Binary Opposites and Narrative Codes

Binary opposites

Binary opposite is a 'theory of meaning' which can be applied to texts and all kinds of media. Levi Strauss created this theory as he believed words were understood by the difference between its opposite word, this is what we call binary opposite. For example, our understanding of "villain" is dependant on the opposite, "hero". This is a typical use of binary opposite within films, between good and evil and the antagonist and the protagonist.


This is how we will incorporate binary opposites into our thriller film opening, by having a villain and a hero. Binary opposites allow the audience to clearly see the difference between two opposite characters and is easily recognisable.

Narrative Codes

Barthes believed that there are 5 codes that describe the meaning of a text and one or more of these codes will describe the text. He believed that texts can be 'open' (different ways) and 'closed' (only one option). The five codes:

• Hermeneutic/enigma code - refers to mystery within a text, no clear answers are given this makes the audience want to carry on watching and find out what happens.
• Proairetic/action code - contains elements of action adding suspension
• Semantic code - suggests or refers to additional meanings to the literal meaning
• Symbolic code - symbolism within the text this shows opposites to show contrast and create more tension meaning and character development.
• Referential code - refers to an external body of knowledge such as scientific, historical and cultural knowledge.

In our thriller opening we will incorporate some of these narrative codes, for example, the hermeneutic/enigma code. In our thriller opening the protagonist is kept a mystery, creating tension and not giving the audience any clear answers. This will give the audience a reason to carry on watching.