• In the 1920’s, Vladimir Propp examined hundreds

of examples of one kind of folk tale to see whether

they shared any structures.

• He argued that whatever the surface differences it

was possible to group its characters and actions

into 8 ‘spheres of action’ or character roles.

• who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest1. the villain

• character who seeks something, usually motivated by an initial lack – of money, or a mother, for example2. the hero

• who provides an object with some magic property3. the donor

• who aids the hero4. the helper

• reward for the hero and often object of the villain’s schemes5. the princess

• who rewards the hero6. her father

• who sends the hero on his way7. the dispatcher

• who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims8. the false hero