Media Studies - Propp's Character Theory - Simple Guide For Students & Teachers

Summary

This guide introduces Vladimir Propp's character theory, which identifies recurring character types in narratives. Propp's theory, though old and not originally for film or TV, can be applied to modern media. Key character roles include the hero, villain, helper, dispatcher, donor, and false hero. The guide advises students to analyze texts for these character types, using examples from GCC and A-Level exams. It highlights recognizing characters like the hero in a Quality Street advert and considering unconventional representations, such as in 'Kiss of the Vampire'.

Takeaways

• 📚 Vladimir Propp's theory can be applied to both GCSE and A-Level Media Studies.
• 👴 Propp's theory originated a long time ago and was not specifically for films or TV but for narratives in general.
• 🧐 Propp identified recurring character types in most narratives, which can be applied to modern media.
• 🦸‍♂️ The 'Hero' is a common character type in stories, often portrayed as central and powerful.
• 🦹‍♂️ The 'Villain' is another typical character that opposes the hero.
• 🏰 The 'Damsel in Distress' is a character that often needs saving by the hero.
• 🤹‍♂️ The 'Helper' or 'Sidekick' assists the hero on their journey.
• 📜 The 'Dispatcher' is the character who sends the hero on their quest.
• 🎁 'Donors' are characters who provide the hero with gifts or items to aid their quest.
• 🤔 The 'False Hero' is a character who attempts to be the hero but is not genuinely good.
• 🔍 In exams, students should identify characters from texts that fit Propp's character types.
• 🍫 In the Quality Street advert example, the man is portrayed as a hero with women looking up to him.
• 👸 The women in the advert are represented as 'princess' characters, potential prizes for the hero.
• 🧛‍♀️ In 'Kiss of the Vampire', it's important to identify the hero and any unconventional representations of character types.
• 📚 Understanding Propp's character types is crucial for analyzing narratives in set texts.

Q & A

Who is Vladimir Propp and what is his contribution to Media Studies?

Vladimir Propp is a theorist from a long time ago who created a theory about characters that might appear in typical narratives. His theory can be applied to Media Studies, particularly in analyzing characters in stories and narratives, including modern media products like films and TV programs.

What is the significance of Propp's theory in analyzing narratives?

Propp's theory is significant because it identifies certain character types that frequently appear in most narratives. Understanding these character types can help in analyzing and interpreting the roles and functions of characters in various stories.

According to Propp, what are the typical character types that appear in narratives?

Propp identifies several character types including the hero, villain, damsel in distress, helper (sidekick), dispatcher (the one who sends the hero on their quest), donor (gives something to the hero), and the false hero.

How can Propp's theory be applied to modern media products like films and TV programs?

Propp's theory can be applied to modern media by examining the characters in films and TV programs to see if they fit into any of the character types he described. This can help in understanding the structure and dynamics of the narrative.

What is the role of the 'dispatcher' in Propp's character types?

The dispatcher is the character who sends the hero on their quest. They are instrumental in initiating the narrative's main action by giving the hero a purpose or mission.

What is the role of the 'donor' in Propp's character types?

The donor is a character who provides something to the hero that aids them in their quest. This could be an item, information, or some form of assistance that is crucial for the hero's journey.

What is the 'false hero' character type in Propp's theory?

The 'false hero' is a character who attempts to take on the role of the hero but is not genuinely good or capable. They often create conflict or misunderstanding in the narrative.

How can students use Propp's theory in an exam situation?

Students can use Propp's theory in exams by analyzing the characters in the given text and identifying which, if any, fit into Propp's character types. This helps in understanding the narrative structure and the roles of the characters.

Can you provide an example of how Propp's theory is applied to an advertisement?

In the Quality Street advert example, the man is represented as a hero with women surrounding him, looking up at him. The women are represented as princess characters, fitting the damsel in distress type, which the hero is trying to win over.

How might Propp's theory be applied to the film 'Kiss of the Vampire'?

In 'Kiss of the Vampire', one could analyze the characters to determine who fits the hero role and who might be the damsel in distress. The film poster might suggest certain characters, but the actual narrative may present them in unconventional ways, challenging Propp's character types.

What is the importance of understanding Propp's character types when analyzing set texts?

Understanding Propp's character types is important for analyzing set texts because it provides a framework for discussing the characters' roles and their contributions to the narrative. It can reveal traditional or subverted narrative structures.