GCSE Film Studies : Propp's Theory On Narrative

Vladimir Propp’s Theory

One of the most well known theorists on narrative was Vladimir Propp. Although his research was carried out in the 1920's and primarily concerns itself with Russian folk stories, his work can be applied to contemporary Film Studies.

CHARACTERS

1. The hero (seeks something)
2. The villain (opposes the hero)
3. The donor (helps the hero by providing a magic object)
4. The dispatcher (sends the hero on his way)
5. The false hero (falsely assuming the role of hero)
6. The helper (gives support to the hero)
7. The princess (the reward for the hero but also needs to be protected from the villain
8. Her father

NARRATIVE FUNCTIONS

Preparation (or 1^st sphere: the introductory sequence)

P1. A member of the family leaves home

P2. A prohibition or rule is imposed on the hero

P3. The prohibition or rule is broken

P4. The villain makes and attempt at reconnaissance

P5. The villain learns something about his victim

P6. The villain tried to deceive the victim to get possession of his/her belongings

P7. The victim unknowingly helps the villain by being deceived or influenced by the villain

Complication (or 2^nd sphere: The body of the story)

C1. The villain harms a member of the family

C2. A member of the family lacks or desires something

C3. This lack or misfortune is made known; the hero is given a request or a command and he goes on a mission or quest

C4. The seeker (often the hero) plans action against the villain

Transference (or 3^rd sphere: The donor sequence (magic agent is obtained)

T1. The hero leaves home

T2. The hero is tested, attached, interrogated and, as a result, receives either a magical agent or a helper

T3. The Hero reacts to the actions of the future donor

T4. The hero uses the magical agent

T5. The hero is transferred to the general location of the object of his mission or quest

Struggle (or 4^th sphere: The hero’s return)

S1. The hero and the villain join in direct combat

S2. The hero is branded

S3. The villain is defeated

S4. The initial misfortune or lack is put right

Return (still 4^th sphere)

R1. The hero returns

R2. The hero is pursued

R3. The hero is rescued from pursuit

R4. The hero arrives home or elsewhere and is not recognised

R5. A false hero makes false claims

R6. A difficult task is set for the hero

R7. The task is accomplished

Recognition

Re1. The hero is recognised

Re2. The false hero/villain is exposed

Re3. The false hero is transformed

Re4. The villain is punished

Re5. The hero is married and crowned