Use of action and enigma codes (Barthes)

Definition of Roland Barthes

Roland Barthes was a French theorist who made substantial contributions to linguistics and semiotics.
His idea of narrative codes, specifically the action and enigma codes have been highly influential in understanding media concepts and their language.

The action codes, also termed as proairetic codes, refer to codes within a media text that drive the action forward. They refer to sequences of behaviour that are readable through prior knowledge/experience and are always oriented towards a possible future action.
The enigma codes, or hermeneutic codes, refer to the mysteries or questions raised within a text. These codes create suspense and are important in engaging and maintaining the audience’s interest throughout.

Action codes are thus very significant for the pacing and progression of the narrative. They can be identified through sequences of cause and effect, actions and reactions within the text.
They are often observed in action films and video games, where a precise interpretation of the situation or the challenge at hand, and taking the necessary action to move forward, are critical for the narrative.

Enigma codes create questions that the audience wishes to have explained. They keep the audience guessing, building suspense and curiosity within the narrative.
These can be character mysteries, puzzles, unknown elements that are raised early on in the narrative, secrets or plot twists.

By identifying and analysing these codes within a text, one can understand deeper narrative structures and the ‘language’ that the media is using to relay its story or message.
This analysis can be used to predict future events in the narrative, and overall guide the interpretation of the media piece.

Like Todorov’s theory, Barthes’ narrative codes also extend across various media formats - films, television series, books, video games and more.
Action and Enigma codes serve as standard storytelling techniques, creating anticipation and mystery, driving narrative suspense and engagement.

One of the key limitations of Barthes’ system is that it presumes a level of ‘literacy’ on the part of the audience i.e., the ability to ‘decode’ these narrative codes.
It also assumes a shared culture or understanding between the author and the audience, which might not always be the case, especially in global media contexts.
The theory is also more focused on narrative analysis rather than the wider sociocultural contexts of media production and reception.