[Task 6] Who Was Vladimir Propp? - Mehmet Tarhan

Vladimir Propp, born on 17^th April 1895 in St. Petersburg, Russia, was a professor of Russian and German philosophy. He had attended St. Petersburg University while studying for his degree. He made one of the biggest the contributions to an important part of media. He analysed over 100 Russian folklore tales, and developed his character and narrative structure theory. Propp died on the 22^nd August 1970. The theories he developed many years ago focussing on many folk tales, are today applied to many big screen films, and more recently, to music videos.

                                                 Vladimir Propp

Propp’s character theory focussed on 7 pivotal roles within a narrative.
1- The Hero – In search of something, he could be in search of a lost family member, or more conventionally a ‘Princess’, a girl with whom he is deeply in love with that will make him happy. Usually has nothing in the beginning, but ends up in good fortune at the end.

·         2-  The Princess – The person who the Hero usually longs for. Could be fought for during the narrative. Usually from a wealthy family, makes the Hero believe he has no chance of ruing the Princess because of the lack of his assets and material possessions.

·          3-   The Villain – Struggles against the Hero, tries to ruin his plans, gets in his way and makes it hard for him to achieve his goals, usually after the Princess also, even if she does not want him. Has many resources, and tries to utilise them in his plans.

·         4-   The Donor – Helps the Hero in his quest, could give him important information or an object that will enable him to get past an obstacle.

·          5-  The Helper – Supports the Hero, near his side during most of the narrative. The Helper and the Hero may have an argument at some point in the narrative, but they are together by the end of the story.

·          6-   The Father – Father of the Princess. Believes the Princess should marry/be together with, a man of equal stature to himself, wants his daughter to marry a man with a fortune, and so overlooks the Hero, someone whom the daughter may be happier with.
      
  7- The Dispatcher – As the name suggests, dispatches the Hero on his quest, sends him on his way and gives the Hero basic knowledge.