Narrative blog task

1) Give an example from film or television that uses Todorov's narrative structure of equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium.
Lord of the rings
Equilibrium: The beginning exposition shows a peaceful ideal world
Disequilibrium: The ring is introduced and peace is threatened
New equilibrium: Peace is restored however some main characters do not return

2) Complete the activity on page 1 of the Factsheet: find a clip on YouTube of the opening of a new TV drama series (season 1, episode 1). Embed the clip in your blog and write an analysis of the narrative markers that help establish setting, character and plot.


The setting is established as a company office building through the visual iconography. The lead character, Michael, is introduced in the beginning scene of the pilot. His mannerisms and dialect shape his character as being witty and flippant, mistaking the woman as a man on the phone. He proudly flaunts being the "Regional Manager of the Scranton branch of a paper distribution company", and guides the cameraman through the office building. This further emphasises the setting and easily introduces the style of show The Office is; a comedy series follows the everyday lives of office employees. Through the shaky camera-work and Michael speaking directly to the cameraman, the show is established as a kind of documentary style series that recognises the camera and having an audience. Michael introduces Pam, the secretary, creating a contrast in their personalities that further creates a comedic tone.

3) Provide three different examples from film or television of characters that fit Propp's hero character role.
Harry Potter
Midoriya Izuku - My hero academia
Maka Albarn - Soul Eater

4) Give an example of a binary opposition.
Villain and hero

5) What example is provided in the Factsheet for the way narratives can emphasise dominant ideologies and values?
The winner often represents the dominant ideas and values of our culture. When the policeman captures the criminal in a crime drama– the ideology of the value of law and order is emphasised.

6) Why do enigma and action codes (Barthes) offer gratifications for audiences?
Conventional narratives offer gratification to the audience. Complications are created with an enigma for the audience. The audience is curious as to what actions will be taken and how problems will be solved.

7) Write a one-sentence summary of the four different types of TV narrative:

• Episodic narrative (the series): There are different narrative arcs each episode and each is usually resolved by the end of it.
• Overarching narrative (the serial): A narrative arc plays out over a series of episodes, and the resolution plays out at the end of the serial.
• Mixed narrative: A text that uses both episodic and overarching narratives.
• Multi-strand overlapping narrative (soap narrative): These have a continuous narrative and tell a number of different stories at the same time.

8) How does the Factsheet suggest adverts use narrative? 
Adverts set up a problem and immediately offer the solution to create a swift resolution.