The document analyzes the film Sing Street in relation to Todorov's Narrative Theory and Propp's Character Theory. It summarizes that while Sing Street does not follow all aspects of Todorov's theory regarding narrative structure, it aligns with some elements such as disruption. It also argues that several characters in Sing Street, such as Connor and his bandmates, can fulfill roles in Propp's theory of character archetypes like the hero and helper. Overall, the document determines that while not a perfect match, Sing Street corresponds with key parts of both Todorov and Propp's theories of narrative and characters.

1. Sing Street Analysis
Todorov’s Narrative Theory
Lauren Whyte

2. Todorov’s
Narrative
Theory
Tzetan Todorov produced a theory in 1969 which he
believed to be able to be applied to any film. He
believed that all films followed the same narrative
pattern. Todorov believe that all films went through
the following stages called: the equilibrium,
disruption (also known as the disequilibrium),
recognition, solving/reaction and restoration.

3. Equilibrium
Sing Street does not begin with a state of equilibrium as
we see Connor and his family discussing how they are
having a financial crisis which results in an argument
revolving around him having to move schools. As a result
of the film not beginning with equilibrium this straight
away suggests that Sing Street may not follow the exact
structure of Todorov’s Narrative Theory.

4. Disruption
Disruption occurs at the very beginning of the film as
Connor is forced to enter a new state school as apposed to
his previous private school. Connor is not used to school
being this way as he is greeting by fight scenes, foul
behavior and even a younger boy running around with a
rat on a stick.
Similarly, the disruption occurs even further as Connor
lays eyes on Raphina – a beautiful girl whose heart he
wants to win. Raphina isn't interested in Connor until she
finds out he has a “band”. However, Connor does not have
one.

5. Recognition
Connor realises that in order to win over Raphina, he
needs to put together a band. She was only interested in
him when he told her that he may be in a band. As
Raphina is a model, she has interest in being featured in
the bands music videos. As a result of this realisation,
Connor realises he must embark on a mission to put
together a successful band.

6. Reaction
Initially, Connor reacts to Raphina only paying interest
in him for his band by looking for potential band
members. He finds another character that can help him
to form the band and they then hold auditions to find the
perfect members for the type of band that they are
looking for.

7. Restoration
The initial sense of restoration comes from when Connor
forms a futuristic band. His small band begin to work on
some music together after auditions have been carried
out. The song that they begin to work on slowly starts to
come together.
Next, the band meets with Raphina to put together the
music video for their newly generated song. Raphina
arrives and they film a good music video for their song.
Raphina is impressed and wants to work with the band
again to film another music video. Equilibrium is then
restored as Connor gets to spend more time with
Raphina.

8. Sing Street Analysis
Propps Character Theory
Lauren Whyte

9. Propp’s
Character
Theory
Vladimir Propp believed that every narrative has the following
character types:
 the villain, who struggles with the hero (formally known as
the antagonist)
 the donor, who prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical
object
 the helper, helps the hero in the quest
 the Princess, a sought-for person (and/or her father), who exists as
a goal and often recognizes and marries hero and/or punishes
villain
 the false hero (or antihero or usurper), who claims to be the hero,
often seeking and reacting like a real hero (ie by trying to marry
the princess)
 the dispatcher, sends the hero off on his way
 the hero, who departs on a search (seeker-hero), reacts to the
donor and weds the princess

10. TheVillain
The villain in any narrative would be seen as the
character that fights against the hero. During Sing
Street the villain can potentially be seen as Brother
Baxter as he is constantly going after Connor. However,
this doesn't fully fit the description of Propp’s idea of a
villain as Brother Baxter is not fighting against a hero.
Instead, he is seen putting Connors head in a sink and
forcing him to walk around barefoot at school.
TheVillain

11. The(Magical)
Helper
A helper is the character that will help the hero during
their quest. During Sing Street I believe that the helper
role could potentially have been filled by any of Connors
band mates also. This is because the band mates help
Connor perfect his music which helps his ultimate goal of
getting with Raphina. As a result of this, Sing Street does
fit Propp's theory to a certain degree.

12. TheDonor
The donor of a narrative would be the character who
prepares the hero or gives them a magical object.
Furthermore, in Sing Street, I believe that Connors band
mates could have potentially fitted this role too as they
prepared Connor for dating Raphina. Due to this, Sing
Street could potentially follow Propp’s theory as a result.

13. ThePrincess
A princess is usually the character that is sought for
during the narrative and ends up marrying the hero. In
Sing Street, there is a clear princess character –
Raphina. Raphina is sought for during the narrative by
Connor, who is madly in love with her. Due to this, Sing
Street would follow this theory.

14. TheFalseHero
The false hero of a narrative is the character who is
perceived as good at the start of the film, yet as it
progresses it becomes clear that they are in fact evil.
During Sing Street I do not believe that there was a false
hero character as the characters who were perceived to
be innocent and good, stayed this way throughout the
remainder of the musical film. Due to this I believe Sing
Street goes against Propp’s theory.

15. TheDispatcher
The dispatcher of a narrative is the character who sends
the hero off on their way. This role could have been filled
by Connor’s brother Brendan, as at the end of the film he
sends Raphina and Connor off on their way to escape
Ireland. However, he would be sending off both the hero
and the princess. As a result of this character being
potentially present, Sing Street once again could agree
with Propp’s theory.

16. TheHero
Finally, the hero of a narrative is the character who
reacts to the donor and marries the princess. During Sing
Street I believe that the hero role could potentially be
filled by Connor. This is because he fights for his love,
Raphina, and would do anything to impress her and win
her heart. As a result of this, I would agree that Sing
Street can follow Propp’s theory.

17. Conclusion
To conclude, I believe that Propp’s Character Theory does
partially apply to Sing Street. Propp states that most
narratives have a certain set of character roles and Sing
Street posses most of these roles when you think about
the characters in depth. Due to the majority of roles
being filled in Sing Street, I believe that the musical fits
Propp’s theory to a certain degree.