research and critical theory: understanding narrative theory (unfinished)

Media narrative codes from Elaine Humpleby

Linear & Non-Linear

Linear  
An example of a linear film would be "21 jump street" as it follows the story of one main character, the timeline also follows a real timeline true to realtime. Linear story lines follow a chronological order for the narrative, the timeline is in a "straight line", which means that the story flows seamlessly throughout the film. Linear storyline's are usually used in action, comedy etc. films because they're easy for the audience too follow.

Non-Linear
An example of a Non-Linear film would be "Pulp Fiction" because the storyline has several main characters as well as moving around timelines, with the help of flashbacks, link-ins of narratives and       coinciding events that bring the characters together. Non-Linear storyline's are usually used in Sci-Fi films, to often refer back to the equilibrium point at the start of the film, usually used through flashbacks.

 Propp

Propp categorised characters, by explaining their role to the main narrative of a film, he used research that suggested that narratives are character driven and the plot revolves around these characters actions. The hero - will typically have a mission that is in the name of good or so on, and will usually be a character that conforms to social values. The villain - normally there to stop the hero specifically, or have an evil agenda eg. rob a bank. The doner - aids the hero throughout the story. The dispatcher - sends the hero on his quest eg. Gandalf or commissioner Gordon. The false hero - seems to be good but then ay trick the hero or give him bad advice. The princess - the typical helpless lass that is in a spot of bother and cannot help herself. Her father - normally rewards the hero for saving his daughter, to which she is normally the prize.

Levi-Strauss

He states that in a typical film there will often be contrasts to make the difference between places or personalities different, he calls these contrasts "binary oppositions". Examples are such things as hero-villain, light-dark and so on. he argues that some narratives rely on these character developments, as they're typical of the genre.

Todrov - Equilibrium & disequilibrium

     He argues that the narrative relies on the hero solving a problem, and that this will include the hero passing through a series of tests and stages to get to his objective, these will be in a linear order so that the audience understands the narrative, this also includes a chronological timeline. He agree's with Propp in that the characters actions effect the outcome of the narrative, this is cause and effect.