Media Language: Tzvetan Todorov

Tzvetan Todorov was a literary theorist who proposed a narrative theory. His model can be applied across different media and genres, from films to novels, television programmes, and even advertisements.
Todorov’s theory posits that most narratives follow a simple structure: a state of equilibrium is disrupted by an event, causing a disruption; the characters then work to restore the equilibrium, and in the end, a new equilibrium or resolution is achieved.
This typically creates a clear beginning-middle-end format in a narrative.

Todorov’s narrative theory can be very useful in analysing media texts. Studying how a media piece progresses from equilibrium to disruption to resolution helps in understanding the underlying structure and meaning.
Equilibrium: This is the ‘normality’ within the world the media presents to the audience.
Disruption: This can take any form such as a conflict, a problem, or a catastrophic event, that disrupts the initial equilibrium.
Recognition of the Disruption: Here, the characters realise there is an issue or conflict that must be resolved.
Attempt to Repair the Disruption: The characters work towards resolving the issue or conflict.
Resolution/New Equilibrium: The original issue or conflict is resolved, leading to a new equilibrium.

Todorov’s theory is simple and adaptable, making it particularly useful for breaking down and analysing a wide range of narratives in various media.
However, the theory also receives critique for being too simplistic. Some argue it’s not always possible to cleanly map all narratives onto Todorov’s model. For instance, non-linear narratives or those with ambiguous endings can challenge this theory.
Further, the theory doesn’t fully accommodate the complexity of narratives which may have multiple disruptions or resolutions.

Examine real-world examples of media narratives that fit Todorov’s model, as well their potential deviations from it, to better understand the application of Todorov’s theory.
By deconstructing specific media works, analyse how the narrative theory might have been utilised by the creators, and consider how it affects the audience’s perception and understanding of the narrative.
Compare and contrast Todorov’s theory with other narrative theories to broaden your understanding of how narratives function in media.