2. 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, 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.
The Dispatcher– The hero is sent off on the mission by the dispatcher. The dispatcher has to overcome the
hero’s reluctance and objections
3. Vladimir Propp believes that the same
essential TYPES of characters exists in ALL stories.
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 like 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.
The Princess father – This character is naturally protective of the princess and this may place him in competition
with the hero. Alternatively, the role of princess’s father and dispatcher many combine to send the hero off on
quest.
