Narrative of The Shawshank Redemption

Film structure

Equilibrium (the setting is established) - Andy is in prison for murdering his wife

Disruption (the story takes a particular direction) - Andy claims he is innocent and begins to make friends, in-particular a man named Red

Recognition of disruption (characters and events are interwoven) - Years progress and Andy becomes a victim of violence from fellow prisoners and is helping the Warden with organizing his finances, it is revealed to the audience that Andy is in fact innocent

Attempt to repair (try to solve the issue) - Andy escapes prison and reveals that the Warden has been breaking the law

Reinstatement of equilibrium (matters are sorted out, problems are resolved and questions are answered) - Andy's friend Red is released so Red travels to find Andy and when he does they begin their fresh start

Main structure of characters

Hero (main character, on some sort of mission) - Andy

Villain (seeks to stop the hero) - Warden Norton

Donor/Mentor (gives the hero information and helps them) - Red

Helper (companion of the hero but doesn't always complete the mission themselves) - Brooks