Research For Music Video - The Structure of Music Video ( Part 1)

Propp/ Todorov Theory

Both Propp/ Todorov believe that the structure of a music video relies on the traditional narrative structure such as:

Normality- 

where it consists of two central characters

lover or hero/ villain

↓

A Problem-

Which leads to...

↓

A Disruption in Normality
then a...

↓

Quest to overcome the Disruption

eventually...

↓

Returns to a changes Normality.

Todorov’s Theory of Narrative

Todorov suggested that conventional narratives are structured in five stages:

1. A state of equilibrium at the outset; 

2. A disruption of the equilibrium by some action; 

3. A recognition that there has been a disruption; 

4. An attempt to repair the disruption; 

5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium 

This type of narrative structure is very familiar to us and can be applied to many 

‘mainstream’ film narratives.