#16 Todorov's Narrative Structure Theory – Research

    Tzvetan Todorov's theory suggests that most conventional narratives, particularly those found in literature and film, follow a predictable pattern of movement from stability to disruption and back to a new stability.

The five stages of narrative:

1. Equilibrium (The State of Normality): The narrative begins in a state of balance, peace, or normality. The characters, setting, and rules of the world are established and everything is "as it should be."
2. Disruption (The Inciting Incident): An unforeseen event, action, or character disturbs the initial equilibrium. This incident creates the main problem that propels the rest of the story.
3. Recognition (The Acknowledgment of Disorder): The characters, especially the protagonist, realize and acknowledge that the disorder has occurred and grasp the nature of the problem. This stage involves the realization of the consequences of the disruption and leads to the motivation for action.
4. Attempt to Repair (The Quest): The protagonist strives to resolve the conflict and repair the damage caused by the disruption. This stage comprises the bulk of the narrative, involving challenges, plot twists, and confrontations with the antagonistic forces.
5. New Equilibrium (The Restoration): The conflict is resolved, and the narrative reaches a closure where a new state of balance is established. This final state is often not identical to the initial equilibrium; the characters and the world have been transformed by the events of the story.

Example

Equilibrium: Marlin and Nemo live a cautious but peaceful life in their anemone home.

Disruption: Nemo is captured by a diver after being dared to touch the boat.

Recognition: Marlin immediately realizes Nemo is gone and understands the danger his son is in.

Attempt to Repair: Marlin teams up with Dory and crosses the entire ocean to find Nemo.

New Equilibrium: Marlin and Nemo are reunited. Marlin is less cautious and Nemo is more respected, establishing a stronger family life.

Reflection

    I can make my 2-minute film opening to quickly establish an equilibrium (maybe a shot of the protagonist in a domestic environment) before immediately shattering it with a disruption. By ending the opening on the protagonist's recognition of the disruption (maybe a look of terror or a gasp of realization since the time we have is limited). And because this is a film opening, I could end the video with a cliff hanger of the rest of the movie to engage the audience into wondering what the attempt to repair and the new equilibrium will be.

Sources

• Argyrou, S. (2014, January 15). Todorov Theory. Selina Argyrou; Selina Argyrou. https://selinaargyrou.wordpress.com/todorov-theory/
• Narrative Structure and Theories. (2015). Windsor Girls School Media. https://windsorgirls.weebly.com/xstudios/-narrative-structure-and-theories
• Nicole. (2025, July 8). What is Todorov’s Narrative Theory? BeverlyBoy Productions. https://beverlyboy.com/filmmaking/what-is-todorovs-narrative-theory/
• Todorov’s Narrative Theory Overview | Coconote. (2025). Coconote.app. https://coconote.app/notes/4bfd9945-b253-4a6a-bb90-72874267e283
• View. (2019, March 22). Post 3: Narrative analysis – from mainstream to arthouse, applying Todorov’s narrative theory. Pariahhilton. https://pariahhilton.wordpress.com/2019/03/22/narrative-analysis/
• Wikipedia Contributors. (2023, March 4). Todorov’s narrative theory of equilibrium. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todorov%27s_narrative_theory_of_equilibrium