Narrative

A story is a sequence of events which is known as the plot. The narrative the way those events are put together to be presented to the audience. 

Tzveten Todorov looked at 'linear narrative' which means where events happen in chronological order. 

Narratives are structured in the following order:

• Equilibrium- all is in order, 'normal' and happy
• Disruption- the state of normality is disrupted by an outside force
• Recognition- There is recognition that a disruption has taken place
• Repair- An attempt to repair the damage caused by the disruption
• New Equilibrium- the problem is solvers and the return of a new type of equilibrium

Example 1:

We first looked at a classic fairytale- Little Red Riding Hood

Equilibrium- Little Red Riding Hood is walking through the forest to bring a basket of goodies to her grandmother. 

Disruption- The wolf disguises as her grandmother.

Recognition- Little Red Riding Hood realises that it is the wolf.

Repair- The lumberjack barges into the house and kills the wolf. 

New Equilibrium- They are all safe and continue to lead their lives. 

Example 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8VoTI7qtk8

Arctic Monkeys music video- Leave before the lights come on

Equilibrium- The guy walking down the street.
Disruption- Saves a woman from committing suicide.
Recognition- Begins to harras him.
Repair- Tells her to go away
New Equilibrium- It happens all over again to another guy

My own example:
I applied narrative to a film- Juno


Equilibrium: A 16 year old girl living in a suburban area.
Disruption: She finds out that she is pregnant.
Recognition: She goes to the abortion clinic but cannot bring her self to go through with it.
Repair: Finds a couple to adopt her unborn baby.
New equilibrium: Adoptive parents take care of the baby and Juno carries on with her life.