Vladimir Propp

Vladimir Propp was a Russian critic who examined 100s of folk tales to see if they shared any structures. Through his studies Propp was able to identify 8 character roles and 32 narrative functions.

CHARACTERS

1. The hero (seeks something)
2. The villain (opposes the hero)
3. The donor (helps hero by providing magical object)
4. The dispatcher (sends the hero on his way)
5. The false hero (falsely assuming the role of the hero)
6. The helper (gives the hero support)
7. The princess (hero’s reward but also needs protection from the villain)
8. The father (of the princess)

NARRATIVE FUNCTIONS

The 32 narrative functions are split into 6 main categories:

1. Preparation (or 1^st sphere) – introductory sequence
2. Complication (2^nd sphere) – body of the story
3. Transference (3^rd sphere) – donor sequence, magic agent is obtained
4. Struggle (4^th sphere) – hero’s return
5. Return (still 4^th sphere)
6. Recognition

The character roles and the functions identified by Propp can be applied to all kinds of narrative. For example, in TV news programmes we are often presented with 'hereos' and 'villains'. This is also the case for many films we watch, there is often a hero, with an oppsing character trying to disrupt the order of things.