Narrative Structure: Todorov's Theory of Equilibrium

Todorov's Theory of Equilibrium

Equilibrium in media means for things to be balanced; the absense of tensions in need for resolution. From this, Todorov simplified the idea of a narrative structure in his theory, whilst also allowing a much more complex interpretation. He split this theory into 5 stages:

1- A state of Equilibrium: when everything is as it should be. A state of normality and equal balance between the protagonists.

2- Distruption of the Equilibrium: a distruption to the normality and order cause by an event or an outside force that has to be fought.

3- Dis-Equilibrium: a recognition that the distruption has occured.

4- An attempt to restore the Equilibrium: an attempt to repair the distruption and go back to how things were.

5- The New Equilibrium is established: a reinstatement of the Equilibrium. The outer force is defeated and a new state of well being is acquired.

In this structure, the narrative is driven by attempts to restore the Equilibrium. The distrubtion the the Equilibrium usually takes place outside of the normal social framework and events. However, the Equilibrium that is established at the end of the narrative is not idential to the initial Equilibrium, as Todorov's theory argues that the narrative must include a transformation. This can either be in the form of the characters or situation being transformed by the events in the narrative.

This Narrative Theory is very familiar in films and is applied to many mainstream narratives.