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Propp and todorov
- 1. Story? Narrative? Plot? What is narrative? While the term ‘narrative’ certainly is not used as commonly as ‘story’, most people know that it refers, in some way, to stories; in fact stories are endemic to our lives.
- 2. What is narrative then? Narrative has probably existed as long as human beings; it is likely that the stone age artists who drew 18,000 year old cave painting in the Ardeche, in France, expected narratives to be woven around their images. Because narrative seems to be such a truly universal aspect of the human race, it is impossible to completely discuss relevance to our existence. In media studies, we need to have a good working knowledge of narrative theories and debates.
- 3. Clued-up on Characters Or how to spot the key character types in ALL narrative stories (and include them in your own!)
- 4. Character types How many different character types can you name?
- 5. Lesson Aims: To understand and identify key character types within ALL narrative structures. To be able to apply your new understanding to your own favourite narrative.
- 6. Vladimir Propp’s Character Theory Vladimir Propp believes that the same essential TYPES of characters exists in ALL stories. The Hero – This is the main character whom the audience will recognise as the key person in the story. This character is usually a good person, who we want to succeed. The Villain – This character is the opposite to the Hero and is often there to create the disruption (Todorov) in the story. This character is usually bad. This can sometimes be a situation rather than a character The False Hero – This character pretends to support the main character in the story, and generally the audience will know this. However, the main character does not (dramatic irony). Sometimes this character also turns out to be the main villain. 6
- 7. Vladimir Propp’s Character Theory 2 The Helper – The main character usually has a companion who helps the main character, gives advice and supports them throughout their journey. The Donor – This character is similar to the role of the Helper. The character will give the main character something which helps him repair (Todorov) the problem in the story. The Princess – This character can be the reward for the Hero or the person whom the Hero and False Hero are in competition for. Just as with The Villain, this could also be a situation rather than an actual person. 7
- 8. Vladimir Propp’s Character Theory 3 The Father – Rewards the hero for his/her efforts. The Dispatcher – This is the character who sends the main character on his/her way. Perhaps they set a quest or mission for them to complete. 8
- 9. Batman Begins (Official Trailer) Make notes as you watch – which character fits into each of the character types? How do you know? Names of characters: Bruce Wayne/ Batman, Henri Ducard, Alfred Pennyworth, Rachel Dawes, Lucious Fox, The Scarecrow
- 10. Answers Here are the answers – but can you tell me why… HERO – Bruce Wayne / Batman VILLAIN – The Scarecrow FALSE HERO - Henri Ducard HELPER – Alfred Pennyworth DONOR – Lucious Fox PRINCESS – Rachel Dawes
- 11. Now fill out the Character Worksheet for a film of your choice. Try to explain why / how we know which character type each character is.
- 12. What do elements do all stories/films have? Common story elements
- 13. TODOROV’S THEORY Tzvetan Todorov believes that every narrative has the same five stages to it, based around the main character. Let’s take a look: Equilibrium Life is just right… Here, the main character’s life is balanced and normal. There have been no disruptions to the main character’s life…yet. The Shining: Family move into a hotel for the dads career. 1
- 14. TODOROV’S THEORY Disruption A problem disrupts… The main character’s life has suddenly been disrupted, shattering their previous equilibrium. The Shining: Child hears voices and sees ghosts and the mum sees that the father has become ‘different’… 2
- 15. TODOROV’S THEORY Recognition The main character realises… The main character now begins to realise that their situation has changed – and not for the better. The Shining: Father tries to kill his wife and son. 3
- 16. TODOROV’S THEORY Repair Repairing the situation begins… The main character now sets out to ‘right the wrongs’ and repair their situation, so that life can be as good as it was originally (equilibrium). The Shining: Wife and son try and escape the father. 4
- 17. TODOROV’S THEORY New Equilibrium The character has gained a NEW equilibrium … The main character has worked through the problems and as a result, have gained back their equilibrium. However – they have grown from their experience. Life is now BETTER than it was at the beginning of the narrative. The Shining: Wife and son get in a truck and drive away, escaping and living happily ever after. 5
- 18. The journey of the main character Equilibrium Disruption Recognition Repair New Eqilibrium Highs and lows of the main character Life is now better than before!
- 19. To sum up... Any story is essentially someone improving / better understanding themselves through adversity. If you think about it, this is exactly what life is! Think about a period of your life where life has been fine; it’s then been disrupted; you’ve recognised this and tried to repair the situation; you’ve grown as a person and improved your life as a result of this. Discuss in pairs. Be prepared to share with the class.
- 20. Why are we interested in stories? In the best narratives, we can identify with the main character’s situation. We’re pleased for them when they reach their ‘New Equilibrium’ because we have all had to do this in some point in our lives, too. We’ve all had to overcome challenges and have ‘grown’ as a result. If the narrative can make the audience identify with the main character and want them to improve their life, it is a good narrative. It’s that simple!
- 21. Applying the theory 1: Night and Day Note down the five stages as you watch this short film by Dreamworks...
- 22. Applying the theory... “Now have a go at applying Todorov’s narrative theory to your own favourite film.”
- 23. FEEDBACK Share your findings with the rest of the class.
- 24. Propp and Todorov homework Take photos of your (completed) worksheets from lesson and write up (in a paragraph or two) explaining both the theories as if to someone who hadn’t come across them before.
- 25. Plenary – Exit Card On your exit-card, write down: 1) The most important thing that you think you’ve learnt today. 2) One question you have that you’d like to answered in next lesson.
Editor's Notes
- Stanley – hero; main character and we want him to succeed. The Warden is the main villain, set out to ruin the lives of Stanley and the others – and take his treasure! Dr/ Mr Pendanski appears to be nice at the beginning, but we later learn that he is just as bad as The Warden / Mr Sir.
- Zero gradually becomes Stanley’s best friend and helper throughout the story. I’ve chosen Sam as The Donor because of his relationship with onions and their healing powers – Stanley and Zero eat these to stay alive; similarly, it is Sam’s capsized boat which keeps Zero safe. Kissing Kate could also be a donor (Sploosh peaches). The princess in this case is not a person but a prize – Stanley Yelnat’s great granddad’s treasure chest.
- Zero gradually becomes Stanley’s best friend and helper throughout the story. I’ve chosen Sam as The Donor because of his relationship with onions and their healing powers – Stanley and Zero eat these to stay alive; similarly, it is Sam’s capsized boat which keeps Zero safe. Kissing Kate could also be a donor (Sploosh peaches). The princess in this case is not a person but a prize – Stanley Yelnat’s great granddad’s treasure chest.
- If you’re not sure of the film – Henri Ducard is the False Hero because even though he trains Bruce Wayne and helps him to become ‘The Hero’, he later turns against Batman, revealing himself to be ‘Ra’s al Ghul’ - head of the League of Shadows and hater of Gotham City.