In 1969 Tzvetan Todorov produced a theory which he believed could be implemented or applied to any film, text or story [fictional or non-fictional]. Todorov developed a theory, analysing that films, stories and texts could be broken down and structured into 5 simple stages. These five stages are equilibrium, disequilibrium, acknowledgement, solving and then the return of an equilibrium.

​

One example that can easily be applied to Todorov's theory is the late 2014 film "Edge of Tomorrow". Following is the narrative structure of the film and how it follows Todorov's five key narrative aspects:

 

1. Life is as normal on planet Earth.

 

2. Alien invasion results in worldwide war to breakout.

 

3. Tom Cruise, the main protagonist rises to the occasion and becomes a hero like character.

 

4. After training over and over he becomes strong enough to take on the alien race, and destroy there mother.

 

5. The new equilibrium. Earth now reclaimed can be rebuilt using the advances of the left technology.

​

​

Following