Vladimir Propp’s Theory of Narrative

The third and final figure in my research into theories is Vladimir Propp. I will be researching him and his theory of characters.

Vladimir Propp suggested that characters took on the role of narrative 'spheres of

action' or functions. From a comprehensive study of folktales Propp came up with

seven different character types:

• The hero, usually male, is the agent who restores the narrative equilibrium

often by embarking upon a quest (or search). Propp distinguishes between

the victim hero, who is the centre of the villain's attentions, and the seeker

hero who aids others who are the villains victims. The hero is invariably the

texts central character.

• The villain who usually creates the narrative disruption.

• The donor gives the hero something, it may be an object, information or

advice, which helps in resolution of the narrative.

• The helper aids the hero in the task of restoring equilibrium.

• The princess (the victim) is usually the character most threatened by the

villain and has to be saved, at the climax, by the hero. The father's (who in

fairy tales was often the king) role is usually to give the princess away to the

hero at the narrative's conclusion. He may also despatch the hero.

• The dispatcher sends the hero on her or his task (who can typically be the

princess father)

• The false hero appears to be good but is revealed, at the narrative's end, to

have been bad

Characters can fulfil more than one sphere character type, for example; a princess

may also be a helper.

If we apply this to a mainstream film - Shrek

• The hero would be Shrek
• The Villain would be  Lord Farquaad
• The Donor would be Donkey
• The Helper would be Donkey
• The princess would be Fiona
• The dispatcher would also be Lord Farquaad
• The False Hero would be Prince Charming

Again this research has given me a solid understanding of this theory and allowed me to think about how this theory could be related into my own project. 

Within my short film it is extremly difficult to try and recognise the characters that Propp distinguished in this theory. This is because there is only two chracters and even within this, these two characters do not fit with the conventional characters mentioned here or that are seen in mainstream films. Propps theory is generally related to mainstream feature films whereas my film is a short film and generally the chracters are different and not so easily categorised.

Tzvetan Todorov’s Theory of Narrative

Tzvetan Todorov and his theory of narrative is the next figure within this project that I am researching.

Tzvetan Todorov is a franco-bulgarian philosopher who writes books and essays on theorys realted to literature, culture and thought history. His theory of narative is what I am interested in.

Todorov suggested that conventional narratives are structured in five stages:

1. a state of equilibrium at the outset;

2. a disruption of the equilibrium by some action;

3. a recognition that there has been a disruption;

4. an attempt to repair the disruption;

5. a reinstatement of the equilibrium

This type of narrative structure is very familiar to us and can be applied to many ‘mainstream’ film narratives.

If we apply this to a mainstream film - The Hangover

1. The state of equlibrium is the normal life of the friends and the marriage which is going to take place between Doug and Tracey

2.The disruption of this equilibrium is when they travel to Las Vegas for Dougs Stag weekend and lose Doug in the process

3. The recognition of the disruption is when they wake up and discover that Doug has disapeared.

4. The attempt to repair the disruption is the hilarious antics the guys get up to when trying to search for Doug and retrace their steps.

5. The reinstatement of equilibrium is the discovery of Doug and the marriage between him and Tracey.

I find Todorovs narative theory very interesting and I believe that it will be useful for when structuring my own narrative, being able to follow the stages that he has created. I can also recognise each stage within mainstream films and understand that not all films can fit into this structure.

In my short film:
1) The state of equilibrium is Ben taking his pictures on the hoe.
2)The disruption of this equilibrium is when Ben sees the female character walking along.
3)The recognition of this disruption is when Ben realises that Anna does not know who he is.
4)The attempt to repair the disruption is when Ben tries to explain who he is and how he knows the femaler character to her.
5)The reinstatement of equilibrium is when Anna realises who Ben is and goes to catch up with him and they leave together.