Todorov’s Theory

By Daisy Sadeh

Todorov’s Theory

Todorov created his theory in 1969, which he believed could be applied to any film, as he said they all follow the same narrative pattern. He said they go through 5 stages;

1. Equilibrium; everything is how it should be in the narrative, the majority of the characters are content.

2. Disruption of equilibrium; a problem occurs in the narrative, something that disrupts the happiness.

3. Recognition of disruption; characters realise there is a problem and chaos occurs.

4. An attempt to repair the damage; the characters attempt to repair the damage and get rid of the problem.

5. New equilibrium; this part of narrative is when the problem in resolved and normality can be resumed again.

Todorov’s Theory

1. Equilibrium

5. New equilibrium

4. An attempt to repair the damage

3. Recognition of disruption

2. Disruption of equilibrium

Example: Iron Man 3

Equilibrium- Tony and

Pepper are very happy together,

in their mansion.

Disruption of equilibrium-

The antagonist, Mandarin, attacks LA.

Recognition of disruption- Tony realises he needs to defeat the

Mandarin and he re-builds his

suit.

An attempt to repair

disruption- Iron Man and Iron

Patriot defeat the Mandarin’s

company at their trading shipyard.

New equilibrium- Tony has the

metal from his chested

removed and is happy with

Pepper again.