Narrative Theory: Propp

Vladimir Propp’s narrative theory is designed to label the roles of characters in a full length film. These roles include –

• The Hero: Usually the main character is in search for something or on some kind of journey. Conventionally the “good guy” but now always. He/she could also be a kind of anti-hero who has his/her morals in the right place but does bad things for a greater good.
• The Villain: Opposes the hero; not always blatantly evil.
• The Donor: Helps the hero in some way by providing a kind of “magical object”.
• The Dispatcher: Sends the hero on his/her way.
• The False Hero: Perceived as good character in beginning but emerges as evil.
• The Helper: Helps the hero in his/her quest.
• The Princess: The person the hero marries; often sought for during the narrative. Does not necessarily have to be a woman.

This narrative theory is not entirely applicable to my short film because none of the three or four characters are going to positioned as blatantly “good” or “bad”. However, applying this model, the teenage protagonist could be considered the “hero” as she is the one going through the struggle she cannot get out of. Each of the various personalities could adopt roles such as “the helper” by being a “friend” personality or a “villain” by having a negative constitution and being the one who causes the girl the most pain. If I choose to include a psychiatrist, he/she could be viewed as the “donor”, aiding the girl.