Propp’s Character theory Paula Graham

Who was Vladimir Propp?

Vladimir Propp founded the idea that a certain type of

character was to be used in every narrative structure. His

theory has influenced many filmmakers to writing and

producing successful films. Propp also suggested that all

fairy tales follow a specific narrative structure.

8 Character types

Propp suggested that every narrative has eight different character types, these character

types are:

1. The hero – is the most common character type, who normally fights the villain, and weds

the princess.

2. The villain – this character type normally fights the hero and is shown as the hero’s

binary opposite.

3. The princess – this character type always needs to be rescued from the evil villain.

4. The donor - this character type offers some sort of help to the hero by providing an

object that will help the hero in their quest .

5. The helper - this character type helps the hero fight against evil

6. The princesses father - this character type gives the task to the hero and identifies the

false hero. Also gives permission for the hero to marry the princess.

7. The false hero - this character type takes credit for the hero’s actions or tries to marry

the princess

8. The dispatcher - this character type makes the evil known and sends the hero on

his/her quest

Propp’s theory of character

My representation of Propp’s character theory

I agree with Propp's character theory as I can pick out the eight different character

types in films. I believe that Propp’s character theory is about identifying

characters and it is the building block for most films. I also think that films will not

be able to progress without it. In all movies I can see the 8 character types, for

example, in Shrek I can easily identify the 8 character types. The hero is Shrek

who needs to solve the crime of why the fairytale creatures are illegally camping

outside of his swamp. The villain is Lord Farquaad who sent the fairytale creatures

to Shrek's swamp. He sends Shrek to rescue his princess from the castle and as a

reward, he will give Shrek his swamp exactly how it was. The princess is Princess

Fiona and she is saved by Shrek from the castle, who she believes is her prince for

saving her, but he tells her that Lord Farquaad will be her prince. She finds out that

Shrek is an ogre. The helper is Donkey who accompanies Shrek throughout the

journey to rescue the princess. The donor is not a particular person but a magical

dragon who helps stops the wedding of Lord Farquaad and Fiona when Shrek

realises he loves her, and finds out that she is an ogre too. The False hero is Lord

Farquaad because he earned the princess even though he had to get Shrek to

complete the mission to save her from the castle, however Shrek and Fiona end

up in love.