Barthes' Narrative Theory

Barthes gave a list of 5 codes that will be present in any narrative told. They are:

• The Hermuneutic code (HER)

This is the way a story won't tell the audience all the facts straight away, but instead dropping hints throughout the tale, leaving room to create mystery.

• The Enigma Code (ACT)

This is the way tension is built up to leave the audience confused and questioning the next plot twist.

• The Symbolic Code (SYM)

This is where new meaning arises thtough opposing and conflicting ideas.

• The Cultural Code (REF)

This refers to the audience's cultural knowledge, morality and ideology, in relation to the story being told.

• The Semantic Code (SEM)

This refers to any element in a text that suggests additional meaning, via connotations.