Propp's Theory

Vladimir Propp said that characters take up the role of narrative ‘spheres of action’.  He identified 8 different characters necessary to make up a narrative.

The Hero - The Hero restores to narrative equilibrium and is the central character of the media text.  There are 2 different types of hero such as ‘The Victim Hero’ who is the centre the villain’s attention and ‘The Seeker Hero’ who aims to help the villain’s victims.

The Villain - The Villain is the character that creates disruption in the narrative equilibrium causing the ‘Hero’ to have to restore things and bring back justice.  The Villain may seek to prevent the Hero from achieving the goal.

The Donor - The Donor is a person who gives the Hero something special, such as a magical weapon or some particular wisdom. They may typically be Gods, Oracles or Wise Persons, although they may also be as simple as gatekeepers. This role may be combined with that of a Helper.

The Helper - The Hero is supported in his or her quest by a Helper, often a wise old man or magician, who appears at critical moments to provide support. The Helper may also be found in a support role, such as Dr Watson in Sherlock Holmes. The contrast between the limitations of this person and the hero may provide a further elucidation of the hero's defining characteristics such as intelligence, determination, courage, etc.

The Princess - The Princess may take two forms. First, she may be the object which is deliberately sought by the Hero, perhaps finding where the Villain has taken her. Secondly, she may be the reward, such that after completing some other mission, he gains her affections or hand in marriage.

The Dispatcher - The Dispatcher sent the hero on their task/journey to restore the equilibrium. Therefore they tend to be the voice of reason.

The False Hero - A variant on the villain and a potential complication within the plot is the False Hero, who appears to act heroically and may even be initially mistaken for the real Hero. The False Hero will try to steal the Hero's thunder, grabbing the credit and perhaps trying to marry the princess instead.

The Princess's Father - There is the Princess's Father, who constrains the Princess or who may dispatch the Hero on his mission to save the Princess. The Princess's Father is a key figure for the Hero to persuade, as the Father is almost always protective of his daughter.