Narrative
- Narrative is how a story is structured and told. Narratives can be linear (in order) or non-linear (using flashbacks).
- Todorov's theory: an equilibrium (normal state) is disrupted, the disruption is recognised, there is an attempt to repair it, and a new equilibrium is reached.
- Barthes' codes: enigma codes create mysteries that make the audience want to find out more; action codes show that something is about to happen.
- Binary oppositions (linked to Lévi-Strauss): opposing ideas such as good and evil, or young and old, drive conflict.
Genre
- Genre is a type or category of media product, recognised by its codes and conventions (a repertoire of elements): characters, settings, plots, iconography and style.
- Genres help audiences choose products and help producers market them.
- Genres change over time, and a successful product often balances repetition and difference (an idea linked to Steve Neale).
- Hybrid genres mix conventions from more than one genre, such as a sci-fi horror.
Using these ideas
- Analyse how the opening of a TV programme sets up the equilibrium, and how enigma codes hook the audience.
- Analyse how a trailer uses genre conventions, such as a thriller's dark lighting, tense music and quick editing.
Key terms
- Narrative
- How a story is structured and told.
- Equilibrium
- The normal state at the start of a narrative.
- Enigma code
- A question or mystery that hooks the audience.
- Action code
- A sign that something is about to happen.
- Binary opposition
- Two opposing ideas, such as good and evil.
- Genre
- A category of media product with shared conventions.
- Hybrid genre
- A product that mixes conventions from more than one genre.
- Iconography
- Objects and images associated with a genre.