WEEK 7 – Narrative Structure and Character Role

Activity – Pick a film you personally have watched and enjoyed. Breakdown the story arc (what are the 8 stages) Breakdown the characters into their archetypes. Create a timeline for the main character starting before the film starts.

I choose to analyse my favourite movie Interstellar (2014) by Christopher Nolan. The film has a very complex narrative so the stages can be viewed differently based on individual perspectives. These are the 8 stages:

1. Stasis (Ordinary World):
   • The movie begins on Earth, portraying a dystopian future where crops are failing, and humanity is struggling to survive.
2. Trigger:
   • A mysterious gravitational anomaly leads the protagonist, Joseph Cooper, to a secret NASA facility. Here, he learns about a mission to find a new habitable planet for humanity.
3. Quest:
   • Initially reluctant, Cooper decides to embark on the space mission, leaving his family behind. This decision is difficult, and he faces internal conflicts.
4. Surprise:
   • Professor Brand, the head of the NASA mission, serves as a mentor to Cooper, guiding him and the crew on their journey. He provides essential information about the mission and its purpose.
5. critical choice:
   • The crew faces numerous challenges during their space voyage, including scientific anomalies and the passage of time. They form alliances and encounter unexpected dangers.
6. Climax:
   • As the crew approaches the potentially habitable planets, they must confront the dangers and uncertainties of these new worlds, with significant consequences.
7. Reversal:
   • One of the planets they explore has extreme time dilation, resulting in significant time passing differently for those on the planet and those on the spacecraft. This creates emotional and physical challenges for the crew.
8. Resolution:
   • Cooper faces a sacrificial decision to ensure the success of the mission and save humanity. The film concludes with the resolution of the mission’s goals and the impact on both Cooper and the future of Earth.

Archetypes are recurring symbols or themes that represent universal human experiences. “Interstellar” features characters that align with various archetypal roles. Here’s a breakdown:

1. The Hero: Joseph “Coop” Cooper (Matthew McConaughey)
   • As the protagonist, Coop embodies the Hero archetype. He embarks on a perilous journey to save humanity by finding a new habitable planet. His courage, determination, and sacrifices make him the archetypal hero.
2. The Mentor: Professor John Brand (Michael Caine)
   • Professor Brand serves as the mentor archetype. He guides and advises Coop and the team on their mission. His wisdom and knowledge contribute to the hero’s journey.
3. The Herald: Murph (Jessica Chastain and Ellen Burstyn)
   • Murph, first portrayed by Jessica Chastain and later by Ellen Burstyn, acts as the herald. She brings the message of the gravitational anomalies and leads Coop to the NASA facility, initiating the hero’s journey.
4. The Shapeshifter: Dr. Mann (Matt Damon)
   • Dr. Mann represents the shapeshifter archetype. Initially portrayed as a hero and saviour, he later reveals his flawed and self-serving nature, challenging the team’s trust.
5. The Ally: TARS (Bill Irwin) and CASE (Josh Stewart)
   • The robotic entities TARS and CASE act as allies to the team. They provide support, humour, and assistance throughout the mission, serving as loyal companions to the hero.
6. The Trickster: Murph (as a Child)
   • Young Murph exhibits trickster qualities. Her curiosity, unconventional thinking, and ability to decode mysterious messages play a crucial role in advancing the plot.

This is the timeline for the main character

1. Early Life:
   • Coop was a NASA pilot and engineer before a global crop blight led to the deterioration of Earth’s environment.
2. Farmer Life:
   • Coop transitions to a life as a farmer, struggling to grow crops in the harsh conditions caused by the blight.
3. Discovering NASA:
   • Murph, Coop’s daughter, discovers gravitational anomalies that lead them to a secret NASA facility.
4. NASA Mission:
   • Coop is recruited by NASA to pilot the spacecraft Endurance on a mission to find a new habitable planet for humanity.
5. Leaving Earth:
   • Coop leaves Earth, saying goodbye to his family and embarking on the interstellar journey.
6. Space Journey:
   • Coop and the team face various challenges, including time dilation, encounters with Dr. Mann, and the exploration of potential habitable planets.
7. Communication with Murph:
   • Coop communicates with Murph through the tesseract, helping her solve the gravity equation and save humanity.
8. Entering the Black Hole:
   • Coop sacrifices himself by entering the black hole, enabling valuable data to be sent back to Earth and ensuring the success of the mission.
9. Fifth Dimensional Encounter:
   • Coop encounters a higher-dimensional space where he can influence events in Murph’s timeline.
10. Reuniting with Murph:
    • Coop reunites with the elderly Murph on her deathbed, having played a pivotal role in saving humanity.