Applying Propp’s Character Theory

What is Propp’s Character Theory:

● Vladimir Propp looked at old folk tales and noticed that many of them followed a pattern. He found that stories usually had the same types of characters, no matter the setting or plot.
● He called these character roles, and they show what the character does in the story,
not just who they are.

This Theory stated 7 common roles: 

Hero: The main character who faces a challenge or goes on a journey.

Villain: The one who causes trouble or danger.

Dispatcher: Sends the hero on the journey (gives a task or dare).

Helper: Supports the hero or helps them succeed.

Donor: Gives the hero something useful (a clue, tool, advice).

Princess: The goal or reward — not always a person (can be safety, truth, etc.).

False: Hero Pretends to be good but is actually bad.

How That Appeared in the Opening of Our Movie:

● Jay is the Hero — he is the one who is challenged and goes into the terrifying room ● The Dispatcher — he initiates the entire series of events 

● However, that same character appears to reappear later in scene 3, which makes him more of a villain or even a false hero. 

● The other members of the group act as helpers, despite the fact that they don't actually do much.

What we learned:

Propp's theory suggests that stories often have recurring characters, such as the hero, antagonist, or assistant. Initially, the script was written without considering this, but after learning Propp's theory, the characters fit his roles, contributing to tension and tension.