Todov's Theory

The theory is simply this:

•                The fictional environment begins with a state of equilibrium (everything is as it should be)

•                It then suffers some disruption (disequilibrium)

•                New equilibrium is produced at the end of the narrative


 
Seems simple enough and easily applicable to all films! But theories can never be THAT easy!
 
There are five stages the narrative can progress through:

•                 A state of equilibrium (all is as it should be)

•                A disruption of that order by an event

•                A recognition that the disorder has occurred

•                An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption

A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium
 
Here narrative is not seen as a linear structure but a circular one. 
The narrative is driven by attempts to restore the equilibrium.
 However, the equilibrium attained at the end of the story is not identical to the initial equilibrium.
 Todorov argues that narrative involves a transformation. The characters or the situations are transformed through the progress of the disruption.
 The disruption itself usually takes place outside the normal social framework, outside the ‘normal’ social events.
 E.g. a murder happens and people are terrified
. Someone vanishes and the characters have to solve the mystery

information found on: http://www.adamranson.plus.com/TODOROV.HTM