Activity 3.10
January 23,2026
Instructions:
-
For this section choose your favorite long-form TV drama and answer the following questions:
-
Which different story arcs are evident?
-
Does each story arc follow Todorov's narrative theory?
-
If they do not, what storytelling techniques have been used?
-
How do the story arcs feed into the main narrative arc?
-
Now, discuss with a partner how multi-stranded narratives maintain the interest of an audience and facilitate binge watching.
My Response: Movie being Breaking Bad
There are many different story arcs evident in the show “Breaking Bad” amongst almost every character. For example, the most obvious one, when the main character Walter White has a huge transformation and chaotic journey from an everyday chemistry teacher to a ruthless criminal and completely different person. To add, everyone close to him has their very own character arc as Walter's actions begin to have a tremendous emotional toll on each of their lives. General themes
can be taken from each characters break through such as loyalty and justice.
Yes, this show does follow many concepts of Todorov's Narrative Theory,
particularly focusing on Walter Whites' radical transformation. Todorov's narrative theory exemplifies the journey from equilibrium through various disruptions and completely developing not only the plot but the characters' characteristics and lives as well. Furthermore, each story arc is very symbolic and important towards each character's development throughout all five seasons. Their scaffolding and reinforcement towards Walter are essential to viewers' interpretation of each plotline and eventful scene.