Character Basics …with the help of

Vladimir Propp’s Theory of Narrative

Propp’s Theory of Narrative

In Propp’s theory, there are 7 types of characters

The Hero – restores the narrativeThe Villain – narrative disruptionThe Donor – gives the hero something to help restoreThe Helper – aids the hero in restoration The Princess – victim most threatened by the villainThe Dispatcher – sends the hero on the taskThe False Hero – appears to be good, but isn’t

Propp on Character types

Each character has their own ‘sphere of action’…

This means that each character has their own past, present and future. They all have a life which may or may not be affected by other characters.

Stereotypes, Archetypes and Countertypes

• The Hero – restores the narrative, stereotypically male but can be female

• The Villain – narrative disruption, stereotypically enigmatic • The Donor – gives the hero something to help restore• The Helper – aids the hero in restoration, friends • The Princess – victim most threatened by the villain, the

hero will attempt to save• The Dispatcher – sends the hero on the task, in horror films

maybe someone evil, bad intentions• The False Hero – appears to be good, but isn’t, male or

female

Character Basics

Rosie Black

Actress: Kristen Stewart

Rosie Black: Shy, Quiet, Introverted, Lonely, PassiveOther Personality: Violent, Loud, Dominant, Volatile, Evil

Through costume and make-up , Rosie will be represented as a typical ‘emo/goth’ teenager.

Bully

Actress: Lindsay Lohan

Loud, Slutty, Rude, Popular, Insensitive, Bitchy

Stereotypically dressed in nice clothes, expensive car, lots of friends

Mother

Actress: Julianne Moore

Caring, Over bearing, Loving, Passive when it comes to her husband

Shown to be worn out, tired but still cares for her family

Dad

Actor: George Clooney

Abusive, Volatile, Rude, Mean, A drunk