Propp’s Narrative Functions

Vladimir Propp’s character roles:

∙The hero (seeks something)

∙The villain (opposes the hero)

∙The donor (helps the hero by providing a magic object)

∙The dispatcher (sends the hero on his way)

∙The false hero (falsely assuming the role of the hero)

∙The helper (gives support to the hero)

∙The princess (the reward for the hero, but also needs to be protected from the villain)

∙Her father

Propp’s narrative functions:

Preparation

∙A member of a family leaves home

∙A prohibition or rule is imposed on the hero

∙This prohibition or rule is broken

∙The villain makes an attempt at reconnaissance

∙The villain learns something about his victim

∙The villain tries to deceive the victim to get possessions of him or his belongings

∙The victim unknowingly helps the villain by being deceived or influenced by the villain

Complication

∙The villain harms a member of the family

∙A member of the family lacks or desires something

∙This lack or misfortune is made known; the hero is given a request or command, and he goes or is sent on a mission or a quest

∙The seeker (often the hero) plans action against the villain

Transference

∙The hero leaves home

∙The hero is tested, attacked, interrogated, and, as a result, receives either a magical agent or a helper

∙The hero reacts to the actions of the future donor

∙The hero uses the magical agent

∙The hero is transferred to the general location of the object of his mission or quest

Struggle

∙The hero and villain join in direct combat

∙The hero is branded

∙The villain is defeated

∙The initial misfortune of lack is set right

Return

∙The hero returns

∙The hero is pursued

∙The hero is rescued from pursuit

∙The hero arrives home or elsewhere and is not recognised

∙A false hero makes false claims

∙A difficult task is set for the hero

∙The task is accomplished

Recognition

∙The hero is recognised

∙The false hero/villain is exposed

∙The villain is punished

∙The hero is married and crowned

By Melissa Owen