Narrative+Theory

**[[image:http://www.isfp.co.uk/images/vladimir_propp.jpg width="273" height="177" align="right"]]Vladamir Propp (1895-1970)**
Propp analysed the basic plot components of Russian folk tales to identify their simplest narrative ingredients.As part of this, he discovered that there are ONLY 8 broad character **archetypes** in the one hundred tales he analysed:
 * 1) The villain (struggles against the hero)
 * 2) The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
 * 3) The (magical) helper (helps the hero in the quest)
 * 4) The princess (person the hero marries, often sought during the narrative)
 * 5) Her father
 * 6) The dispatcher (character who makes the problem known and sends the hero off)
 * 7) The hero or victim/ seeker hero, reacts to the donor, weds the princess
 * 8) False- or anti-hero/ usurper — (takes credit for the hero’s actions/ tries to marry the princess)

Tzvetan Todorov (1939-)
Todorov argues that most narratives can, essentially, be broken down into 3 main stages:
 * 1) **Equilibrium** - the story starts with harmony and happiness and the hero in control;
 * 2) **Disequilibrium** - something (or some//one//) happens to upset the balance and send the story into chaos and discord;
 * 3) **New Equilibrium** - by the end of the story, order has been restored (usually by the hero), but things will never be the SAME again.

Like any 'theory', Propp's and Todorov's ideas do not apply to EVERY story, but they are useful methods of deconstructing a narrative and studying how it works. Trying to apply each theory to a narrative can deepen your understanding of that story, and highlight things you did not realise before.

Want to find out more?

 * Click here [[file:Narrative Theory slideshow.pps]] for a fascinating slideshow about Narrative Theory, designed by London Gifted and Talented for able English and Media students across the capital.
 * And click [|here] for an interesting look at how Propp's archetypes can be applied to that ever popular, universal narrative: Star Wars.