DRAFT 1
MS3 – RESEARCH PROJECT
Explore the use of narrative in TV quiz shows, with reference to Pointless and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Narrative is a concept which explores text structure, content and its communication. The main way to look at a narrative is to define it as a cycle. Todorov proposes that most narratives begin with a period of equilibrium that contains elements of disruption, realisation and restoration. While most narratives conform to this model, some texts deviate from this structure and are therefore unconventional.
Narrative is key to understand TV quiz shows. It is a fundamental convention. Quiz shows have been around for many years and fall into a similar format of a presenter or host asking questions of contestants for a prize. Although the format has changed somewhat, the key conventions of the form have remained stable for many years. One recent development of quiz shows has been to increase the value of the prizes and to use many more special effects.
Pointless is a quiz show that has been running for many years on the BBC. The image to the left provides key information regarding the use of narrative. This is the first scene of the show and it clearly shows the contestants. They look quite average in their clothes and the way they stand and this is an important and deliberate element of the narrative structure. First, this helps establish the way the show communicates with the audience at home in a friendly manner. Second, this element of the narrative helps target an audience. It also sets up the idea of competition as you can see the contestant arranged next to each other but not alongside each other, showing they are not on the same team.
Purple is a friendly colour and it has been used here to make the set seem welcoming and this also contributes to the narrative function of this standard opening. Most quiz shows start with a shot of all the contestants, and the use of friendly colours is consistent.