Narrative Theroy - Propps Theroy

Objective: To be able to show an understanding of what narrative theory is and knows the difference between Propps theory and Todrov’s theory

Lesson Outcomes:

•       All: will be able to describe the different points of the theory (E)

•       Most: will be able to explain the different theories with appropriate examples (C)

•       Some: will be able to use media language effectively to discuss the purpose of narrative theory with a variety of examples (A)

Narrative: narrative is the organisation given to a series of facts; we connect events and make interpretations based on those connections. In everything we seek a beginning, middle and an end.  Each text becomes part of the previous and the next through its relationship with the audience.

•       Narrative Conventions: When unpacking a narrative in order to find its meaning, there are a series of codes and conventions that need to be considered. When we look at a narrative we examine the conventions of

•       Time

•       Genre

•       Characters

•       Form

Film as Fairy Tale

According to Propps theory the characters have narrative function they provide a structure for the text

Characters that perform a function

•       The Hero – a character that seeks something

•       The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest

•       The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties

•       The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message

•       The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims

•       The Helper – who aids the hero

•       The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plots

The Complication

•       A state of disorder

•       The villain harms a member of the community/kingdom/family

•       One of the members of the community/kingdom/family desires something

•       The hero is sent to get what is desired

•       The hero plans action against the villain

Transference

•       The hero leaves home

•       The hero is tested or attacked/ he meets the test and is given a magical gift or helper

•       The hero reacts to the donor

•       The hero arrives at the place he can fulfil his quest

Struggle

•       There is a struggle between the hero and the villain

•       The hero is branded

•       The villain is overcome

•       The state of disorder is settled

Recognition

•       The hero is recognised

•       The false hero or villain is unmasked

•       The false hero is punished

•       The hero attains the reward (princess/ kingdom)

Thriller Theory

Here is another example of Propps theory taken under my own consideration and put into a thriller version. the film I have chosen to look at and apply the theory to is The Dark Knight, the reason I chose this film is because I can identify the character well and they can be easily analysed 

The Hero

The Villain

The Donor - Helps the Batman build his gadgets 

The Dispatcher - Tells the Batman about the Joker

The False Hero - Pretends to be bigger than the Joker but eventually dies

The helper - Helps the Batman create antidotes and helps out around the house and the bat cave for the Batman