More genre theorists

Barthes:

Barthes was a literary theorist. He was credited with producing his own theory regarding narratives in media. He identified a key difference between media texts with open and closed meaning. Open describing a text which is open to interpretation and can have many different, subjective meanings. Where as closed is a text which is produced with a single, definitive meaning in mind, rendering any other interpretation incorrect.

Barthes theory has 5 narrative codes. He claimed all media texts displayed at least one, if not more. They are;

- Hermeneutic - a mystery hook to be solved for or by the audience. The enigma draws the audience in, and unanswered one frustrates the audience, and stirs different interpretations and many discussions. Eg the end of inception

- Proairetic/ action code - action and suspense used traditionally for escapism. Eg Indiana Jones rock chase

-Semantic code - elements of the text which imply, suggest or refer to additional meanings in the media text. (Semes)

- Symbolic code - symbolic codes are called signifiers and are used to convey meaning through symbolism.

- Referential code - the code deals with references within a media texts. Can also consist of intertextuality and elements of meta-narrative eg family guy

Propp

Vladimir Propp developed a character theory for studying media texts and productions.he said that there were 7 broad character types in the 100 tales he analysed, which could be applied to other media:

1. The villain (struggles against the hero)
2. The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
3. The helper (helps the hero in the quest)
4. The princess (person the hero marries, often sought for during the narrative)
5. The false hero (perceived as good character in beginning but emerges as evil)
6. The dispatcher (character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off)
7. The hero  (victim/seeker/paladin/winner, reacts to the donor, usually marries the princess)