Propp’s Character theory

Vladimir Propp was a Russian academic who created a theory about the role of characters in narratives (stories).

By studying folk tales, he noticed similarities between the characters featured. In summary he identified over 40 different types of characters, each of which plays a different role in the narrative.

Though he came up with more than 40 character types, here are some of the main ones:

The Hero The Princess The Villain The Donor The Dispatcher The False Hero The Sidekick

TASK1:

Research the theory and create a ‘Top Trump’ card or brief description in a PowerPoint slide for each of the above seven character types.

TASK 2:

Apply Propp’s character theory to a well-known film or fairytale. Aim to apply it to a range of media products (e.g. advert, film, TV).

You should include the following:

Name of story/film Main characters and what Propp character type they are Why you believe that they are this character type, using examples of their role

in the narrative

Challenge: Evaluative the usefulness of this theory – what is good about it and what do you think is not so good about it?

The HeroThe hero must overcome

barriers to achieve resolution at the end. Having done so, he will be rewarded

with the Princess and the villain will be defeated

TASK 1: EXAMPLE

Success criteria:

This is how you will be assessed. Try your best and aim above your target grade. Do not copy and paste from the internet! Or you will be asked to do it again!

CRITERIA LEVEL 1GRADE: 1 - 2

LEVEL 2GRADE: 3 - 4

LEVEL 3GRADE: 5 - 6

LEVEL 4GRADE: 7 - 9

Understanding of Propp’s

Character theory

Described in own words

simply

Described basic details in own words

Sound description in own words

and attempt to evaluate the

theory

Confident description in own words as

well as an evaluation of

the theory

Use of specific

examples

Few relevant examples to explain the

theory

Relevant examples have been

used to explain the

theory

Relevant & specific

examples from different narratives to explain the

theory

Relevant, wide ranging and

specific examples have been

used to explain the

theorySPaG &

presentationErrors in SPaG but

neat

Some errors but neat

Few errors & neat

Perfect & professional