Narrative Structure: Todorov's Theory of Equilibrium

Todorov's Theory of Equilibrium: 

Todorov's theory stats that most story's or plot lines follow the same pattern. There are 5 steps in this pattern.

1. A state of Equilibrium-  the first part of the story will display a happy start where the majority of characters are content and everything is as it should be.

2. Disruption of the Equilibrium- this section will contain a problem or something that will disrupt the normality.

3. Dis-Equilibrium- realisation that the disruption has occurred.

4. An Attempt to Restore the Equilibrium- characters make an attempt to repair the distruption and try to go back to a state of equilibrium.

5. The New Equilibrium is Established- this is the final part of the plot where the problem is resolved and normality can resume again.

Lots of what we watch uses Todorov's Theory. We see many attempts to restore or find a new equilibrium which is what drives the narrative, although the final equilibrium does not have to be the same as the initial equilibrium. 

The film The Purge clearly follows Todorov's narrative theory. At the start of the film we see everything just as it should be, (the state of equilibrium.) However,  this normality is disrupted when Charlie allows a stranger into the house, this disrupts the equilibrium. The family then recognise this disruption when the masked group turn up at his door and give him an ultimatum. In an attempt to restore the equilibrium by trying to find the man and returning him to the masked group. The new equilibrium is established when the Sandin family sees the emergency services arrive outside their house, whilst the stranger and their neighbours leave the house as sirens start blaring out signifying the end of the purge.