Todorov's theory of narrative

Todorov constructed his theory of narrative from 1960's onwards.
He suggested that stories begun with an equilibrium, often to set the scene and introduce the characters.
Then a disequilibrium or disruption occurs, making the story more interesting.
As this disequilibrium is resolved, a new equilibrium is born.

An example of this is James Cameron's ground breaking film Titanic.

The film looks at the past of an old woman named Rose, a survivor of the Titanic sinking. Her memories are the real story, she focuses on the story of the deadbeat and low-statued Jack and her young beautiful self - Jack however, is the main character throughout, we get his perspective.

Equilibrium: Jack wins a trip on the titanic in a poker game, meets Rose by chance and they fall in love. They go through many romantic moments together and everything seems perfect.

Disruption/Disequilibrium: The Titanic is struck by an ice berg, slowly sinking the ship in a time of 4 hours. Jack and Rose get caught up in the commotion and loose eachother. Rose, though instructed otherwise, goes back to find Jack and they get caught in the struggle as the water flows up the ship. They finally reach the deck of the Titanic and hold on for their lives as the ship splits in half and the port of the ship plunges into the icy water, taking the passengers with is.

New Equilibrium: Jack and Rose find each other in the freezing water and cling to an iceberg. Rose lays on top of it which Jack's body stays in the water. After being unconcious for some time, Rose wakes up and find Jack dead beside her.


This theory is particularly popular in Hollywood films, yet directors are playing with the conventions more.