Vladimir Propp

Vladimir Propp was a literary critic who found the idea that certain types of characters were to be used in every narrative structure with their specific roles. Propp’s theory had influenced many filmmakers into writing and producing successful narratives, and his theory can be applied to most films.

Propp had suggested that every narrative has 8 different character types:

• Hero • Villain • Dispatcher• Donor• Helper• False Hero• Princess

Hero

• The hero is the protagonist in the film and is the most common character type.• Their role is to restore the

equilibrium of the situation and this is done by eliminating the villain and winning the prize (princess)

Villain

• The villain is the cause of the disruption.• Is the enemy of the hero. • Will usually wear dark colours, this

juxtaposes the differences between the hero and villain.• May be a threat to the safety of the

heroine (princess).

Dispatcher

• The dispatcher is often the person who invites the hero to eliminate the villain and send them to restore the normality of the situation. • This can be someone the hero is

close to.

Donor

• The donor usually gives something to the hero that will help them along the journey to restore the equilibrium (weapons)

Helper

• Helps fight the villain along side the hero.• This may be someone who is a

sidekick who has been with the hero throughout, or someone the hero has just met.

False Hero

• The false hero is a character who initially seems to be on the same side of the hero but then turns against them in the end.• Takes credit for the hero's actions.

Princess

• The princess is usually a vulnerable character who needs to be rescued by the hero from the villain.

The hero A character that seeks something, who’s some sort of quest or mission.

The villain It’s the character who stops the hero from succeeding, they will do what ever it takes to not let the hero win.

The dispatcher Who sends the hero on his/her quest.

The donor Who provides something like special power to help complete the hero’s quest

The helper Who aids the hero; would work along side the hero helping with their mission

The false hero Who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims

The princess Acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plot

Example: Fast & Furious 6

Hero Vin DieselDominic Toretto

The one who is sent to the mission to catch the villain

Helper Paul WalkerBrian O’Conner

He stands by the hero and helps him to catch the villain

Dispatcher Dwayne JohnsonHobbs

The one who sends the hero to catch the villain but instead he will get back his princess

Villain Luke EvansShaw

He is the one who the hero is after and iskeeping princess away from him

False Hero Gina CaranoRiley

Pretends to be along side the dispatcher, but in the end you see her true colours

Donor LudacrisTej

Provides cars for the hero and his helpers to go complete the mission

Princess Michelle RodriguezLetty

She the prize that the hero wins

Struggle Scene

In a struggle scene Propp suggested the theory stated below:• There is a struggle between the

hero and the villain• The hero is branded• The villain is overcome • The state of disorder is settled

Recognition scene:

• At this stage in the film the hero is recognised and the false hero or villain is unmasked.

• The false hero could be punished in this scene.

• The hero attains the reward (princess) and the equilibrium is restored