Narrative

Narrative
Narrative is the retelling of a story

Roland Barthes- 5 codes

• Enigma Code
• Action Code
• Semantic Code
• Symbolic Code
• Referential Code

Enigma Code-mystery- makes the audience want to know more, usually at the start of a story,                                                    unanswered enigmas can frustrate viewers.
Action Code- Sequential elements of action in text
Semantic Code- refers to additional elements- an extra layer of meaning + actual meaning
Symbolic Code- Symbolism within text. Exercises opposites to show contrast, creates greater                                         meaning and tension
Referential Code- refers to other knowledge such as scientific,historical and cultural etc.

Todorov- 5 stages

1. Equilibrium- State of Normality 
2. Disruption of Equilibrium- Something goes wrong/disrupts Equilibrium
3. Recognition- Protagonist recognizes that the Equilibrium has been disrupted 
4. Restoration- Protagonist restores the Equilibrium
5. New Equilibrium- New state of normality

Propp- 8 stages
Levi-Strauss- Binary oppositions

This is the opening scene of the film Indiana Jones: Raiders of the lost Ark. It starts of straight away with an enigma code. This because it shows the Golden Idol in the middle just sitting there. The music then builds up to when he takes the Golden Idol. Next is the action code as there is a sequence of events after the Idol has been taken which involves him running away with very close calls to death. The scene then ends with another enigma code as he retrieves the idol again but the audience wants to know what will happen next? and will he get out alive?