Propps Narrative StructureLesson ObjectiveWhat is Propps Narrative theory?

Starter

Name all the narrative structuresName all the camera angles

OpenClosedInteractive EnigmaPOVMultistrandCircularAbstract

The Narrative Ideas of Vladimir Propp (1895-1970).Propp claimed that no matter how different stories may appear, they usually have similar characters who do similar things.

Spheres of Action:Valadimir Propp therefore claimed that characters in a story could usually be fitted into eight character roles which he called spheres of action.

A character in a story may fulfil more than one role or sphere of action.

(1) The Hero.In a story, this was often a main or central character (protagonist). He usually seeks out something, or someone, in the story. He is maybe motivated by a lack of something (e.g. money).

(2) The Villain.He/she opposes the hero! This is the evil character with evil plans.

(3) The Princess.The Princess is often a reward for the hero! She may be the object of the Villains evil scheming.

Traditionally she is attractive or pretty not least to the hero!

(4) Father of the Princess.Rewards the hero!

He is part of the family that the Princess belongs too.

(5) The False Hero!This is a character who may at first appear good but is really evil!

He/she may try to betray the good guys.

(6) The Helper.

He/she aids the hero!

(7) The Donor.This is character who provides an object that helps the Hero (or another character).

Often the object has magic qualities.

(8) The Dispatcher.Sends the Hero on his way, with a mission.

The VillainThis is the character who struggles against the hero. Typically, with some sort of scarring. The villain will usually wear dark and mysterious colours, and not very attractive. This is to juxtapose between the hero and the villain; to highlight their differences.The villain in the picture is of The Joker who provides an evil presence in the movie: The Dark Knight

The DispatcherThe character who invites the hero to eliminate the evil.The dispatcher in the picture is of the character Nick Fury in Avengers Assemble. He collects the hero(s) in order to send them off to fight the evil presence.

The HelperThe character who helps the hero fight against evil.The Helper in the picture is Robin in Batman and Robin, he helps the hero by providing a physical presence in order to destroy the villain.

The PrincessThe character who needs to be rescued from the evil villain.The Princess in the picture is of Gwen Stacey in The Amazing Spiderman. She is taken by the villain and must be rescued by the hero.

The DonorThe character who offers some sort of help to the hero by providing an object(s) that will help the hero in his/her quest.The donor in the picture is of the character Lucius Fox in Batman Begins. He helps the hero (Batman) by providing him with weapons and armoury.

The HeroThe most common character typeThe character who eliminates the villain and weds the princess.The example I have used is of Spiderman in which he eventually defeats the evil and weds the princess (Mary-Jane Watson)

Watch the trailer of ShrekCan you apply the theory in Shrek?

Cut out the charactersStick them next to the descriptionExplain how the theory applies to Propps theory?

Characters