Barthes' Narrative Codes

 

Action Code

The first code is the action code. This is used to indicate the next logical step in a piece of media. It let's the audience know what is going to happen and implies that there will be some sort of action is the scene For example, our preliminary task showed an actor approaching a door, the next logical step to this sequence would be for him to open the door.

 

Mystery Code or Enigma Code

The next code is the mystery or enigma code. This is used by releasing only a small amount of information about the narrative at a time to engage the audience and have them wondering what will happen next. This grabs the audience's attention by creating an eerie atmosphere.

 

The Semic Code

This code is one that uses signs and symbols to tell the audience about the narrative and about the characters. it lets the audience know features about the narrative without directly telling the audience about it.

 

The Cultural Code

This code is used to let the audience know about the culture and social nature of the characters in the narrative. it makes references to the real world that audiences will recognise from experience. It lets the audience sometimes relate to what is happening in the narrative.

In our thriller opening, all of these codes will be used in an appropriate way to add density to the main plot line.