The document discusses narrative structure and character types according to Todorov and Propp's theories. It provides examples of how Propp's model applies to the plot of Star Wars, describing the preparation, complication, transference, struggle, return, and recognition stages. It also outlines Propp's seven character types - hero, villain, helper, mentor, dispatcher, blocker, and prize.

1. Objectives By the end of today’s lesson you will be able to: Understand both Todorov and Propp’s ideas on narrative and character theory and use to analyse a text Understand the variety of ways to construct film narrative

2. Narrative Structure Propp Preparation Complication Transference Struggle Return Recognition Todorov Equilibrium Disruption Recognition of disruption Attempt to repair disruption A return or restoration of NEW equilibrium

3. Propp’s theory says... Star Wars PREPARATION a community or family is in an ordered state of being COMPLICATION the villain harms a member of the hero’s family the hero plans action against the villain TRANSFERENCE the hero is given a magical gift the hero arrives at the place he can fulfil his quest STRUGGLE there is a struggle between the hero and the villain RETURN the hero escapes a task is set for the hero the hero accomplishes the task RECOGNITION the hero is rewarded

5. Propp’s theory says... Star wars PREPARATION a community or family is in an ordered state of being Luke is happy at home on the farm with his aunt and uncle, although he would like to go to flying school. They buy C3P0 and R2D2 COMPLICATION the villain harms a member of the hero’s family While meeting Obi-Wan, the Empire (under orders from Darth Vader) has killed Luke’s family. The Empire have also kidnapped Princess Leia the hero plans action against the villain Luke agrees to travel with Obi-Wan to return plans to the Rebellion and therefore revenging himself against the Empire TRANSFERENCE the hero is given a magical gift Obi-Wan gives Luke his father’s light sabre and tells him he must learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi the hero arrives at the place he can fulfil his quest After hiring Han Solo and Chewbacca, they arrive at Alderaan but it has been destroyed by the Death Star; the Millennium Falcon is captured by the Empire STRUGGLE there is a struggle between the hero and the villain After a fight with the Empire Luke and Han rescue Leia; Obi-Wan fights Darth Vader but is ‘killed’ RETURN the hero escapes The Millennium Falcon with Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie and the Droids with the Death Star plans escape and return to the rebel base a task is set for the hero Luke and the other pilots must destroy the Death Star before it is in range to destroy the rebel base the hero accomplishes the task Luke, with spiritual help from Obi-Wan and the Force, manages to destroy the Death Star; he is helped by Han RECOGNITION the hero is rewarded Luke and Han are given medals for their part in destroying the Death Star

6. Good and evil are balanced in the universe. Luke Skywalker is a farm boy. A princess is captured. Luke finds out about his father The Deathstar destroys a world. Luke gets a message from the princess. They witness a world destroyed. Luke and his friends board the Deathstar, rescue the princess and then attempt to destroy the Deathstar. The Deathstar is destroyed, Luke is rewarded. Balance is returned to the universe.

7. Propp’s Seven Character Types Hero Villain Helper Mentor Dispatcher Blocker Prize

8. Hero Accompanies the hero for some or most of the quest and can sometimes help. Villain Sends the hero on his/her quest. Helper Gives the hero important information or equipment to help him/her in the quest Mentor Seeks riches, glory and or power, and seeks to stop the hero succeeding in the quest or mission. Blocker Acts as a reward for the hero succeeding in the quest. Prize The central protagonist of the narrative who drives it forward. Dispatcher Tries to prevent the hero completing at least part of the quest.

9. The Hero The central protagonist of the narrative who drives it forward and has some kind of quest or mission to undertake in return for a reward. Traditionally male, e.g. Fireman Sam, but can be female, e.g. Mulan.

10. The Villain Seeks riches, glory and or power, and seeks to stop the hero succeeding in the quest or mission, while presenting a genuine threat. The sometimes want the heroine themselves. Can be male or female.

11. The Helper Accompanies the hero for some or most of the quest and can sometimes help, but cannot by themselves complete the quest. E.g. Samwise Gamgee.

12. The Mentor Gives the hero important information or equipment to help him/her in the quest. They are often represented as wise or having magical powers, but can’t do the quest without the hero, e.g. Obi-won Kenobi.

13. The Prize (Heroine) Acts as a reward for the hero suceeding in the quest. In older, more stereotypical narratives the heroine is a passive princess and female. In modern narratives the heroine can be more fiesty.

14. Wizard of Oz Kansas Oz Hero: Dorothy Hero: Dorothy Villain: Miss Gulch Villain: Wicked Witch of the West Donor: Professor Marvel Donors: Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, Cowardly Lion False Hero: Wizard

15. Propp’s Character Types Character Type Example Hero Villain Prize Mentor Helper Blocker Dispatcher Your Own Your Own

16. Other Narrative Functions Flash back Flash forward Chronological Non-chronological