NARRATIVE THEORY:

PROPP AND CHARACTER

TYPES

STARTER QUESTION What is a possible link between these

characters?

VLADIMIR PROPP Propp was a Russian scholar who

analysed the basic plot components of Russian folk tales to identify their narrative elements.

He concluded that all the characters could be resolved into 7 character types.

1. THE HERO Leads the narrative, is usually looking for

something - a quest, or trying to solve something- a mystery. Does not have to be male.

Example: Batman from Batman

2. THE VILLAIN Has a conflict with the hero and tries to

stop them from succeeding.

Example: The Joker from Batman

3. THE DONOR Gives the hero something - a clue, a

talisman, a special power - which helps them complete their quest.

Example: Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars

4. THE PRINCESS Is usually a prize or reward for the

hero. If the hero is female, there can be a price but this is unusual.

Example: Princess Fiona from Shrek

5. T HE HELPER Helps the hero, often acts as a sidekick

Example: Donkey from Shrek

6. THE PRINCESS’ FATHER An authority figure who offers a

reward to the hero for completing their quest. That reward might be a prince, a princess or in more modern narratives, a new car.

Example: The Sultan from Aladdin

7. THE FALSE HERO The false hero takes credit for the

hero’s actions or tries to marry the princess.

Example: Prince Charming from Shrek