Narrative

         Todorov's Theory

   Tzvetan Todorov suggests a simple theory of narrative that can even be applied to more complicated storyline.

    The theory is that:
            The fictional story begins with a state of equilibrium (what everything should be as). Then a disruption occurs  to create disequilibrium. By the end, the repairing state stage concludes and a new equilibrium is produced.

   There are FIVE stages the narrative can progress through:


         1-)A state of equilibrium (all is as it should be)- introduction to character
         2-)A disruption of that order by a n 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

     This theory suggest a circular structure rather than a narrative one, which is why attempts to restore the equilibrium drives the narrative. Although, the restored equilibrium is not identical to the one in the beginning.

      Todorov also also suggests that the narrative includes a transformation where, the character or the situations are transformed (or developed) in the disruption stage.  The disruption itself usually take place ordinary social events.

I have applied this theory to Peter Jackson's award winning "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy":

                                             The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Equilibrium
The first movie starts with an old hobbit named Bilbo writing "There and Back Again A Hobbit's tale by Bilbo Baggings" on a book cover. Bilbo leaves Frodo the 'One Ring' which he found in a cave, where the creature Gollum lives. Gollum first found the ring after Sauron (antagonist) had lost in the Battle for Middle Earth along side his findermany years ago. Frodo accepts the ring and the quest that come with it. Bilbo's old friend, wizard Gandalf The Grey explains the quest to Frodo.

Disruption
Frodo sets out from his homeland of the Shire with his best friend Sam, and his two good friends Merry and Pippin, not realizing the importance and the power of the ring. Meanwhile, "Ringwraiths" (who are sent by Sauron to retrieve the ring) are after the Ring bearer. Gandalf The Frey sacrifices his life in battle against the Balrog, giving the fellowship time to escape from the Mines of Moria.

Recognition of Disruption
Frodo and Sam find Gollum, which than he promises to guide them to Mount Doom. Gandalf gets sent back to life as Gandalf The White. The people of Rohan move to Helms Deep whe nthey get attacked by an Orc army sent by the evil Saruman The White who is serving Lord Sauron, in the search of the ring Frodo carries. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam start to discover more about the impact the evil inside this ring is causing to the carrier, as Sam also realizes that Gollum's only intention is to get the ring back.

Attempt to Repair Disruption
Aragorn, Legalos, Gimli, Boromir, Gandalf, Merry and Pippin set out to battle the Orcs and the Wraiths knowing that they have no chance of winning against them but, this will win Frodo and Sam some time to reach Mount Doom so they can cuss the ring into it, destroying Sauron's evil power and bringing peace to Middle Earth.

New Equilibrium
Frodo manages to get to the peak of Mount Doom where he fights and loses his pointing finger to Gollum. He destroys the ring alongside Gollum and Sauron.Aragorn marries the beatiful princes elf princess Arwen and becomes King of Rohan . Sam also marries his childhood sweerheart who was shown in the first film. All lands are returned to their former glory. After four years we that Frodo has written down his adventures below Bilbo's story and named it "The Lord of the Rings by Frodo Baggings". Frodo leaves Middle Earth for the Undying Lands with Gandalf, Bilbo, Elrond, Celeborn and Galadriel, leaving his account for their quest to Sam.