Character Archetypes

Question 1

The hero

Answer 1

Propp identified 2 types of hero, the “seeker” an individual who sees the suffering of another and agrees to go on a quest to defeat the evil. And the “victim” an individual who directly suffers from the evil and goes to resolve it.

Question 2

The villain

Answer 2

A villain is portrayed to usually cause some form of misfortune at the beginning of the story and the hero is in pursuit of them during the story.

Question 3

The donor

Answer 3

In some stories the hero needs something extra to continue their quest. This is provided by the donor.

Question 4

The helper

Answer 4

The helper is an assistant to the hero’s cause and may provide the hero escape or navigation or assistance in helping a victim.

Question 5

The princess

Answer 5

The archetype refers to the “sought for” character who the hero has to find to complete or continue his quest.

Question 6

The dispatcher

Answer 6

After a terrible deed is committed by the villain. The dispatcher calls for help usually by the hero. Sending them on the quest.

Question 7

The false hero

Answer 7

When the hero finishes the quest and the evil is defeated. The false hero takes credit for the victory. Usually displayed as a corrupt or not to be trusted character until the moment of betrayal.