A narrative is the retelling of a story often in words but can be mimed.
Roland Barthes- created the 5 narrative codes which are present in narratives.
The 5 Narrative Codes:
-Hermeneutic/ Enigma Code
-Proairetic/ Action Code
-Semantic Code
-Symbolic Code
-Referential Code
Broken down...
The Enigma Code
-This code refers to mystery within a text. Clues are dropped, but no clear answers are given.
-Enigma within the narrative makes the audience want to know more
-Unanswered enigmas tend to frustrate the audience
Semantic Code
-This code refers to parts within the text that suggests or refers to additional meanings
-Elements of the semantic code are called semes
-The seme has a connotative function in the text. It has an extra layer of meaning in addition to its literal meaning.
Symbolic Code
-This code is about symbolism within a text
-It exercises opposites to show contrast and create greater meaning, creating tension, drama and character development
Referential Code
-This code refers to anything in the text which refers to an external body of knowledge such as science and historical knowledge
Todorov- believes that there are 5 narrative stages to every story.
-Equilibrium, state of normality
-Disruption of Equilibrium, a character or an action disrupt the equilibrium.
-Realisation, the main protagonist recognises the equilibrium has been disrupted.
-Restoration of Equilibrium, The protagonist attempts to restore the equilibrium.
-New Equilibrium, equilibrium is restored although it is slightly altered.