Narrative Theory

Sources of Stories in Society

-TV Programmes
-Social Work
-Magazines
-Newspapers
-Gossiping with companions
-Films

Vladmir Propp

Propp was a Russian scholar who analysed the basic plot components of Russian folk tales to identify their narrative elements. He concluded that all characters could be resolved in 7 character types which are; the hero, the villain, the donor (the person that gives the hero something that helps the hero,) the princess or price if the hero of the film/television programme is female (the price or reward for the hero for completing his or her task

1. The hero
2. The villain
3. The donor- they give the hero something that helps the hero
4. The princess- Normally a prize or reward for a hero
5. The helper
6. An authoritative figure. For example, the princess' father. These characters are also give rewards in some instances
7. False hero- Someone in a production who attempts to claim glory for the hero's work.

Toddorov's Narrative Theory