AFTER STUDYING 100 FAIRYTALES; CHARACTER THEORY

VLADIMIR PROPP

VLADIMIR PROPP

After studying 100 fairytales, Vladimir Propp developed a character theory for studying media texts and productions. Prop discovered that all characters fall into 7 board character types, all of which can be found in a variety of different media.

SPHERE OF ACTION The typical characters he found were:The Hero – a character that seeks something. The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest. The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties. The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a

message. The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making

false claims. The Helper – who aids the hero. 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.

THE STRUGGLE SCENE

In a struggle scene Vladimir Propp suggested this theory:

•There is a struggle between the hero and the villain.

•The hero is branded.

• The villain is overcome.

• The state of disorder is settled.

THE RECOGNITION SCENE

And the recognition scene:•At this stage in the film the hero is recognized (an action film, like superman).• Or the false hero or villain is unmasked (a horror film scene).• As well as the false hero could be punished in this scene(a cops and robbers scene).•Or the hero attains the reward (princess/ kingdom)... and they live happily ever after. (a fairytale)

EXAMPLE OF THE THEORY