Vladimir Propp's Character Theory.

Recently, we were asked to research into the life of Vladimir Propp and his theory on characters. We found the theory useful as it enables audience to avoid treating characters as if they’re individuals and reminds us that they’re merely constructs. As well as this, some characters are indeed just there to progress the narrative.

Propp’s theory relies on the idea that characters are either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ but are all narratives about struggles between good and bad, between heroes and villains?

Propp's Character Theory

Character Type	Definition	Example
The hero	generally leads the narrative story of the hero usually looking for something and succeeds	Shrek - Shrek Maverick – Top Gun
The villain	struggles against the hero turns audience against him/her lack of morals seeks to prevent success	Lord Farquaad – Shrek Ice Man – Top Gun
The donor	gives the hero something special – enables him to complete the quest combined with a helper	Dragon – Shrek Viper – Top Gun
The helper	hero is supported on a quest – provides support and guidance ‘side kick’ limitations to power	Donkey – Shrek Goose – Top Gun
The princess	may take two forms – object/reward maybe seen very little – usually at the end pursues many	Princess Fiona – Shrek
The princess’ Father	gives the task to the hero not clearly protective distinguished competition with hero for daughter’s affections	The King – Shrek
The dispatcher	sends hero on the mission may be combined with another role	Lord Farquaad - Shrek
The false hero	acts heroically steals real hero’s thunder	Prince Charming – Shrek Stinger – Top Gun`
The rogue hero?	following Pirates of the Caribbean, Will Turner is the hero but the story is about Jack Sparrow	Will Turner – Jack Sparrow – Pirates of the Caribbean