Propp’s Theory

Vladimir Propp was a Russian and Soviet formalist scholar. There were only 8 characters types. The emphasis was on looking at characters not as representing real people but as functions whose role was to move the narrative forward.

1.     The Hero (seeks something)

2.     The Villian (opposes the hero

3.     The Donor (helps the hero by providing magic objects)

4.     The Dispatcher (sends the hero on his way)

5.     The False Hero( falsely assuming the role of hero)

6.     The Helper(gives support to the hero)

7.     The Princess(the reward for the hero but also needs to be protected from the Villian)

8.     Her Father (protects the princess)