Todorov: Narrative Structure

Tzvetan Todorov 

(b. 1939- d. 2017)

Tzvetan Todorov was a Bulgarian-French historian, philosopher and literary critic.

What is Narrative Structure? 

Todorov analysed properties of hundreds of different narratives, and found a general theory that fits them all. 

The 5 part structure consists of: 

Equilibrium- the stable situation or routine and opening of the narrative

Disruption- disturbance caused breaking the routine

Recognition- realisation of caused disturbance within the narrative

Attempt to resolve- fixing the disturbance in order to regain balance

New equilibrium- new balance and stability created after the occurrence of the disruptor

This structure is illustrated in the diagram below. 

Example:

This theory can be seen in the film Shrek (2001). The film opens showing Shrek's life living alone in his swamp, the equilibrium stage. The fairytale characters that are banished by Lord Farquaad then create disruption as they invade his swamp. After Shrek recognises this, he sets off to find Lord Farquaad and makes a deal with him, he will find Princess Fiona in exchange for him taking back all the fairytale characters. This is the attempt to repair the damage. However, Princess Fiona is an ogre and she ends up marrying Shrek and moving into his swamp, which is the new equilibrium.