Narrative and characters

There are 5 narrative stages in stories, books and movies.

1. equilibrium
2. disruption
3. complication
4. resolution
5. new equilibrium

Showing the 5 stages in 'Jaws'

1. equilibrium = everyone is happy at the beach
2. disruption = a dead body is found
3. complication = Sharks in waters. Closing or keep beach open? Will more people die?
4. resolution = beach is kept open, they go out on the sea to catch shark!
5. new equilibrium = shark is killed - everything is back to normal but things are not exactely as before the shark appeared, things changed and people died, therefore -> NEW equilibrium

Character theory by Propp  
Propp claims there are always certain characters in each story, movie or book. Which are...

• the hero
• the villain - causing disequilibrium
• the helper - person who helps hero on their quest
• the victim - at mercy of villain
• the doner - he has something special to help hero

Example of 'Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban'

• Harry
• Voldemort
• Ron and Hermione
• Sirius Black
• Dumbledore