Vladimir Propp

 Vladimir Propp was a Russian critic who analysed old Russian Folk stories in the 1920's through his analysis he discovered that the same events were repeatedly taking place throughout these stories. Propp broke the stories down into different key characters and moments the appear in many texts. This theory is know known around the world by many writers, directors and literacy theorists and has had a massive influence the stories they tell to a modern day audience. Here are some examples of his theory and some characters in film they apply to.

• The Villain - (Antagonist) usually has an issue or struggle with the protagonist. (E.G Lord Voldemort Harry Potter)
• The Helper - Helps the protagonist on his quest. ( E.G Donkey Shrek)
• The Hero - The hero departs on a search usually to defeat the villain or rescue the princess (E.G Tom Cruse in Knight and Day)
• The Princess - is a reward for the villain, marries the hero and usually sought after the hero during the narrative. (E.G Rapunzel Tangled)
• The Donor - helps the hero by providing him with a magic object. (E.G Letters in P.S I Love You)
• The Dispatcher - the character who send the hero on his quest (E.G Agent Z in Men In Black)
• The False Hero - This character may seem to be good but wants to steal part of the hero's 'Lime-light'.