Propp Theory...

In 1920 Vladimir Propp was a Russian critic who specialised in the narrative of folk tales. From this he developed a theory that the narrative was the same for the majority of folk tales.

The characters he developed were:

• Hero/Heroine-the main protagonist who has to save or carry out a task that involves danger.
• Princess-someone who the hero or heroine saves from a bad fate.
• Side kick/Helper-someone who helps the hero or heroine save the princess or prince.
• Princesses Father-someone who either frowns upon the hero/heroine or loves them like a d=son or daughter.
• False Hero-the false hero is someone who rescues the princess or prince for the wrong reasons. For example money.
• Villain-this is the person who tries to sabotage the hero journey.
• Donor-this is someone who helps the hero to save the princess by offering something.
• Dispatcher-this is someone who sends the hero or heroine on their way.