Tzvetan Todorov

Tzvetan Todorov is famous for simplifying the idea of narrative theory. His theory made narrative simpler yet more complicated at the same time. He made it simpler to understand but allowed more complex interpretations.

The Theory:

The fictional environment begins with a state of equilibrium (everything is as it should be in a state of equal balance between powers of any kind, where equality of importance or effect exists among the various parts of any complex unity).It then suffers some disruption (disequilibrium).New equilibrium is produced at the end of the narrative.

The 5 Sections of the theory:

1.A state of equilibrium (All is as it should be.)
2.A disruption of that order by an event.
3.A recognition that the disorder has occurred.
4.An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption.
5.A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium

The structure of his theory creates a circular pattern where everything starts well, something bad happens, something good happens and everything is good again in the ending. Todorov's theory is still used in practically every modern day film and is responsible for most film master