Narrative Theory

A Narrative is a story or plot in literature/film/speech/dance, basically it is a constructive form. Elements included within a narrative is Time, Closure and Enigma.

Time - A period of time which is covered, in this case, within my music video and films, i.e. Flashback? 3weeks? 2weeks? A day? (The earliest point to the latest chronological point)

Closure - Complete/ lose ends tied up/ never left thinking what happens next? The audience gain a sense of closure at the end of the film. Left being satisfied with the ending.

Enigma - These are problems created within a narrative. Which leaves the audience wondering: Who? What? and Why? Enigma drive the narrative.

Classical Hollywood Narrative
Linear
Few, if any, sub plots
Tendency towards closure

Theories of Narrative
1) Todorov
Stories begins with an Equilibrium, which then is disrupted causing an enigma. We then follow the plot to receive a resolution, in which the enigma is are solved, creating a new equilibrium.

2)Propp
Propp analysed Folk Stories, which appeared to also relate to film
There are 8 character roles:

Character 1: the Protagonist (Hero)
Character 2: the Antagonist (Villain)
Character 3: the Donor (magic item to help hero)
Character 4: the Helper (i.e. side kick)
Character 5: the Father figure (gives advice, help)
Character 6: the Dispatcher (sends hero on misson)
Character 7: The Princess (lover/heroine)
Character 8: False Hero (spy etc)

Levi Strauss and Binary Oppositions

Strauss argued that the structure of narrative was a dependence on Binary Oppositions, in which a conflict between two qualities or terms, move the plot, due to the tension created.

Examples:
Young <-> Old
Male <-> Female