Narrative theory- Applying theory

Vladimir propp suggested that the characters took on the role of narrative 'spheres of action' (which allows the story to move along) or functions. From a study of folk stories he came up with the following different character types:

• The hero, usually male, is the agent who restores the narrative equilibrium 

often by embarking upon a quest (or search). Propp distinguishes between 

the victim hero, who is the centre of the villain's attentions, and the seeker 

hero who aids others who are the villains victims. The hero is invariably the 

texts central character.

• The villain who usually creates the narrative disruption.

• The  donor gives the hero something, it may be an object, information or 

advice, which helps in resolution of the narrative.

• The helper aids the hero in the task of restoring equilibrium.

• The  princess (the victim) is usually the character most threatened by the 

villain and has to be saved, at the climax, by the hero. The father's (who in 

fairy tales was often the king) role is usually to give the princess away to the 

hero at the narrative's conclusion. He may also despatch the hero.

• The dispatcher sends the hero on her or his task (who can typically be the 

princess father) 

• The false hero appears to be good but is revealed, at the narrative's end, to 

have been bad 

Characters can fulfil more than one sphere character type, for example; a princes

Applying the theory to trailers: