Narrative (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Media Studies): Revision Note

Narrative codes

• Narrative is the technical term for the story that is created within a product using codes, characters and overall construction

• A story can exist in a 'print based' media text. 

• Narratives can be described as linear or non-linear

• Linear narratives follow a traditional beginning, middle and end structure

• Non-linear narratives do not follow a chronological order and may include flashbacks, flash forwards or a cliff hanger

• Narrative codes help structure a story and create engagement

  • Action codes are gestures or plot points that drives the plot forward in a cause and effect relationship

  • Enigma codes are elements that create mystery (questions the audience wants answered)

• These terms come from Barthes, who argued that narratives create engagement, suspense and meaning through such coded moments

Vladimir Propp - Character theory

• Vladimir Propp was a Russian writer who studied stories.

• Propp theorised that narratives are built using specific character types, not just personalities

• The character types help the audience to understand the story quickly but also help to drive the narrative forward

• One character could fit into more than one character type

• Not all character types appear in every narrative

• There are 8 specific character types identified in Propp’s theory:

Todorov - Narrative theory

• Tzvetan Todorov was a Bulgarian philosopher and writer

• Todorov believed that most stories follow a clear linear structure

• He theorised that stories usually move through different stages in a specific order from start to finish

• This helps the audience understand the story and feel satisfied by the ending

Stages of Todorov's narrative

• Stage 1 —Equilibrium

  • Everything is normal and balanced at the start of the story

• Stage 2 — Disruption

  • Something happens to disturb the normal situation (a problem)

• Stage 3 — Recognition

  • Characters realise there is a problem that needs fixing

• Stage 4 — Attempt to repair

  • The characters try to fix the problem (conflicts and events)

• Stage 5 — New equilibrium

  • The problem is solved, and a new normal is established — things are resolved but may be changed forever.