Tzvetan Todorov’s Equilibrium

Todorov is a Bulgarian philosopher now living in France. His theory is a relatively simple one and goes something like this: 

1. The fictional environment begins with a state of equilibrium (everything is as it should be)

2. It then suffers some disruption (disequilibrium)

3. New equilibrium is produced at the end of the narrative

There are five stages the narrative can progress through:

• A state of equilibrium (all is as it should be)

• A disruption of that order by an event

• A recognition that the disorder has occurred

• An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption

• A return or restoration of a NEW equilibrium

 

Here narrative is not seen as a linear structure but a circular one. The narrative is driven by

attempts to restore the equilibrium. However, the equilibrium attained at the end of the story

is not identical to the initial equilibrium.

Todorov argues that narrative involves a transformation. The characters or the situations are

transformed through the progress of the disruption. The disruption itself usually takes place

outside the normal social framework, outside the ‘normal’ social events. For example: 

• A murder happens and people are terrified

• Someone vanishes and the characters have to solve the mystery So, remember:

• Narratives don’t need to be linear.

• The progression from initial equilibrium to restoration always involves a transformation.

• The middle period of a narrative can depict actions that transgress everyday habits and routines.

• There can be many disruptions whilst seeking a new equilibrium (horror relies on this technique).