Objective: To understand what is meant by media narrative

Outcomes: To be able to identify narrative techniques applied in text To understand the unique way in which digital platforms allow us to create KEY WORDS NARRATIVE different narratives
PROTAGONIST

 All text have a narrative We imagine what has happened in a frozen moment of time Media text can position us in a way so that we identify with the protagonist

Protagonist- the main character at the centre of a story. For example Uma Thurman in Kill Bill.

 The narrative begins: A dramatic story like that of a childs kidnapping is covered in print, broadcast and eplatforms as soon as the story breaks. Over the course of the story: New material becomes available affecting the way the story is told and early ideas may be rejected. Background research will add to the narrative When the story concludes perhaps with a trial and conviction, the material will be reorganised to summarise the major stages captured by the media.

 Relate to the way audiences respond to flow of information ENIGMA codes- control how much we know and holds our interest. It creates mystery during the narrative. ACTION codes- events in the story we know to be important in developing the narrative, such as a gun being coked signifies that a violent scene will follow where it will be used. The story progresses after a series of action codes.

 Linear Pattern= progresses forward towards a resolution- Beginning, Middle and End Multi-strand Narrative= popular in broadcast (e.g. soaps) and film. Involves more than one narrative running parallel involving different characters and locations. Documentary narrative may revolve round a central theme e.g. troublesome neighbours Long-running series such as Lost have one major narrative and lots of mini-narratives that maybe resolved in one episode, the final resolution of escape is at the end of the series.

 Although producer do not use them as template. There are two theories which attempt to identify narrative patterns. 1) Tzvetan Todorov

Equilibrium
An existing state of harmony

Disequilibrium
Equilibrium is disrupted by an unfortunate event or evil character which leads to a chain of events involving conflict

New Equilibrium
The evil forces are defeated, the conflict is resolved and harmony exists once more

1. Identify the protagonist and antagonist? 2. Which action codes indicate impending developments of the narrative? 3. What is the equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium in the narrative? Apply this to the opening sequences of Children of Men, Battle for Haditha, The Dark Knight

The Seven Spheres of Action

The role of the character in the narrative Creates a complication in the narrative Gives the hero something that will help in the resolution Helps the hero in restoring the resolution Has to be saved by the hero Sends the hero on a task Central protagonist, saves the day and restores equilibrium Rare character that appears to be good but is revealed to have been bad all along

Came up with his theory by looking at the roles of characters in Russian fairytales

The Villain The Donor The Helper The Princess The Dispatcher The Hero The False Hero

 Homework- complete written analysis of an opening sequence of all three clips. Focussing on narrative. Enigma and action codes, Todorovs and Propps theories, linear, multi strand or non-linear narratives.
Ensure that you are using media terminology which you have learnt. Focus on Mise en scene, camera, editing, sound Planning: apply notes made to your own sequence and evidence through writing synopsis for opening sequence. And notes which show how you are applying codes.