Seymour Chatman: Satellites & Kernels

  1. Kernels: key moments in the plot / narrative structure
  2. Satellites: embellishments, developments, aesthetics

This theory allows students to break down a narrative into 2 distinct elements. Those elements which are absolutely essential to the story / plot / narrative development, which are known as KERNELS and those moments that could be removed and the overall logic would not be disturbed, known as SATELLITES.

Roland Barthes: Proairetic and Hermenuetic Codes

  1. Proairetic code: action, movement, causation
  2. Hermenuetic code: reflection, dialogue, character or thematic development
  3. Enigma code: the way in which intrigue and ideas are raised – which encourage an audience to want more information.

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