narrative theories in the inbetweeners

The Inbetweeners, Thorpe park (Todorov)

Equilibrium: the equilibrium is put forth to the audience, by the boys being at school, within a  normal school day environment.

Disruption: disruption presented with the promise of a trip to Thorpe park, that at present is not necessarily definite due to the character of Simons lack of a drivers licence.

Recognition of disruption: the disruption is recognized with Simons character  both passing his driving test and acquiring a car. 

Attempt to repair: the repair is attempted by the journey that commences with the start of the journey to Thorpe park, which result in multiple mishaps and wrong doings.

New/return to equilibrium:  after eventually getting to Thorpe park and having the car ruined. The characters achieve the goal they set out to do, resolving the conflict, but achieve a new sense of equilibrium, as by the end of the episode Simons car is ruined, but equilibrium has been restored

Propp

Hero: Will 

Villain: Mark

Donor: Simon's dad

Helper: Simon

Princess: 

(Simon): the ability to drive/a car

(Will): Roller-coasters at Thorpe park

(Jay): the promise of girl at Thorpe park

Princesses Father: (applicable to only Simon): Simon's dad

False Hero: Neil

Dispatcher: Jay


Barthes:

 Action: the characters are both heard discussing going to a theme park, and seen going to the a fore mentioned theme park.From this it can be assumed by the audience that upon arriving at the park they will ride on the roller coasters etc. there.

Enigma: The enigma presented within the show is the question whether or not the characters will arrive at the theme park, due to the constant mishaps that befall them.

Semic- Clothing is the sign in question is used to express the generation,
age group and class of the characters  they are all in what would be considered fashionable of this era, indicating that they are part of this generations working/middle class youth. The behavior of the characters also expresses their age group. Throughout the majority of the episode, they discuss or actively take part in pursuing girls, a trait commonly associated with their age group of young adult males.

Symbolic- The symbol used to express the stereotype that the characters befall (Young adult males who are somewhat social misfits) is the car used by the characters. The car in question is a bright yellow car, which normally would be associated with females, however it juxtaposes not only the gender of the characters, but the actions, due to their masculine behavior.

Cultural- The cultural element that is portrayed in the episode is the location that the characters desire to go (a theme park). As an audience we know that this is an exciting and fun place to go to, so as such the audience can relate to this, and understand why the characters have such a  strong desire to go their.