How can the typology of detective fiction be classified?

Sure. The typology of detective fiction can be divided into different categories. For example, the classic detective story often features a brilliant detective, like Sherlock Holmes. There are also hard - boiled detective novels which usually have a tough and cynical detective in a gritty urban setting. And then there are cozy mysteries which are more light - hearted, often set in small communities with amateur detectives.

Tzvetan Todorov classifies detective fiction based on the relationship between the real and the fictional within the narrative. He looks at how the crime is presented as a disruption of the fictional world's order.

The main types include the classic whodunit. In this type, the mystery is about finding out who committed the crime. Another is the detective - as - outsider type, where the detective is not part of the mainstream society he or she is investigating. And there's the crime - caper type which focuses on the planning and execution of a crime as well as the subsequent investigation.

Todorov's typology of detective fiction basically breaks down the genre into certain elements. It has things like the initial equilibrium, the disruption of that equilibrium by a crime, the investigation which is the search for restoring the equilibrium, and finally the restoration of order. For example, in many classic detective stories, the town or community is at peace (equilibrium) until a murder occurs (disruption). The detective then starts to investigate, interviewing suspects and gathering clues. Eventually, the mystery is solved and peace is restored.

The main feature of Todorov typology in detective fiction is the concept of equilibrium and disequilibrium. At the start, there is an equilibrium which is disrupted by a crime (disequilibrium). Then, the detective tries to restore the equilibrium through investigation.

Todorov typology has a significant impact on the plot development in detective fiction. The idea of an initial equilibrium means that the story begins in a somewhat predictable state. When the crime occurs and disrupts this equilibrium, it creates a series of events that need to be resolved. The detective's actions, investigations, and deductions are all part of the process of getting back to the equilibrium. This structure gives the plot a clear direction. For example, in a classic detective story, the murder (the disequilibrium) sets off a chain of events. The detective interviews suspects, visits crime scenes, and follows up on leads. Each of these actions is a step towards restoring the equilibrium and resolving the plot. Without this typology, detective fiction plots might lack the clear structure and progression that readers often expect.

Todorov's typology has influenced modern detective stories in terms of structure. Many modern stories still follow the pattern of an initial disruption and then a resolution. For example, a crime is committed at the start and the detective works towards solving it.

The key elements are equilibrium, disruption, investigation, and restoration. First, there's the equilibrium which sets the normal state. Then the disruption, often a crime, that breaks this normalcy. After that, the investigation to solve the mystery, and finally the restoration of the original state or equilibrium.

In Todorov's typology, one main element is the initial state of equilibrium which is disrupted. For example, in a classic detective story, a murder occurs which shatters the normal, peaceful state of a community. Another element is the investigation process. The detective uses various means like interviewing witnesses, examining the crime scene. And finally, there is the restoration of equilibrium when the mystery is solved and the criminal is caught.

One main point is the distinction between the two storylines in detective fiction: the story of the crime itself and the story of the investigation. The former exists before the narrative begins and the latter is what unfolds during the narrative.