Roland Barthes Theory

Narrative works with 5 codes:

1. The action or proairetic
2. The enigma or hermeneutic
3. The semic
4. The symbolic
5. The cultural or referential

The enigma code is the most famous as we use this to make guesses as to know how the narrative will finish, therefore providing pleasure for the audience.

The Hermeneutic code

Part of the story that's not fully explained. They exist as enigmas or questions that the audience wishes to be resolved. A detective story is a narrative that operates by the hermeneutic code. A criminal act is shown and the remained of the narrative is devoted to answering questions raised by the initial event. 

In order to maintain interest, the final truth is not revealed until the end and some devices are used to conceal it-

1. The snare: A deliberate avoidance of the truth- A tease or an implication that sends the audience down a wrong path.
2. Partial answers: Revealing some of the final truths- This is actually used to create suspense.
3. Equivocation: A mixture of truth or snare- Usually further muddying the water.
4. Jamming: Suggesting that the problem may be unsolvable.

Proairetic Code

The proairetic code- actions that imply further action/reaction. E.g. a character has an argument and the readers wonder what the resolution or outcome of this argument will be. This creates suspense/ tension as the audience wonder what the outcome will be and make guesses.