2. Vladimir Propp’s theory
Vladimir analyzed a series of Russian folk tales in the 1920s and decided that
the events that occur were being repeated in each of the stories. Therefore
creating a framework for the stories and writing. He studied language as part
of his analysis of folk tales. He broke down tales into the smallest units, which
he called narratemes, or narrative functions which is important for narrative to
exist. Each of the narrateme is an event and it helps to carry narrative forward.
He suggested that there are categories for each character and they are
separate from the narrative functions.
3. The character categories are:
Villain - struggles with the hero (known as the antagonist)
The donor – provides an object to help with some magical property
The helper – helps the hero
Princess - tends to be a goal and reward for the hero and is the object of the villains
plans/schemes
Princess’ father – rewards the hero
Dispatcher – sends the hero on his way
Hero - goes on a search or the character which seeks something and they have moral
connotations
False hero - claims to be the hero and tends to seek and react like a hero (by trying to marry the
princess)
4. Final points about Vladimir Propp
His theory implies that in all texts there are these main character types that can be found.
Therefore all stories are based upon a similar foundation and they can be found in a
variety of different media. Such as texts and different films.
He also suggests that there is more order for the characters than what meets the eye. For
an example the punishment for the villain always occurs at the end of the story. Then the
forbidding of some kind of law or act always comes at the beginning so that the villain or
somebody is able to break it to get their punishment at the end of the story/text.
Propp’s theory is connected to the times and social orders and in many cases the hero
does not have to be male and can be female. He tried to uncover structures that were
beneath the surface of texts and stories. His ideas remind the audience that the
characters are not real and that they must be understood as roles to play just for the
storyline. Also that the suggested character categories can be easily used and stick to a
particular character.
5. Sources used:
Website -
http://www.mediaknowall.com/as_alevel/alevkeyconcepts/alevelkeycon.ph
p?pageID=propp
Book- The media student's book second addition by Gill Branston and Roy
Stafford - Second addition published in 2000
