Todorov

Todorov proposed a narrative theory stating that any story or plot consisted of 5 key stages.

1. A STATE OF EQUILIBRIUM
A calm period, part of the normality in that area, should always feel balanced in some way. The idea is that this creates a state of verisimilitude to begin with.


2. DISRUPTION
Something disrupts the order which the film began in, something is done which changes the normal equilibrium and causes unsettlement.


3. RECOGNITION
The main character realises what has caused the unsettlement.


4. ATTEMPT TO REPAIR
The main character attempts to fix the damage and restore the original equilibrium.


5. EQUILIBRIUM
The disruption is resolved, a new state of balanced equilibrium occurs, different to the one at the beginning.