Roland Barthes 5 Codes

Roland Barthes was born in France on 12 November 1915 and died on 26 March 1980. He was a linguistic, literary theorist and philosopher. He had five codes that have been written into narrative. These are:

1. The Hermeneutic Code (HER) or 'Enigma Code'- mystery-keeps the audience guessing up until the final scene.
2. The Proairetic Code (ACT) or 'Action Code' also builds tension by indicating that something else is going to happen, this will make the audience guess what is going to happen next. The Hermeneutic Code and the Proairetic Code work together to develop the story's tension and keep the reader interested.
3. Semantic Code (SEM). This code refers to the connotation within a story that gives additional meaning to the basic meaning.
4. Symbolic Code (SYM). Similar to Semantic Code but acts at a wider level, organising semantic meanings into broader and deeper sets of meaning. This is done by the use of opposing and conflicting ideas.
5. Cultural Code (REF). Anything that is similar to us through a culture, setting or environment. This typically involves either science or religion.