Narrative Theories

Vladimir Propp Theory:

Propp theory is stories that involve characters functions within the story of the soap, for example Hero and the villain. An example of a soap where the Vladimir Propp theory has been applied would be Eastenders, with the story of the B&B being set on “Masood’s Nightmare”. The story was about a doctor, Yusef Khan that could not get the relationship that he wanted, therefore decided to set the B&B on fire, while it played host to a Christmas party attended by basically the entire Square. Whilst the bed and breakfast was going up in flames, one man, Masood risked his life by running into the burning people saving the lives of the people that remained inside. Everyone managed to survive the blaze, however the Villain Yusef, did not make it out of the B&B alive.

Barthes Theory- The Enigma Code:

The enigma code is a very useful narrative device which is used to keep the audience interested, and wanting them to find out more about the program, in this case soap operas. The code usually refers to a particular section within a soap opera storyline that is not fully explained. An example of this would in one of the most recent episodes of Eastenders, with the story of Kat Moon having an affair with one of the locals from the pub, however the audience are left to wondering who her affair is with. This keeps the audience watching the soap to guess who the affair could be with. This story has continued for several of weeks, and the image above shows the possibilities of Kat's "New Man".