Character Roles: Vladamir Propp

Question 1

What did Propp claim?

Answer 1

No matter how different the theme of a narrative may be, they usually have similar characters who do similar things usually fitting into 8 character roles. (May be a character in a story that may have more than one role)

Question 2

What are the 8 character roles?

Answer 2

1) The Hero
2) The Villain
3) The Princess
4) Father of the Princess
5) The False Hero
6) The Helper
7) The Donor
8) The Dispatcher

Question 3

What is the role of the hero?

Answer 3

Often the main character (protagonist).
Usually seek something/someone out in the story.
May be motivated by a lack of something (e.g. money).

Question 4

What is the role of the villain?

Answer 4

He/she is directly opposite to the hero.

Evil character with evil plans.

Question 5

What is the role of the princess?

Answer 5

Often a ‘reward’ for the hero.
May be object of villain’s scheming.
Traditionally an attractive female - hero will find attractive.

Question 6

What is the role of the father of the princess?

Answer 6

Character who rewards hero.

Question 7

What is the role of the false hero?

Answer 7

Character who may at first appear good - but is evil.

May try to betray the good guys.

Question 8

What is the role of the helper?

Answer 8

He/she helps the hero.

Question 9

What is the role of the donor?

Answer 9

Provides object that helps the hero (or another character).

Often object has magical/powerful qualities, e.g. sword, car

Question 10

What is the role of the dispatcher?

Answer 10

Sends the hero on their way with a problem to solve