Propp's character theory, identifies these 8 character types.
I agree with Propp's character theory to some extent, as I can identify the 8 character types. However as this theory does not apply to every film I can’t completely agree with Propp’s theory as it only relates to roles that are stereotypical of the sexes however not to counter stereotypes. For example ‘Let The Right One In’ (2008) there is no hero (who is, according to Propp’s theory supposed to be male) – instead the protagonist id both hero and villain as she is a vampire. Instead of this character , Eli being a completely heartless older character - she instead presented in the form of a twelve year old castrated boy, that appears to be a young girl. The second protagonist is a young male, who is an outcast because he's bullied by his classmate(normally this is the female character, categorised as the Princess and therefore because of her gender we empathise with her). With the role of the Princess (a female role) being played by a male, my statement is supported that the theory cannot apply to this film/all films because of the role reversal. However the theory obviously can be applied to most films as these roles can be observed in all most not just fairytale even though there are not always 8 character types. In the case of a horror it is harder to incorporate Propp's theory as there are elements that may not be easily mirrored with the theories.
- The villain — struggles against the hero.
- The dispatcher — character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off.
- The (magical) helper — helps the hero in their quest.
- The princess or prize and her father — the hero deserves her throughout the story but is unable to marry her because of an unfair evil, usually because of the villain. The hero's journey is often ended when he marries the princess, thereby beating the villain.
- The donor — prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object.
- The hero or victim/seeker hero — reacts to the donor, weds the princess.
- The false hero — takes credit for the hero’s actions or tries to marry the princess.
- The rogue hero - not the mpst villanous or heroic character, so could be termed a rogue hero
I agree with Propp's character theory to some extent, as I can identify the 8 character types. However as this theory does not apply to every film I can’t completely agree with Propp’s theory as it only relates to roles that are stereotypical of the sexes however not to counter stereotypes. For example ‘Let The Right One In’ (2008) there is no hero (who is, according to Propp’s theory supposed to be male) – instead the protagonist id both hero and villain as she is a vampire. Instead of this character , Eli being a completely heartless older character - she instead presented in the form of a twelve year old castrated boy, that appears to be a young girl. The second protagonist is a young male, who is an outcast because he's bullied by his classmate(normally this is the female character, categorised as the Princess and therefore because of her gender we empathise with her). With the role of the Princess (a female role) being played by a male, my statement is supported that the theory cannot apply to this film/all films because of the role reversal. However the theory obviously can be applied to most films as these roles can be observed in all most not just fairytale even though there are not always 8 character types. In the case of a horror it is harder to incorporate Propp's theory as there are elements that may not be easily mirrored with the theories.
No comments:
Post a Comment