Narrative theory: Vladimir Propp

Vladimir Propp came up with the theory that there is only ever eight character roles within a narrative.

He bases this theory on the old stories of ordinary folk.

• The Hero
  Seeks something - most commonly adventure
• The Villain
  Apposes the hero
• The Donor
  Helps the hero succeed
• The Dispatcher
  Sends the hero on their way
• The False Hero
  Wrongly appears to be the hero
• The Helper
  Supports the hero
• The Princess
  The damsel in distress - which the hero normally rescues
• The Father
  Father of the princess

These characters may appear in different forms however the basic description tends to remain the same.