TODOROV'S THEORY

Todorov's narrative theory suggests that all narratives have a three part structure where they begin with equilibrium, where everything is balanced, progress as something occurs that disrupts this equilibrium, and finally reach a resolution- when equilibrium is restored. 

There are general steps that the narrative must follow in order to conform to this formula:

Step 1:The narrative starts with an equilibrium
Step 2:An action or character disrupts the equilibrium
Step 3:A quest to restore the equilibrium begins
Step 4:The narrative continues to a climax
Step 5:Resolution occurs and equilibrium is restored.

Unconventioanl narratives
Non-linear narratives and circular narratives have a structure that is not so straight forward. A non-linear narrative can move backwards and forwards in time usually using a flashback technique. For example in the film "500 days(of summer" the film follows a relationship but the audience sees flashforwards and flashbacks as the story progresses. 

A circular narrative may begin at the end of the story and work its way back to the origins of the story. The resolution and understanding of the narrative is generally only comprehended by the audience towards the end of the story.

Flashbacks
Flashbacks are used to give the audience additional information, most commonly in regards to the past of a character, which helps drive the narrative. Flashbacks also manipulate space and time.

Point of view shots
These give the audience the same view of the situation and action occurring as a character. An example of this would be a point of view shot of the shark from the Jaws movies. These shots are particularly effective in horror films from the point of the killer usually stalking the victim. Following them until they meet their fate.

Impossible posistions
These are camera shots that are designed to give unusual perspectives of the action unfolding on screen, this can be achieved through the likes of an aerial shot 

Priviledged spectator positions
This is where the camera places the audience in the position where the viewer sees certain aspects of the narrative that other characters cannot see. This is commonly used in murder and detective dramas where the audience know particular information that some of the characters may not know - making it clear who the villain is.

Enigma codes
This is an editing technique in which the camera shows only some of the narrative, leaving the audience with a sense of mystery as to where the narrative will go next.

Murder mystery and detective dramas use enigma codes to slowly reveal the narrative, with key information needed to solve the case saved until near the end of the narrative to create a thrilling conclusion.

Action codes
These are actions within the narrative that reveal to the audience what to expect as the narrative progresses, it relies on the idea of cause and effect.