Vladimir Propp’s Character Theory

Vladimir Propp’s Character Theory

Propp’s was a literary critic and a scholar from Russia, who researched the basic plot of Russian folktales. While doing so he founded the idea that in every narrative structure, it consists of 7 typical character types and 31 narrative functions that follow a simple plot. 

The Hero

Traditionally a male protagonist (the main character) whose role to restore the equilibrium, by defeating the villain and winning the love of the heroine.   

The villain

The cause of disruption and the enemy of the hero, this character may be a treat to the safety of the heroine  

The dispatcher

The character that sends the hero on a quest to restore equilibrium, often this overlaps with the princess’s father.

The Donor   

The character prepares the hero and gifts the hero with a magical object to help them on their quest

The helper

A companies and assists the hero in resorting the equilibrium, especially in critical moments in the narrative, proving help.

The Heroine  

Traditionally female who tends to be passive and a vulnerable character, threatened by the villain and needs saving by the hero.     

The False Hero

The character is perceived as a good in the beginning of the narrative however later discovered as evil.