The document summarizes the narrative structure theories of Todorov and Propp. Todorov's theory includes five stages: equilibrium, disruption, recognition of disruption, attempt to repair disruption, and return to a new equilibrium. Propp's theory includes seven character types (hero, villain, helper, donor, princess, false hero, dispatcher) and seven stages of the hero's journey (preparation, complication, transference, struggle, return, recognition). Examples are given of how these theories can be applied to analyze stories and characters. Claude Levi-Strauss is also mentioned for his structuralist approach to analyzing myths based on binary oppositions like good vs evil.

1. Todorov and Propp

2. Narrative Structure
TODOROV
• Equilibrium
• Disruption
• Recognition of
disruption
• Attempt to repair
disruption
• A return or
restoration of
new equilibrium
PROPP
• Preperation
• Complication
• Transference
• Struggle
• Return
• Recognition

3. Propps 7 character types
• Hero
• Villain
• Helper
• Donor
• Princess
• False hero
• Dispatcher

4. Definition of 7 character types
• Hero-Who seeks something, tries to save others. For example Superman
• Villain-Tries to prevent the Hero from reaching his goal, for example
Voldemort in Harry Potter
• Helper-who aids the Hero through his quest, for example Dory in Finding Nemo
• Donor-Gives the hero some form of magical object, for example the Genie in
Aladin
• Dispatcher-Character who makes the lack known and sends the Hero, for
example obi wan Kenobi in Star Wars
• Princess-Damsel in distress character, usually marries the Hero and the one he
fights for throughout the film, for example Cinderella and Prince Charming
• False Hero- Perceived as a good character in the beginning but emerges as evil,
for example stinky Pete in Toy Story 2.

5. Applying Propps theory
• Propps theory can be applied in all matters of circumstance
• For example, in the news audience are expressed as ‘Heroes’ and
‘Villains’
Adolf Hitler-VILLAIN
Oskar Shindler-Hero

6. Applying Todorovs theory
1st stage-Equilibrium
2nd stage-Disruption
3rd stage-Resolution
One of the protagonists is writing
a column on how to loose a guy
in 10 days and chooses this man
as her victim. The male
protagonist bets his co-workers
he can make a woman fall in love
with him in 10 days, and chooses
the female as his choice.
After 10 days both protagonists
discover their feelings for each
other however they separate
after finding out the true
meaning of their ‘relationship’ at
the end of their 10 day target.
The women leaves a heartfelt
message to the male and leaves
town, however is stopped by the
male and they kiss and fall in
love.

7. Pt.2
Stage 1-Equilibrium
4 friends decide to venture to Las
Vegas for a stag do 2 days before
the stags marriage
Stage 2-Disruption
They wake up drugged with no
recollection of the night before with
the stag lost. They encounter some
people which only seem to bring
more trouble.
Stage 3-Resolution
After sudden realisation they find
the stag and return just in time for
the wedding

8. Claude Levi-Strauss
• This theorist studied multiple myths from around the world.
• He presented people and evens through the understanding of binary
opposition, which set opposite values
• He wasn’t concerned of the order of events but in more depth their
theme.
• Examples;
GOOD VS EVIL
BOY VS GIRL
PEACE VS WAR