Media Conventions - Vladimir Propp

Vladimir Propp had a view on narrative structure that was different to almost any conceived at the time. In short, he saw all prose, novelistic or otherwise, to have the same basic outline of structure, which he represented in eight different key archtypes. He analyzed over one hundred texts to try and highlight his studies, and he was rewarded with the basic principles in which he established. He found that all narrative contained:


1. The Villain — Designed to struggle against the hero, and to fall in the final, usually climactic duel.
2. The Donor — Offers preparation to the hero, and often gives them advice or information, or a magical implement used to help them. In all cases, The Doner gives the hero an item to help in their quest.
3.The Helper — Usually a secondary character who accompanies the hero, The Helper aids in the quest directly.
4.The Princess - Often the prize awaiting the hero at the end of the narrative, mostly through promise of marriage. Usually lacks refinement in character, and designed to be the object of the heroes desire.
5. The Father — Often gives the task to the hero, to rescure his daughter, for example, usually with the promise of something in return, for example marriage to said daughter, or land or wealth.
6. The Dispatcher — The character who sends the hero off on his quest. Usually the initial giver of information, and can be linked to The Father.
7. The Victim — An often used character type who carries the weight of the narrative and recieves the most sympathy, The Victim is usually killed by the lead Villain, before being defeated by the Hero.
8. The Traitor - Often the false hero, and can usually be found trying to steal the glory of the hero, for example taking the Princess as his own, or betraying the Hero in a way that directly affects the storyline.

Criticism to Vladimir's work does exist, with some stating that his simple take is reductionistic, putting things in their simplest form without taking into consideration the subtle consistencies of the narrative. However, Propp's idealogy does hold a sturdy basis in most situations in the theme, and narrative structure does often follow his outline.