PROPP’S 7 SPHERES OF ACTION

The Hero The marriage counsellor in our narrative serves as the hero, she resolves the disruption by counselling the couple through their problems

The Villain Jake is the villain, he is portrayed as an immoral “bad guy”

The Donor -

The Dispatcher The marriage counsellor also acts as the dispatcher, ordering Somer to get her life together

The False Hero Somer friends are the false hero’s. They advise her, without genuinely ensuring she does the right thing.

The Princess Both Somer and Shakeel are the narrative princesses. Somer needs to be saved from her downward spiralling behaviour, Shakeel needs to be saved from Somers ill treatment.

The Helper The marriage counsellor is the helper. She helps to resolve the problem.

TODOROV’S CASUAL TRANSFORMATION CODE

Preparation Somer and Shakeel and their daughter, living a happy married life

Complication Jake is employed as Somers apprentice/assistant teacher.

Transference Somer is absent often, Shakeel begins to suspect something is wrong.

Struggle Somer and Shakeels neighbour inform Shakeel that she has seen Somer with another man

Return/Recognition Somer and Shakeel attend a marriage counsellor; the end resolution is left as suspense.