Narrative Theory 2: Propp's Characters

Propp suggests that characters have particular functions:

• The hero, usually male, is the agent who restores the narrative equilibrium
  often by embarking upon a quest (or search). Propp distinguishes between
  the victim hero, who is the centre of the villain's attentions, and the seeker
  hero who aids others who are the villains victims. The hero is invariably the
  texts central character.
• The villain who usually creates the narrative disruption.
• The donor gives the hero something, it may be an object, information or
  advice, which helps in resolution of the narrative.
• The helper aids the hero in the task of restoring equilibrium.
• The princess (the victim) is usually the character most threatened by the
  villain and has to be saved, at the climax, by the hero.
• The father's (who in fairy tales was often the king) role is usually to give the princess away to the hero at the narrative's conclusion. He may also despatch the hero.
• The dispatcher sends the hero on her or his task (who can typically be the
  princess father)
• The false hero appears to be good but is revealed, at the narrative's end, to
  have been bad

Characters can fulfil more than one sphere character type, for example; a princess
may also be a helper.