Vladimir Propp's Character Types

Overview

• Vladimir Propp (1928) theorized that characters in stories can be categorized by their roles and actions in the narrative.
• Analyzed 100 fairy tales and identified seven archetypal character types:
  • Villain
  • Donor
  • Helper
  • Princess
  • Dispatcher
  • Hero
  • False Hero

Character Archetypes & Their Roles

1. Villain

• Causes misfortune or harm at the story's beginning.
• Often uses disguise (e.g., dragon as a goat).
• Leads to a struggle with the hero.
• Examples include Ganon (Legend of Zelda), Thanos (Endgame), Wicked Witch of the West (The Wizard of Oz).

2. Donor (Provider)

• Supplies the hero with an object or ability needed to overcome obstacles.
• Often requires the hero to complete a task or test.
• Examples include Lucius Fox (Batman), Tamatoa (Moana).

3. Helper

• Assists the hero with force or intelligence.
• Can guide, save, or transform the hero.
• Examples include Morpheus and Trinity (The Matrix), Donkey (Shrek).

4. Princess (Sought-For Person)

• Often the goal of the hero's quest.
• Not limited to royal figures; can be any person needing rescue or found.
• Examples include the Sultan's daughter (Prince of Persia), Bryan Mills’ daughter (Taken).

5. Dispatcher

• Calls the hero to action after a villain's misdeed.
• Can release the hero for a quest or inform them of a mission.
• Examples include R2D2 (Star Wars), Nostromo’s computer (Alien).

6. Hero

• Either a seeker on a quest or a victim overcoming an initial misfortune.
• Examples include Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games), T’Challa (Black Panther).

7. False Hero

• Attempts to take credit for the hero’s success.
• Often revealed as corrupt.
• Examples include Hans (Frozen), Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter).

Conclusion

• Propp’s character types are considered universal and structuralist.
• Helpful in understanding storytelling across cultures and creating stories.
• Suggests societal values like the importance of morality.

Further Study

• Explore Propp’s narrative functions, Roland Barthes’ narrative codes, and the concept of mytheme.
• Practice applying these frameworks to various media products.
• Recommended exercises include analyzing Princess Zelda’s representation or Joker’s villain role in Batman.