Narrative Codes

We have recently been learning about Roland Barthes, a semiologist who created the narrative codes. There Are five codes altogether:

1. Action Code- applies to any action that implies a further narrative action. e.g. character picks up a pint, he then drinks it.

2. Enigma Code- refers to any element in a story that is not explained and, therefore, exists as an enigma for the audience. e.g a murder in CSI

3. Semantic Code- any element in a text that suggests a particular, often additional meaning by way of connotation. e.g. if a character is wearing a suit, he may be seen as dull, boring, smart or a business man.

4. Cultural Code - tends to point to our shared knowledge about the way the world works.

5. Symbolic Code - when the audience are given the black and white, then fill in their own grey.



We then learnt about 'Binary Opposites' e.g. black and white, fat and thin, old and young. Levi Straus believed that the world was split into a series of 'binary opposites'. Essentially one thing can only be defined in relation to something it isn't. e.g. A hero is only a hero if there is a cowardly option.