NARRATIVE STRUCTURE

TRISTAN TODOROV

Events in a story have a causal relationship with one event leading to an other in a

pattern of cause and effect. The very notion of ʻcause and effectʼ implies a change in

a state of affairs. For Todorov, the primary function of narrative is to solve a

problem. It is this that forms the basis of Todorovʼs theory of narrative. His model

begins with a state of equilibrium, a condition in which everything is in a state of

order. This state of equilibrium is disrupted either by a force of some kind or through

the actions of an individual. The narrative progresses to a restoration of equilibrium,

or order.

Todorov breaks the narrative process down into five stages

• A state of equilibrium at the outset

• A disruption of the equilibrium by some action

• A recognition that there has been a disruption

• An attempt to repair the disruption

• A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium.

TODOROV APPLIED TO BATMAN

A state of equilibrium at the outset Gotham city is at peace, there is no

organized crime and Batman is retired.

Bruce Wayne is crippled but living

peacefully at Wayne manor

A disruption of the equilibrium by some

action

Bane is introduced and executes a plan to

destroy the city of Gotham and Batman.

Batman gets injured and trapped in prison.

A recognition that there has been a

disruption

Bane tells the world that he has captured

Gotham and threatens them with a nuclear

bomb.

An attempt to repair the disruption Batman returns to Gotham with help from

an army of police officers to fight Bane.

A reinstatement of the initial equilibrium. Batman flies the bomb out to sea with a

helicopter risking his life, it safely

detonates away from Gotham saving the

city. John Blake carries on the legacy of

Batman as he is left the Bat cave by Bruce

Wayne.