Todorov’s TheoryTodorov’s Theory

NarrativeNarrative

Tzvetan Todorov simplified the idea of Tzvetan Todorov simplified the idea of narrative theory while also allowing a more narrative theory while also allowing a more complex interpretation of film texts with his complex interpretation of film texts with his theory of Equilibrium and Disequilibrium.theory of Equilibrium and Disequilibrium.

The theory is simply this: The theory is simply this:

The fictional environment begins with a The fictional environment begins with a state of equilibrium (everything is as it state of equilibrium (everything is as it should be in a should be in a state of equal balance state of equal balance between powers of any kindbetween powers of any kind).).

It then suffers some disruption It then suffers some disruption (disequilibrium).(disequilibrium).

New equilibrium is produced at the end of New equilibrium is produced at the end of the narrative. the narrative.

Five StagesFive Stages

A state of equilibrium A state of equilibrium (All is as it should be.)(All is as it should be.) A disruption of that order by an event.A disruption of that order by an event. A recognition that the disorder has A recognition that the disorder has

occurred.occurred. An attempt to repair the damage of the An attempt to repair the damage of the

disruption.disruption. A return or restoration of a NEW A return or restoration of a NEW

equilibrium equilibrium

In these stages, narrative is In these stages, narrative is notnot seen as a seen as a linearlinear structure but a structure but a circularcircular one. one.

The narrative is driven by attempts to The narrative is driven by attempts to restore the equilibrium. restore the equilibrium.

However, the equilibrium attained at the However, the equilibrium attained at the end of the story is end of the story is not identicalnot identical to the initial to the initial equilibrium. equilibrium.

Todorov argues that narrative involves a Todorov argues that narrative involves a transformationtransformation. .

The characters or the situations are transformed The characters or the situations are transformed through the progress of the disruption. through the progress of the disruption.

The disruption itself usually takes place outside The disruption itself usually takes place outside the normal social framework, outside the the normal social framework, outside the ‘normal’ social events (e.g., a murder happens ‘normal’ social events (e.g., a murder happens and people are terrified or someone vanishes and people are terrified or someone vanishes and the characters have to solve the mystery). and the characters have to solve the mystery).

In summaryIn summary Narratives don’t need to be linear.Narratives don’t need to be linear. The progression from initial equilibrium to The progression from initial equilibrium to

restoration always involves a transformation.restoration always involves a transformation. The middle period of a narrative can depict The middle period of a narrative can depict

actions that actions that transgresstransgress everyday habits and everyday habits and routines.routines.

There can be many disruptions whilst seeking a There can be many disruptions whilst seeking a new equilibrium (horror relies on this technique).new equilibrium (horror relies on this technique).