Vladimir Propp was a scholar who proposed that narratives follow a structure involving 8 character types: the hero, villain, donor, dispatcher, false hero, helper, princess, and the princess's father. Propp suggested all stories contain a struggle where the hero is harmed but ultimately overcomes the villain, restoring order. He also noted stories typically include a recognition scene where the hero is recognized, false characters are exposed, false heroes may be punished, and the hero receives their reward. Propp's theory has influenced many successful film narratives by providing a template for key characters and plot points.

2. Vladimir Propp was a literary
critic and a scholar who
found the idea that certain
types of character was to be
used in every narrative
structure. His theory has
influenced many filmmakers to
writing and producing
successful narratives.

3. He suggested that every narrative has
8 different characters types:
The hero A character that seeks something, who’s some sort of
quest or mission.
The villain It’s the character who stops the hero from succeeding. He
will do what ever it takes to not let the hero win.
The donor Who provides something like special power to help complete
the hero’s quest.
The dispatcher Who sends the hero on his/her quest.
The false hero Who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims
The helper Who aids the hero. Helper would work along side the hero
helping with their mission.
The princess Acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the
villain’s plots.
Her father Who acts to reward the hero for his effort.

4. Example: Fast & Furious 6

5. Hero Vin Diesel
Dominic Toretto
Is the one who is send to the mission
to catch the villain
Helper PaulWalker
Brian O’Conner
He helps the hero to catch the villain
and stand next to him
Dispatcher Dwayne Johnson
Hobbs
He is the one who send the hero to
catch the villain instead he will get
back a princess
Villain Luke Evans
Shaw
He is the one who the hero is after
and he keeps princess away from him
False Hero Gina Carano
Riley
Pretend to be a good with dispatcher,
but in the end you see her true colours
Donor Ludacris
Tej
Provides cars for hero and his helpers
to go complete a mission
Princess Michelle Rodriguez
Letty
She the one which the hero wants
back

6. In a struggle scene Propp
suggested this theory:
• There is a struggle between the hero
and the villain
• The hero is banded
• The villain is overcome
• The state of disorder is settled

7. And the recognition scene:
• At this stage in the film the hero is
recognised
• Or the false hero or villain is unmasked
• As well as the false hero could be punished in
this scene
• Or hero attains the reward and they live
happily ever after