Narrative Theory

In order for our trailer to feel believable and conventional we followed the guidelines that theorists use to explain a narrative.

A few Theories that I believe we have either conformed to are:

Todorov's theory of Narrative - He believed that all conventional narratives are structured in five stages:

• A state of equilibrium at the outset.
• A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
• A recognition that there has been a disruption
• An attempt to repair the disruption
• A reinstatement of the equilibrium 

This type of narrative structure is a universally implemented framework for many film narratives. Out trailer would mostly conform to this structure however would differ from the general structure in order to create the difficulties and exponential life problems our character faces throughout.

Propp's theory of Narrative - Vladimir Propp studied and critiqued Russian Folks tales. He identified a theory about characters and their actions - He said the typical characters found were:

• The Hero - as character that seeks something
• The villain - who opposes or actively blocks the hero's quest.
• The Donor - who provides an object with "magical" properties
• The Dispatcher - who sends the Hero on his/her quest via a message
• The False Hero - who disrupts the Hero's success by making false claims
• The Helper - who aids the Hero 
• The Princess - acts as the reward for the Hero and the object of the Villain's plots
• Her Father - who acts to reward the Hero for his efforts

 

Most of the characters displayed here can be applied to those within our trailer. The examples may be slightly tenuous however can share the same attributes. for example:

• The Guitar that enables our character to earn her money could be the prop that descends from Propp' character - The Donor
• In our case, Propp's Princess who is saved by the Hero, our main character, is her ill father