In the film ‘The Family’ there is no ‘false hero’ this shows us that Vladmir Proop’s theory cannot be applied to all films but maybe just a proportion of films.

Vladimir Proop’s Narrative TheoryGangster Film:The Family

Propp’s Role Film Character

Hero: Traditionally the male protagonist whose role is to restore normality or equilibrium and defeat the villain

Hero Giovanni Mazoni

Villain: The cause of disruption and the antithesis of the hero

Villain Don Luchese

Dispatcher: This character sends the hero on his journey to restore the equilibrium

Dispatcher Agent Robert Stansfield

Donor: Gives the hero something to help him on his journey to restore the equilibrium

Donor The neighbours

Helper: This character assists the hero in restoring the equilibrium

Helper The FBI Agents

Heroine: This is the passive and vulnerable character

Princess Belle & Warren

False Hero: A character who seems to be on the hero’s but who turns against the hero eventually

False Hero ???