Action and Enigma Codes

Two Essential Narrative Codes

There are two essential narrative codes you need to know: action and enigma codes. Roland Barthes argued there needed to be a clear sequence of events for the narrative to be successful. These beats of the story should be the “revelation of truth and the coordination of the actions represented”.

Although our introduction to Barthes’ narrative codes goes into more detail about how stories are constructed, we want to focus on the action and enigma codes because they form the chronology of the narrative.

Action Codes

Action codes are significant plot points that drive the narrative forward. Rather than a sense of mystery, action codes help create suspense because we want to see the outcome and consequences of the scene.

Any boss fight in any videogame would serve as an example of an action code. Or the chosen one in a quest narrative confronts the evil villain and the audience are excited to find out who wins the battle. Of course, action codes do not need to be this climatic. A simple knock on the door can create tension and transform a story.

Finding Nemo

The opening sequence to Finding Nemo (2003) is a great example of an action code because it has a tremendous influence on our interpretation of the father, Marlin.

The theatrical release begins with a depiction of life in the coral reef. Coral appreciates her “desirable” world with “great schools and the amazing view” but wonders why they need such space at the drop off. Marlin dismisses her concerns and imagines a wonderful future together with their kids who “deserve the best”. Sadly, their happiness is disrupted by a vicious barracuda.

When Marlin wakes up from being knocked unconscious, he discovers Coral is dead and only one egg has survived. The vibrant colour of the reef is now a lifeless grey, the rock is empty and dark, and Marlin’s calls into the abyss are left unanswered. He discovers one precious egg has survived and whispers, “Daddy’s got you.”

This action code positions the audience to sympathise with Marlin’s determination to protect his son because we fully understand he is reacting to the tragic event. Of course he is going to make sure Nemo is safe: “I promise I will never let anything happen to you.”

In an interview with UNILAD, Pixar Animator, Jason Deamer, said the audience “originally” learnt about Coral’s death “through flashbacks” later in the film.

Imagine you were watching the final test screening of the film, and the narrative opened with Marlin taking Nemo to school instead. You would know nothing about the barracuda attack and Coral’s death. When Marlin shouts at Nemo for getting too close to edge of the reef, you might see the father as an “overprotective, annoying character”.

By changing the chronology of the narrative and placing this tragic action code at the start, the director, Lee Unkrick, made sure the audience connected positively with Marlin and created a more satisfying story.

Enigma Codes

Enigma codes are the “revelation of truth”. The producer of the media text will deliberately create a plot point that raises questions and teases the audience so we read on to resolve the mystery.

Crime dramas are obvious narratives that rely heavily on enigma codes because we are follow the detective while they try to solve the crime and reveal “whodunit”.

The most annoying examples have to be attention-grabbing and misleading clickbait titles. Or sensationalised headlines in a newspaper that try to shock the reader into buying the publication.

Summary

Barthes argued action and enigma codes formed the chronology of the narrative. In other words, they are sequences which are essential to the progress of the story. Action codes drive the action forward by creating tension. They are sequences of behaviour that suggest a specific action and its consequences. Enigma codes are elements that introduce mystery or questions into the narrative. They create suspense.

The combination of the codes might depend on the genre and how the producers intend to engage the audience.