the happy endings occurrs as everyone is joyful and harmonious.

This happens at the end of Toy Story whilst Andy and his family were opening their christmas presents. All of the toys now get along with each other and there is no drama between them.