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Propps' Narrative Role Theory
Propps' theory asks two main questions; are the same stock characters recurring in all narratives and do characters have a role or function specific to them throughout timeless storylines? To both of these questions, Propps theory says YES!
Propps theory suggests that no matter how storylines vary, the characters in these narratives always fall into certain categories and undergo certain fates specific to their characters.
Propps suggests that these characters fit into eight character roles; he named these the 'spheres of action'- characters may take on two spheres of action in a narrative.
These spheres are:
1. The Hero- Protagonist- Often the central character, seeking out something; this something becomes his drive and motivation, his need is increased through desire for this 'something'.
2. The Villain- Antagonist- opposes the hero and develops plans of evil to sabotage the protagonist, plans that perhaps involve other characters.
3. The Princess- The reward for the hero, often becomes the object of the villains plans. Generally attractive or pretty , to the hero at least and forms a desirable motivation for the hero.
4.Father of the Princess- Rewards the hero, often with the gift of his daughter.
5.The False Hero- a character who appears good but this isn't always his real nature, often betrays the group and deceives the hero.
6. The helper- A character who aids the hero in some form
7. The Donor- Provides an object that helps the hero or another character, often has magic qualities.
8.Dispatcher- Sends hero on his mission.
Vladmir propp also produced theories on how storylines progress, this can be seen in the table below.
Propps' theory asks two main questions; are the same stock characters recurring in all narratives and do characters have a role or function specific to them throughout timeless storylines? To both of these questions, Propps theory says YES!
Propps theory suggests that no matter how storylines vary, the characters in these narratives always fall into certain categories and undergo certain fates specific to their characters.
Propps suggests that these characters fit into eight character roles; he named these the 'spheres of action'- characters may take on two spheres of action in a narrative.
These spheres are:
1. The Hero- Protagonist- Often the central character, seeking out something; this something becomes his drive and motivation, his need is increased through desire for this 'something'.
2. The Villain- Antagonist- opposes the hero and develops plans of evil to sabotage the protagonist, plans that perhaps involve other characters.
3. The Princess- The reward for the hero, often becomes the object of the villains plans. Generally attractive or pretty , to the hero at least and forms a desirable motivation for the hero.
4.Father of the Princess- Rewards the hero, often with the gift of his daughter.
5.The False Hero- a character who appears good but this isn't always his real nature, often betrays the group and deceives the hero.
6. The helper- A character who aids the hero in some form
7. The Donor- Provides an object that helps the hero or another character, often has magic qualities.
8.Dispatcher- Sends hero on his mission.
Vladmir propp also produced theories on how storylines progress, this can be seen in the table below.