Table of Narrative Theories - by rose spencer

	PROS	CONS
Binary Opposites – Levi Strauss This is two contrasting opposites in a film E.G. good/evil or strong/weak.	Shows two contrasting themes or things and shows how they influence each other.  Allows the audience to pick a side of what opposite they believe will come out on top giving the film an element of surprise if they are wrong.	Maybe more than one in a film so makes it hard for the audience to know what binary opposite is the one they need to follow to understand the story. The audience may not know or understand what the binary opposite is in the film.
The Equilibrium Theory – Todorov Carries a traditional story route where nothing is wrong, ending with the hero coming to save everyone.	Films carry a specific way of which the story runs, allowing the audience to understand what is happening in the film.	Can become repetitive or the audience are able to predict what will happen, leaving no element of surprise.
The Enigma Code – Barthes This is when the audience are given clues as to what may happen, leaving the audience asking questions, gripping them into watching more.	Grips the audience as they are left asking questions as to what will happen next leaving a sense of mystery.	The audience may get confused and not fully understand what is going on because not all the information is given.

TODOROV-EQUILIBRIUM THEORY	BARTHES-ENIGMA
Suggests most stories start with a state of happiness	Teases the audience by  revealing a small part of  the story
State of happiness is disrupted
	LEVI-STRAUSS-BINARY  OPPOSITES Shows conflict between  two terms