narrative structure and theory

AQA GCSE Media StudiesUnit 1 Investigating the MediaExam Topic: TV Game Shows

Lesson 3 – How is a TV game show structured?

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LESSON 3

NARRATIVE STRUCTURES

It is suggested that TV game shows do not have a narrative structure.

A media text may have a structured narrative. The narrative structure can be in three stages and up to five stages. A three-stage structure would be signified by a start, middle and end. A five-stage structure, as in the Todorov theory states that there will be an equilibrium (normal), a disruption (something goes wrong), recognition of the disruption (recognising what is wrong), an attempt to resolve the disruption (solving the problem) and finally a return to the equilibrium (return to normality).

A TV game show may not fit this structure, as there is no cause and effect – i.e. no disruptive element.

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NARRATIVE THEORY OF GAME SHOWS

Exposition = setting up the game

Conflict and Build Up = playing the game

Jeopardy and Resolution = winning the game

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It is suggested that TV game shows do not have a narrative structure.

Media texts such as news programmes and TV game shows follow a non-narrative structure.

This is because the content is explained, and relies on contestant or audience interaction and observation.

The TV game show happens and then starts again on the next show.

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Linear• Start – Middle – End• This applies to a TV game show, as the programme is linear,

in that it starts and ends.

Non Linear • This structure defines that there is no continuity in time. A

TV game show is linear, it starts and continues to the end of the show.

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Closed• The storyline has an ending and is resolved. The TV game

show starts and it has an ending, with a winner!

Open• The storyline is not resolved, and the ending may be open to

interpretation. This structure does not apply to TV game shows.

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NARRATIVE THEORIES

BARTHESBarthes suggests that the main two key narrative codes used to keep an audience interested are the action and enigma codes.

ActionAn action happens and must be resolved, this is intended to build audience interest and suspense as to what is going to happen, i.e. a question is asked or an activity commences. This helps to build audience interest, as they may know the answer or might feel suspense as a contestant completes an activity.

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NARRATIVE THEORIES

BARTHESBarthes suggests that the main two key narrative codes used to keep an audience interested are the action and enigma codes.

EnigmaAnything which is not explained and remains a mystery or poses questions to the audience, until they are satisfied. This applies to a more visual TV game show, such as Catchphrase, where the answer may not be immediately obvious and both the contestants and audience may be intrigued to know the answer. Or the audience may see the answer on the screen, and the contestants have no knowledge of this.

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NARRATIVE THEORIES

LEVI-STRAUSSLevi-Strauss’ theory of binary oppositions maintains that we understand the world through a system of power weights oppositions. This can be applied to TV game shows.

BINARY OPPOSITIONS• Contestant vs Host Strong vs Weak• Team A vs Team B Elation vs Sorrow• Win vs Lose Knowledge vs Ignorance

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IDENTIFYING THE STRUCTURE OF A TV GAME SHOW

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Apply theories to your case studies

As you watch the programme, note down its structure.

How does it start? How many rounds? How does it end? Are there any enigma or action codes?What binary oppositions are there?

CATCHPHRASE

PLENARY

Can you identify a binary opposition in the programme?

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?

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TODAY

Write down the rules to two of your case studies- like you were giving directions as to how to play. This could be cut and paste.

Apply the narrative theory on the previous slides. This can be done in bullet point form.

Now (homework) write down the rules to your show. Explain how to play it and what you win etc. be concise. Apply the narrative theories on the previous slides to your show.Feedback to class next lesson – use any format you like-

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CATCHPHRASE

Rules – How to Play:1. Round 1 begins with an elimination round with three contestants having to

guess quick-fire catchphrases until two contestants have guessed three catchphrases correctly. The two winning contestants then proceed to the next round, but the third contestant is sent home.

2. Round 2 is "Classic Catchphrase”. The value of money to win for the bonus catchphrase is £500 in round 2 and £1,000 to be won in round 3.

3. The final round is ”Super Catchphrase”. The contestant now has to work their way up a pyramid of fifteen numbered blocks by guessing five catchphrases correctly within 60 seconds. Each time the contestant guesses a catchphrase correctly on each level, the money increases from £2,500, £5,000, £10,000, £25,000 and £50,000. No. 11 on the third level has a star in the middle, where, if the contestant chooses that number and correctly guesses the catchphrase, they could win a holiday as well.

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CATCHPHRASENarrative Structures (Todorov):Catchphrase has equilibrium/exposition where there is an introduction to the game show. There is no tense game play as such. For example exposition could be welcoming the viewers at home, introducing the contestants, explaining the rules etc. In Catchphrase the host, especially, explains the format of the game play, the different rounds/styles and the cash prizes to be won. However, round 1 (the quick-fire round) of the game show is also a form of exposition as the game is just getting started. It is warming the contestants up and giving them an idea of the game show. There is no significant competition. Conflict and Build Up is clearly shown during round 2 and 3. This is the battle for the final and winning the possible grand prize of £50,000! There is definitive rivalry between the contestants even though it is a family game show. Towards the end of each round, there is more of a build up as it will determine the finalist and ultimately, winner of the episode.Jeopardy and Resolution/ return to equilibrium is the idea that the winner is established and that we have returned to normality after the game play. The finalist has left with the big prize money they have earnt after beating the other competitors.Catchphrase is a linear game show and has a significant start and a closed end with a clear winner. Each episode is individual and no previous winner can compete again.

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CATCHPHRASENarrative Theory (Barthes):Action is a clear factor which helps to keep the audience interested in the game show, watch it with a purpose and get involved by answering the questions at home. In Catchphrase, the action that needs to be solved is the animation of Mr Chips and the well-known catchphrase the video clip refers to. This helps to interest the audience and keep them intrigued with the colourful and imaginative use of graphics. Overall, it helps to build audience interest as the viewer may know the answer at home.Catchphrase is an ideal example of enigma. The visual game show creates anticipation with the videos and hints. The answer may not be immediately obvious and both the contestants and audience will be intrigued to know the answer. Or the audience may see the answer on the screen, and the contestants have no knowledge of this.Levi-Strauss' Theory of binary opposites is shown through the strong contestants vs the weak contestants. It clearly shows tension and a prediction of who the audience expects to win. The weakest contestant is eliminated from the game process within the first 10 minutes of the episode. This clearly conveys competition against strong opponents.

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MY GAME SHOW

Rules – How To Play:1. There will be 6 contestants; which will be given a specific topic of a subject by the randomiser.2. On that topic, there will be 10 questions to answer. Some questions will be multiple choice, fill in the gaps, picture based, audio based or just simply answering the question.3. The contestants have 60 seconds to answer as many questions as they can by writing their answers on their interactive boards. When the time is up, the hosts will reveal the correct answers. Each correct answer will earn the contestant 10 points.4. The contestant with the least amount of points will be eliminated in each round. (Total of 4 rounds) Eventually leaving 2 finalists.5. In the last round, the contestants take part in the best of 3 (a quick-fire round where they buzz in their answers) with no clues to help.6. The winner of the final round receives the grand prize of £5,000 and a brand new iPad.

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MY GAME SHOWNarrative Structure (Todorov):Narrative theory successfully applies to my game show as there is clear exposition at the beginning of the episode. This is where the young contestants are standing behind podiums. There is no pressure or tension. The game show will start with the hosts welcoming the viewers at home and naming the contestants with a fun fact about them. The hosts will also explain the rules of the game show. These first few minutes of the programme are calm and light hearted, especially as my game show is designed to appeal to the teenage audience and draw them in.As the first round begins and the randomiser is selecting a topic, the tension starts to build. The contestants are on edge and the viewers too, wondering what the topic of question will be. This conveys the use of conflict and build up. This theory suggests that as the contestants progress with the game play, it will continuously become more difficult, therefore causing a further build up of tension and intriguing the target audience into the format/difficulty of the game show. Further conflict is shown when 2 contestants have the same number of points. Conflict and build up is at its highest point during the quick-fire round as it is fast paced and designed to create excitement.Finally, as the final round draws to an end, there is a clear signal that there will be a resolution to the overall game show. This is portrayed by declaring a winner of the episode. By doing this, it allows the atmosphere to become calm and return to equilibrium once again. This further conveys the linear structure of the game show with a clear closed "storyline"

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MY GAME SHOWNarrative Theory (Barthes):Action is a clear factor in my game show; although it is not conveyed physically, there are actions which need to be solved e.g. questions or puzzles. This shows there is specific intention to build interest and suspense, especially whilst the contestants have a limited time to answer the questions. The sound of a ticking timer will heighten the tension and cause the audience to become more involved in the game show at home e.g. answering the questions along.The most prominent sign of enigma in my game show is the limited time available to answer the questions for a number of reasons. Firstly, the audience are unable to see what they have written down until the timer is up. This creates eagerness and excitement. Enigma is an important factor in my game show as it allows the audience to be intrigued and have the element of surprise.Levi-Strauss' Theory of binary opposites is not particularly prominent in my game show as its main purpose is to be entertaining, not intimidating or conflictual. However, there is a factor of win vs lose in the quick-fire round. This is where the grand prize is in the contestants grasp, this is where there is an increased height of stress and competitive behaviour. The idea of win vs lose can also correspond to happy vs sad. Furthermore, the idea of losing is intimidating which enables the contestants to strive for the winning title.