Character Type

Vladimir Propp's Character Theory

Propp's theory suggested that certain characters are used in every narrative structure. He studied 100 Russian fairy tales and suggested that characters can be categorised into 8 character types, these include:

1. Hero- the main character, which the story is based around. The audience normally strongly associates with them. The 'hero' doesn't necessarily have to be the stereotypical, powerful and brave character people think of when they hear 'hero', but they can be a victim or a seeker of something such as treasure or even 'love'
2. Helper- the helper aids the hero in critical situations. They can also be the role of 'sidekick', such as Watson in Sherlock Holmes
3. Villain- the 'bad guy', a contrast to the hero. The Villain typically is morally bad, highlighting the goodness of the Hero
4. False Hero- appears to act heroically, and may even be mistaken for the actual hero. Will try to steal the hero's thunder
5. Donor- gives the Hero something special, such as a magical weapon or some particular wisdom. Sometimes may not give up their gift without setting the Hero another task, from a simple riddle to a whole other quest
6. Dispatcher- sends the hero on the mission. 
7. Princess- can have two forms. The first being an object who the hero is trying to sought out, the other being a reward to be given to the hero after they complete their task. In some media texts, the Princess is rarely seen, only appearing at the beginning or end of the mission. In others, they may be an integral character, for example where she accompanies the Hero on his mission, where he may win her heart by the courage and determination he shows
8. Princess' Father- constrains the princess, or may dispatch the Hero. The Father is usually protective of the Princess, so the Hero may have to persuade the Father so they could be together.