Todorov's Narrative Theory

What is a narrative?
The narrative is simply the storyline of the film.

There are two types of narrative structure:

Linear- This is when the story is in chronological order. It has the beginning, middle and end. It also follows the timeline: Past, present and future.

Non-linear- The story does not always start at the beginning. It usually jumps around the timeline of events. This also links in with reverse chronology. It is when the plot is revealed in reverse order.

Todorov's Equlibrium Theory:
Todorov's Equilibrium Theory is that all films follow the same order and is in a structure split into three parts.

Beginning  ---> Middle  ---> End
Equilbrium established, Disruption/disequilibrium, and then equilibrium re-established.

Most short films fall into either category of linear or non-linear although linear is more common.