METHOD

Tzveton Todorov's theory:

Tzveton Todorv had a theory that in every narrative there are always certain people that play certain roles. this is further explained below...

The 'hero' leads the narrative and is usually looking for something (a quest) or trying to solve something (a mystery). The 'hero' does not have to be a male. The 'villian' on the other side is the one that conflicts with the hero and the one that is not intended to be liked by the audience. Furthermore, their is also a 'heroine' which is usually some sorry of price for the 'hero' E.g. If your 'hero' is female, your 'heroine' could be a male. Whats more, their is also normally a 'father' which is an authority figure who offers a reward to the hero for completing their quest. That might be a princess. Additionally, their is also a 'helper' which intends to help the 'hero' and often acts as a 'sidekick.' Whats more, is that their is also normally a 'donor' which intends to give the hero something-a clue which helps them complete their quest. Adding on, we also sometimes have a 'mentor' which is intended to be some sort of 'teacher' and is suppose to guide the 'hero.'

Todorov proposed that all narratives (whether that be plays, book, files etc). contain these five fundamental stages, in this order:

1. A state of equilibrium (all is as it should be).
2. A disruption of that order by an event.
3. A recognition that the disorder has occurred.
4. An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption.
5. A return of Restoration of a new equilibrium (it does not have to be the same old system).

This theory can be applied to any mainstream movie such as: Godfather, The Departed, Scarface, etc.

State of Equilibrium:

In the start of The Godfather, the audience witness the rise of Michael Corleone and the fall of Vito Corleone, and the rest of the story remains a enigma. Then the audience see the attack on Santana leading to confusion and attack on Vito Corleone. After that, we see the murder of the, heads of the five other mafia families. Part one and three of the film series include a linear narrative structure and part two includes a parallel narrative structure. 


I now know from this task, how to structure my own production and can create ideas for my own production. I can now structure my narrative and know what theories I can link with my my own narrative. This will make it simple and easy for the audience creating a effective opening.