Whilst creating my main story I had to think about the structure of the story and how it should come across to the reader. After carry out research from a number of respected local newspapers I discovered that they all follow Todorov’s theory to a certain extent (has all five parts to it but not in the same order.) Todorov’s theory of narrative reckoned that the first stage should be that of a steady equilibrium (all is as it should be), stage two a disruption to order (by and event i.e. a fire), stage three the recognition that the disorder has happened (fire brigade being called to the scene) stage four, an attempt to repair all damages (putting out the fire) and the fifth and final stage which is a return or restoration of a new equilibrium.
But within my story and other local papers the theory is re-ordered as follows; the first stage is that of a disruption of the order, secondly the recognition of the damages has occurred, thirdly an attempt to repair the damages and finally a return/restoration of a new equilibrium. You may have notice that the first stage of Todorov’s theory is not used this is down to the facts it will firstly loose the interest of readers, but secondly it may turn the articles into a story from a book instead of that of a newspaper.
Below are examples from two of my stories in how they are being laid out.
Main story:
Man leaning over the head of a bridge (disruption of order)
Police try and talk to the man (recognition has occurred)
Man slips and falls to his death (an attempt to repair)
Road below is open and back to normal (return of new equilibrium)
Cover story- Care home
Bupa has to make cuts to care homes (disruption of order)
Talks take place with investors and town councils (recognition has occurred)
Cuts have to be mad i.e. closures (an attempt to repair)
Care home is unable to carry on running in the future (return of new equilibrium)
No comments:
Post a Comment