Theories of narrative

Section 3.4.3: Theories of Narrative

Welcome! In this section, we are going to look at narrative. Don’t let the big word scare you—"narrative" is just a fancy way of saying storytelling. Media products like TV shows, music videos, and video games don't just show us random images; they tell us stories to keep us interested. By understanding how these stories are built, you’ll be able to "unlock" the secrets of your favorite media products!

1. Narrative Development: The "Story Map"

Most stories follow a specific path. Think of it like a rollercoaster ride: it starts slow, gets bumpy, reaches a high point, and then comes to a stop. In Media Studies, we use five key terms to describe this journey. Don’t worry if this seems tricky at first; most movies you’ve seen follow this exact pattern!

The Five Stages of a Story:

1. Exposition: This is the very beginning. We see the world as "normal." We meet the characters and find out where they are. Example: In a superhero movie, we see the hero living their everyday life before they get their powers.

2. Disruption: Something happens to break the "normal" peace. A problem starts! Example: An alien ship appears over the city.

3. Complication: The characters try to fix the problem, but things get harder or more messy. This is the "middle" of the story where the tension grows.

4. Climax: This is the big "showdown." It’s the most exciting part where the hero and villain finally meet. Example: The final epic battle to save the world.

5. Resolution: The problem is solved, the tension drops, and a "new normal" is established. The story is finished.

Memory Aid: Every Dog Can Catch Rabbits

Use this simple sentence to remember the order:
Exposition
Disruption
Complication
Climax
Resolution

Quick Review:

• Exposition = Normal life.
• Disruption = The problem starts.
• Climax = The most exciting part.
• Resolution = The end/The fix.

Key Takeaway: Narrative development is the structure of a story. It moves from a peaceful start, through a big problem, to a final solution.

2. Character Types (Propp’s Theory)

A man named Vladimir Propp studied hundreds of folk tales and noticed that the same types of characters kept appearing. He argued that characters aren't just people; they are "functions" that help the story move forward.

Common Character Roles:

• The Hero: The main character who goes on a quest or mission. They are usually the one the audience cheers for.
• The Villain: The person who struggles against the hero or causes the disruption.
• The Donor: A character who gives the hero something special (like a magical tool, a weapon, or a piece of advice) to help them on their way.
• The Helper: The "sidekick" who helps the hero with their tasks.
• The Princess (or The Prize): This is what the hero is trying to "win" or save. It doesn't have to be a person; it could be a treasure or a goal.
• The Dispatcher: The character who sends the hero off on their mission in the first place.

Did you know?

Star Wars is a perfect example of Propp’s characters! Luke Skywalker is the Hero, Darth Vader is the Villain, and Obi-Wan Kenobi acts as the Donor because he gives Luke his first lightsaber!

Common Mistake to Avoid:

Don’t get confused between the Donor and the Helper. The Donor gives the hero a "gift" and might leave, while the Helper usually stays with the hero to help them do the work.

Key Takeaway: Propp’s theory tells us that characters in media often fit into "roles" that help the story work.

3. Audience Appeal: Why We Keep Watching

Media producers use specific "tricks" to make sure you don't turn the TV off or stop playing your game. The syllabus focuses on two main ways they do this:

A. Enigma (The Hook)

An enigma is a mystery or a question that the story asks but doesn't answer right away. It makes the audience think: "What’s in that box?" or "Who committed the crime?".

Analogy: It’s like a "trail of breadcrumbs." You keep following them because you want to see where they lead!

B. Closure (The Satisfying End)

Closure is when all the enigmas (mysteries) are solved and the questions are answered. It gives the audience a sense of satisfaction. Most mainstream movies provide full closure so you leave the cinema feeling "complete."

Quick Review:

• Enigma = A mystery/question that keeps us hooked.
• Closure = The answers/resolution at the end.

Key Takeaway: Stories use enigma to create curiosity and closure to provide a satisfying finish.

Final Summary for Revision

• Narrative means storytelling.
• Stories usually go through five stages: Exposition, Disruption, Complication, Climax, and Resolution.
• Propp says characters have specific roles like the Hero, Villain, Donor, and Helper.
• Enigmas are mysteries that hook the audience.
• Closure happens when the story's questions are finally answered.