Narrative Devices

Narrative devices

Vladimir Propp also proposes a narrative structure which is similar to Todorov's, but slightly more detailed and complex.

Preparation - Introduction to the story

Complication - keys or clues to the direction of the story

Transference - The donor events

Struggle - Dealing with the complications

Return - back to 'home' however there are still issues remaining

Recognition - Loose ends are tied up



 

This  ties in directly with Propps's Character theory which identifies more character roes than the previously obvious protagonist and antagonist. He states the importance of ''sheres fo action'' for each character as opposed to rigid character types, with one character having the ability to assume more than one role. Propp identifies 7 main roles;

The villain

The donor- prepares the hero or gives them a magical object

The magical helper - helps the hero throughout the quest

The princess - object of the hero's desire, sought for during the narrative

The princesses father - rewards the hero

The dispatcher - character to send the hero off

The hero (victim/seeker) - reacts to the donor, weds the princess, completes the quest

The false hero, usurper on or anti-hero