Todorov's work focused on narrative theories from 1960's onwards. He suggested that stories begin with an equilibrium or status quo where any potential opposing forces are in balance. This is then disrupted by an event, setting in a chain series of events. Problems are then solved so the order can be restored to the world of fiction.
Todorov suggested that conventional narratives are structured in five stages:
- A state of equilibrium (stability) at the start.
- A disruption of equilibrium by some action.
- A recognition that there has been some disruption.
- An attempt to repair the disruption.
- A reinstatement of the equilibrium.
This type of narrative structure can be applied to many mainstream TV programmes and film narratives.
Orphan black is a Canadian American science fiction television series starring Tatiana Maslany as several identical women who are revealed to beclones. The series focuses on Sarah Manning, A woman who assumes the identity of her clone, Elizabeth Childs, after the latter commits suicide. The series raises issues about the moral and ethical implications of human cloning and its impact on issues of personal identity. The show premièred at WonderCon in Anaheim, California on March 29, 2013. The television premier of the first 10- episode season was on March 30, 2013. On may 2, 2013 BBC America renewed Orphan Black for a 10-episode second season to premier in April 2014- Wikipedia.
Stage of Narrative- 1. An initial state of equilibrium at the onset of the narrative
Sarah Manning witnesses the suicide of someone who looks exactly like her, Beth Childs, When she jumps in front of a train at a train station. Sarah steals her purse and ID card.
How does this stage contribute to the episode overall? How is it effective?
Sets up the audience to think about what kind of character Sarah could be. They will want to watch further on because they will want to know what she is going to do with an ID of someone who looks exactly like her.
Stage of narrative-2. A disruption of equilibrium by some action.
Sarah arranges for Beth's body to be identified as Sarah and assumes Beth's identity. The plan is to clear out Beth's bank accounts, get her daughter Kira back, and run away to start a new life
How does this stage contribute to the episode overall? How is it effective?
The audience will want to carry on watching to see if Sarah will get caught being someone else. It could lead anyway. People will want to know why Beth Killed herself, and why Sarah is not with her daughter Kira.
Stage of narrative-3. Recognition that there has been a disruption.
Sarah's ex boyfriend finds out that "Sarah is dead" and wants to hold a big funeral for her. Kira her daughter finds out that her mum is dead.
How does this stage contribute to the episode overall? How is it effective?
The truth could come out at any point and she could get into alot of trouble. Her daughter thinks she is dead when she really isnt. The audience would feel sorry for Sarah because she just wants a happy life with her family, but now she can't.
Stage of narrative- 4. An attempt to repair disruption.
Sarah tries to get the money faster so she can escape from the situation quickly. She makes a plan that her body would have been misidentified.
How does this stage contribute to the episode overall? How is it effective?
Makes the audience feel sorry that they made a misjudgement of Sarah, Sets up the rest of the series to follow Sarah's story on how to escape the situation.
Stage of narrative-5. A reinstatement of equilibrium.
Another clone is found in her car, Katja a German, who is shot in the head when talking to Sarah. ( Another Clone dead)
How does this stage contribute to the episode overall? How is it effective?
People will want to watch on to find out if there is anymore clones of Sarah and why they are all dying.
