Todorov and Propp’s theories

By J.Elsey and S.Hirasaki

Todorov’s Theory of Equilibrium and Disequilibrium

Part 1: EquilibriumEverything is how it should be.

By J.Elsey

Part 2: DisequilibriumThe state of equilibrium has been disrupted.

By J.Elsey

Part 3: RecognitionIt is recognised that a disruption has occurred.

By J.Elsey

Part 4: Fixing the ProblemAn attempt is made to fix the problem..

By J.Elsey

Part 4: Fixing the ProblemAn attempt is made to fix the problem..

By J.Elsey

Part 5: A New EquilibriumEverything is how it should be again, although there

may be a few differences.

By J.Elsey

Propp’s Character Theory

Hero Heroine Villain .

Wiseman/Helper(s) The Wizard Mentor Guy.

Usually the main character.

A protagonist who tries to

restore an equilibrium by

defeating the Villain and

possibly saving the

Heroine.

A friend of the Hero, who

usually needs saving after

being captured by the

Villain. Usually fully

befriends the Hero at the

end.

Another central character

who’s disrupting the

equilibrium and is opposed to

the Hero. Normally gets

defeated at the end of most

films and stories.

A helper of the

hero who gives the

Hero advice or

objects to help

him/her achieve

victory.

The character who usually

sets the quest in the first

place and may give help

along the way. May reward

the Hero at the end.

By J.Elsey

Kung Fu Panda 2 is an example of a movie that follows these theories…

The main character who is

initially not very heroic, but

eventually contributes to

the goal he shares with his

helpers and mentor, both of

whom he needs a lot. A

LOT.

Po the ‘Hero’

Peace is the Heroine

There is not one person

he’s trying to impress or

befriend in the film.

However his goal is to

restore peace and find out

about himself. Him

defeating Lord Shen, and

restoring peace could be

the ‘heroine’.

Lord Shen the Villain

OLord Shen, is a clear and

typical villain who’s trying

to gain power himself and

disrupt the normal way of

things. He’s determined to

defeat Po and his

comrades, and vice versa.

The Five Furious Helpers

The furious Five, a team of

fellow kung-fu veterans

help Po along the way,

albeit with a bit more skill

but less humour. They

each express different

fighting skills.

Master Shifu the Mentor

The tutor of the Furious

Five and Po, he’s set Po off

on two quests, despite his

initial lack of skill. Shifu has

helped and supported him

throughout.

By J.Elsey

Todorov’s theories is Kung Fu Panda 2…

Po living happily with his dad and his Kung Fu friends. And eating lots of stuff.

By S.Hirasaki

The wolves appear and attacks a village. Also Shen destroys Master Rhino with his cannon.

By S.Hirasaki

News of Master Rhino’s death reaches Po and the others.

By S.Hirasaki

Po and his Kung Fu family go away on an adventure to fight Shen.

By S.Hirasaki

Po defeats Shen and goes back to living with his dad, even though he realises that his dad is not his real dad.

By S.Hirasaki

Todorov’s and Propp’s theories apply to most films and stories. There may be a few exceptions but it’s a fairly widespread format. Thanks for viewing!