RESEARCH: Narrative Structure - Todorov's theory

There are several different types of narrative structure:

Linear/Chronological
This is when the sequence of events is in order of time. The story will start from A goes on to B and ends at Z giving us the sequence of events in order. This is the most common type of structure used in story telling (this includes stories, books, TV shows and films), however trailers are not usually in linear order and will quite often show us A-Z.

Circular
A circular sequence of events is when the sequence starts and ends with the same sequence. This is a unique unconventional way of telling a story and is often when a movie tells us the outcome of something and tells the audience how it came about. This structure plays on the audiences curiosity and is becoming increasing popular.

Disjointed
This is a random, non-chronilogical sequence of events that may have some type of structure however is very disjointed.

We all have some understanding and knowledge of basic narrative structure of stories/ films. It is often referred to the beginning middle and the end however there are more technical terms for the stages of narrative structure.

Todorov was a man who studied folk/fairy tales. He came up with a theory that every story including books, movies, episode etc. has 5 different stages...

Equilibrium

Distruption

Realisation of distruption

Conflict

Resolution