Vladimir Propp


Vladimir Propp was a Soviet folklorist and scholar who analysed the basic plot component of Russian folk tales to identify their simple narrative elements.
 
He founded the idea that a certain type of character must be used in every narrative structure. His theory has influenced many filmmakers to write and produce successful narratives.
 
He suggested that every narrative has eight different character types, these character types are:
 
  1. The Villain - fights the Hero in some way.
  2. The Dispatcher - character who makes the Villain's evil known and sends the Hero off.
  3. The (magical) Helper - helps the Hero in their quest.
  4. The Princess or Prize - the Hero is deserving of the princess or prize throughout the narrative, but is unable to reach her because of the Villain. The Hero's journey often ends when he marries the princess, thereby beating the Villain and resulting in a 'happily ever after' moment.
  5. The Father of the Princess - often gives the task to the Hero, and will identify the False Hero.
  6. The Donor - prepares the Hero or gives them a magical object to aid them. The Donor is often undistinguishable from the Helper.
  7. The Hero or Victim/Seeker hero - reacts to the Donor, marries the Princess.
  8. False hero - takes credit for the Hero's action and tries to marry the Princess.
Sometimes, a character may fulfil more than one character type. For instance, the Princess may also be the Helper.
 
 
How could I relate Propp's theory to my short film?
In my film, the main character - Grey - will have Multiple Personality Disorder. Therefore, I thought it would be a great idea to incorporate Propp's theory by having Grey's multiple personalities represent each of Propp's character types. Whether it will work or not, we will have to see.

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