Vladimir Propp's Character Types Theory

Vladimir Props Character Types- Enchanted

Vladimir Propp's character theory describes the hero in a film or book as a character who typically leads the narrative. The hero is usually searching for something or is on some sort of mission, and they will almost always succeed. For example, in 'Enchanted' by Walt Disney Pictures, the hero character is Robert because he defeats Queen Narissa (the villain) and falls in love with and marries the princess. Typical conventions of a fairytale heroes are brave, innocent and handsome, and this isn't the case in 'Enchanted' because Robert is shown as a countertype of the theory. He is described as melancholy at the beginning, but he fits into his stereotype a little more, just as he shows his love for his daughter and Giselle at the end of the film.

A typical fairytale villain is a character who struggles against the hero, and is shown as morally bad, whilst turning the audience against them, and towards the hero. In 'Enchanted', the villain is Queen Narissa because she fights the hero and tries to take away Princess Giselle's happiness. Typical conventions of a fairytale villain include jealously, viciuosness and angry, and Queen Narissa simply fits into this stereotype, as she is vindictive, ruthless and cunning, as she fights Robert to Giselle, whilst she is trying to impose her curses on her. 

The donor in a narrative is generally a character who give the hero; in this case, Robert; something special that helps with the quest. The object doesn't have to be physical, it may even be a special message. In the 2007 'Enchanted' film, Pip fits best into this title because he gives Robert something that helps him to defeat Queen Narissa. A typical fairytale donor would carry the following traits: helpful, heroic and vital, and Pip fits into the stereotype of these conventions. This is because he alerts the hero of the evil plots that were put in place by Queen Narissa, and he manages to help Robert to save Giselle. 

A typical fairytale helper is defined by supporting the hero (similar to the donor). The helper most often appears at key points and gives guidance and support, through physical help too. In this 2007 adaptation of  'Enchanted' the helper is Morgan because she gives help to her father (Robert) and has a small part in helping to defeat Queen Narissa. Typical conventions of a fairytale helper are faithful, helpful, and brave. Morgan fits into the stereotype of the helper as she isn't shy to tell her father how she feels about Nancy, and she helps Robert to fall in love with Giselle. She does this by being confident, imaginative and sweet. 

Typical fairytale princess' are characters who could be used as characters who reward the hero, by usually marrying the hero. They tend to be seen a lot in the film, by sometimes can be very little. In 'Enchanted', the princess is obviously Giselle, as Robert (the hero) deserves her throughout the film, but is unable to marry her because of of Queen Nirissa and Nancy. Typical conventions of a fairytale princess are elegance, loneliness and the need for saving. Giselle fits into the stereotypes of this character theory because she is trapped and in danger and is saved by the hero in the end, and her and Robert fall in love. 

The princess' father is generally a character in narratives whom gives the task to the hero, and acts as a key figure to persuade on behalf of the princess. They are a persuasive character, who could also be in competition with the hero, although they are sometimes hard to distinguish. In this case, Nancy acts as the father as she gives Robert the task to defeat Queen Narissa, and she identifies Edward as the false hero. Typically,  a fairytale princess' father would be trustworthy, reliable and fair. However, Nancy breaks this stereotype. She is a countertop of this character type because she doesn't help Robert and he falls out of love with her. 

The dispatcher is usually the character who sends the hero on a mission, and they may be related to the hero, or combined with another role. In the case of 'Enchanted', Nathaniel best suits the dispatcher role because he makes Robert aware of Queen Narissa's evil plan and he sends the hero off to save the Princess Giselle. A typical fairytale dispatcher would be loyal and truthful, and this means Nathaniel would fit into the stereotype. Nathaniel fits into the typical role because he is tolerant and he helps to guide Robert (the hero) to the Princess and he makes him aware of the evil plan. 

Finally, Vladimir Propp defines a typical false hero in a narrative, as a character who appears to act heroically throughout, but is actually not, and is often mistaken for the genuine hero. In the 2007 movie, 'Enchanted', Edward is described as the false hero because he takes credit for Robert's actions. Typical conventions of a fairytale false hero include cunning, sly and nasty, and Edward fits into this stereotype because he tries to take credit for Robert and he tries to take the princess from him.