Todorov's Theory of Narrative

Todorov suggested that conventional narratives are structured in five stages:

1. A state of equilibrium at the outset
2. A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
3. A recognition that there has been a disruption
4. An attempt to repair the disruption
5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium

This type of narrative structure is very familiar to us and can be applied to many 'mainstream' film narratives. We applied this narrative theory to our short film "Square 1" as outlined below.

1. Is when Rebecca meets Chris in the bar and follows through to their marriage and life together
2. The disruption is when Chris is abusing Rebecca
3. The recognition is Rebecca being upset
   
4. An attempt to repair the disruption is Rebecca traveling back in time to the bar
5. The reinstatement of the equilibrium is Rebecca meeting Jack which again follows through to their marriage and life together
6. The disruption is when Jack dies
7. The recognition is Rebecca being upset again but this time also being shown at Jack's grave
   
8. An attempt to repair the disruption is Rebecca going back in time to the original bar scene
9. Finally the reinstatement of the equilibrium is when Rebecca leaves the bar and bumps into Ricky