#14 Vladimir Propp's Character Types Theory – Research

    Vladimir Propp's structuralist theory is carried out by seven fundamental character types. Propp's major claim is that a character's role is defined by their "sphere of action" or the specific function they perform in the story's progression, rather than their individual personality, appearance, or background.

Propp identified seven character types that are essential to the plot of a story:

1. The Hero: The protagonist who leaves on a quest to resolve a problem.
2. The Villain: The antagonist, either causes the initial misfortune or disrupts the equilibrium of the narrative.
3. The Donor: Prepares the quest for the Hero, sometimes they'll test them, and/or supplies them with a magical agent--an object, knowledge, or an ability--to achieve their goal.
4. The Helper: Helps, rescues, or solves problems for the Hero, often appears as a sidekick--this can sometimes be combined with the Donor.
5. The Princess: The goal of the Hero's quest, often requiring rescue or serving as the reward.
6. The Dispatcher: The character who makes the misfortune known and sends the Hero off on their mission.
   
7. The False Hero: A deceptive character who appears to be good or heroic but attempts to claim the credit for the Hero's actions, often seeking the reward but is ultimately exposed and punished.

Example

    An example of one of these character archetypes would be Donkey from Shrek as the Helper. Throughout the movie "Shrek", Donkey helps Shrek multiple times: escaping from Lord Farquaad and rescuing Princess Fiona from the dragon's tower.

Reflection

    I can use Propp's theory to prioritize functional clarity in the opening, making sure my audience understands the characters' roles, not just their personalities. I could use visual cues to establish the Hero in a problem or the Dispatcher delivering the initial call to action, setting up the quest immediately. This intro of archetypal roles ensures the core narrative conflict is communicated well in the end-of-the-year 2-minute film opening.

Sources

• ashleegarcia. (2013, October 6). The Seven Character Types of Vladimir Propp. Ashlee McCarthy. https://ashleeyear2.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/the-seven-character-types-of-vladimir-propp/
• coconote. (2025). Understanding Propp’s Character Archetypes | Coconote. Coconote.app. https://coconote.app/notes/e777e8c6-15bc-4033-bcb0-7f1c5de3cb4e
• Creative Tap. (2019). Vladimir Propps Narrative Theory | Seven common character types. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHdN8pWGp0E
• Fiveable. (2024). 2.9 Vladimir Propp. Fiveable.me. https://fiveable.me/literary-theory-criticism/unit-2/vladimir-propp/study-guide/5YLLqKWkXDIvbxtl
• From Graeme Turner, Film as Social Practice, 2nd ed (Routledge, 1993). (2023). Umsl.edu. https://www.umsl.edu/~gradyf/theory/propp1.htm
• Media Studies. (2020, October 25). Vladamir Propp’s 7 Character Types and Narrative Theory. Media Studies. https://media-studies.com/propp/
• MOLLYNEWMANA2MEDIA. (2016, September 12). Narrative Theory: Vladimir Propp. Mollynewmana2media. https://mollynewmana2media.wordpress.com/2016/09/12/narrative-theory-vladimir-propp/
• The Media Insider Blog. (2023, February 4). Vladimir Propp Character Archetypes. The Media Insider. https://the-media-insider3.webnode.co.uk/l/vladimir-propps-character-archetypes-theory/
• Vladimir Propp. (2025). Goucher.edu.      https://faculty.goucher.edu/eng215/vladimir_propp_character_types-functions.htm