Narrative Theory: Syd Field and Claude Levi-Strauss

The Three Act Structure 

Writer, Syd Field identified that Hollywood films are structured in "three acts":

1. The Set-Up is the first act and happens in the first twenty to thirty minutes before the character experiences a "plot point" that gives him/her a goal to achieve. This "plot point" can be compared to Todorov's theory during the process of disruption where enigmas are created. In Eminem's "Stan", the first major plot point that is worth noticing is when Dido finds Stan's 'secret' basement filled with Eminem posters/pictures. It is at this point that the issues escalate and enigmas must be solved. The protagonist's main goal is to hear back from his idol, Eminem.
2. The Confrontation period is the second act whereby half the movie's running time must be taken up with the character's struggle to achieve the goal. This time is spent watching Stan writing another letter to Eminem asking for a response and talking about previous experiences at his concerts/backstage etc. However, Field also suggests that there is a "mid-point"; a more subtle turning point that happens in Act II (the confrontation) which often has an apparently devastating reversal of fortune for the character. This happens when the fan mail goes missing and Stan becomes frustrated because he is expecting a response. 
3. The Climax occurs in the final quarter of the film, it is the third act. This act depicts a climatic struggle by the protagonist to finally achieve (or sometimes, not achieve) his/her goal. It also displays the aftermath of this struggle. If the protagonist does not achieve their goal then it can be said that is is a closed text according to Barthes. In the music video, Stan takes out his anger on Dido and drives the car off of a bridge and into a river.

Claude Levi-Strauss and Binary Oppositions

Levi-Strauss argued that a structure of narrative was a dependance on binary oppositions. He said that there was always a conflict between two qualities or terms- the dominant and the subordinate.

Dominant

Middle-aged

Men

White

Able-bodied

Middle/upper class

Regional identity: the South East (i.e. London) 

Heterosexual

Subordinate

Young/old

Women

Ethnic groups i.e. black/asian

Disabled

Working class

Regional identity: the rest of England

Homosexual

In terms of "Stan", the powerful character is a white, able-bodied, heterosexual man whereas the evidently weaker character, Dido is a woman and is therefore subordinate. However the character that is mostly in control (Eminem) falls under most of the characteristics of the dominant group in society which is why he has such an effect on Stan and his life/relationship.