Vladmir Propp's Theory

Propp theorised that the same events keep being repeated in narratives, creating a framework for stories.


He categorised characters that were typical in a narrative, these are:

• Villian: who has a challenge with the antagonist
• Hero: who restores the equillibrium
• Heroine: stereotypically a character who is shown to be vulnerable and needs saving by the hero
• Donor: this is who helps the hero and may supply him with an object to help him on his quest
• Dispatcher: this is who puts the hero on his journey
• Helper: they assist the hero in putting together the equillibrium. They meet them along their journey or be with them the whole journey
• False Hero: they decieve the hero to believe they are on their side, but actually go against them, usually seek to be seen as the hero

Propp also created 31 Narrative Functions which are:


1. Someone in the family leaves
2. Hero is told not to go somewhere
3.They ignore this
4. The villian is encountered
5. The villian is knowledgable of the victim
6. Villian tries to decieve the victim to take possession of them or their belongings
7. Victim falls for the villains decievement
8. Villian inflits some sort of harm to a group or family member or a member of family is in need of something
9. What they are in need of is made known
10. A counter-action is decided upon
11. Hero leaves their home
12. Hero is then challenge, interogated or attacked (preparation for the helper or donor to appear)
13. Reactions are taken place by the hero in aid of the donor
14. Hero is in need of something magical
15. Hero is directed to the location of what they are in search for
16. Villian and hero are face to face in combat
17. Hero is branded (hurt or recieves an object like a ring)
18. Villian is defeated
19. Initial what was needed, is resolved
20. Hero returns
21. Hero is undermined
22. They are then rescued
23. Hero arrives home or goes to another country
24. False hero gives untrue claims
25. Hero is tested
26. Task is then resolved
27. The hero is then recognised
28. The false is uncovered
29. Hero gains a new appearance (eg new clothing, becomes handsome)
30. Villian is punished
31. Hero marries or rewarded (descending throne)




Propp's narratives are easily applied to past and present narratives.