Vladimir Propp's Narrative theory

Vladimir Propp and Narrative Theory (1895-1970)

Narrative is defined as the way a story is organised.

Propp was a Soviet Scholar who analysed Russian Folk Tales.

He found that there were basic components that make up a narrative.

Propp's 8 Key Characters:

1. The Hero- reacts to the donor, weds the princess.

2. The Villain- struggles against the hero.

3. The Donor- prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object.

4. The Helper- helps the hero in their quest.

5. The Father Figure- an older, wise man offering comfort or guidance. A role model.

6. The Dispatcher- a character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off.

7. The Princess- the hero deserves her throughout the story but is unable to marry her because of an unfair evil, usually because of the villain.

8. False Hero- helps the hero and we think the false hero is the hero at the start but ends up not being the hero.

Propp's Narrative Functions:

-Preparation

-Complication

-Transference

-Struggle

-Return

-Recognition

Propp's Characters / Star Wars Characters

Hero / Luke Skywalker

Villain / Darth Vader

Donor / Obi-wan Kenobi

Helper / R2D2, C3PO, Chewbacca

Father Figure / Obi-wan Kenobi

Dispatcher / Princess Leia

Princess / Princess Leia

False Hero / Han Solo

Antonio Gramsci modified Marx's theory with the concept of hegemony. Hegemony are dominant groups that retain power not through physical force but through perpetuating particular attitudes and values which appear so 'obvious' that they are often described as 'common sense'.

These taken-for-granted values at the heart of a society become dominant by what appear to be natural processes rather than through any imposed system of authority.

The media could be seen to actively 'naturalise' or reinforce these values or ideology.