Propp's Character Types

Propp's character types

Propp discovered that each character can fit into one of the seven character functions. this theory can be used for films and novels, any characters.

these seven character functions are:

1. The Hero: The Hero normally leads the narrative, they are normally on some sort of journey or quest and normally succeed.
2. The Villain: creates problems for the Hero, they are shown to be morally bad. They persuade the audience away from them, making the audience support the Hero
3. The Donor:  They give the Hero something to complete the the quest/journey.
4. The Helper: the Helper supports the Hero, they usually appear in critical moments and gives support to the Hero
5. The Princess: They are usually the romantic interest of the Hero and/or the reward.
6. The dispatcher: The person who send the Hero on the quest, May fall into more than one character type.
7. The Princess's Father: the person who set the Hero off, usually the person they want to impress to show they will protect.Also can be the competition, it can be hard to distinguish.
8. The False Hero: Can be seen to be the Hero to start with but can turn out not to be as good as they first thought.