Propp's Character Theory

Vladimir Propp developed a character theory[3] for studying media texts and productions, which indicates that there were 7 broad character types in the 100 tales he analysed, which could be applied to other media:

1. The hero - leader of the narrative, usually looking for something or trying to solve something. victim/seeker/paladin/winner, reacts to the donor, usually marries the princess

2. The villain - tries to prevent the hero from being successful in their quest (struggles against the hero)

3. The donor - aids the hero through it's quest by giving the hero something (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)

4. The (magical) helper - often acts as a sidekick (helps the hero in the quest)

5. The princess- the prize or reward for the hero (person the hero marries, often sought for during the narrative)

6. The Father - an authority figure who offers a reward to the hero for completing their quest (the reward could be the princess, for example)

7. The false hero - takes credit for the hero actions or tries to marry the princess (perceived as good character in beginning but emerges as evil)

8. The dispatcher - (character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off) sends the hero on his mission and persuades them to eliminate evil.

Propp's theory applied in music videos is a lot more apparent than in others. for example, it would be a lot more obvious in narrative music videos than abstract or performance music videos. for instance Propp's theory fits into a music video by Taylor Swift " You belong with me" the hero is the Taylor swift , the villain is the popular next door neighbour's girlfriend and the princess is the popular next door neighbour.

#Theory