Todorov Thoery

Todorov developed the theory of disrupted equilibrium. He identified that stories follow a typical pattern of:

• Equilibrium -  the status quo - where things are as they should be
• Disequilibrium - the status quo is disrupted by an event 
• Equilibrium - is restored at the end of the story by the actions of the hero

There can  be several moments in the plot where resolution of the equilibrium takes place. (For example, when pieces of a detectives puzzle falls into place)

Todorov later developed this into a 5 stage pattern:

1. A state of equilibrium at the outset
2. A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
3. A recognition that there has been a disruption
4. An attempt to repair the disruption
5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium