Todorov and Propp

Todorov

Todorov suggested that conventional narratives are structured in 5 stages

1. A state of equilibrium at the outset
2. A disruption of the equilibrium by some action
3. A recognition that there has been a disruption
4. An attempt to repair the disruption
5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium

This type of narrative structure is very familiar to us and can be applied to many mainstream film narratives.

Propp

Propp suggested there are 8 'stock' characters

1. The villian who struggles against the hero
2. The dispatcher who sends the hero off
3. The helper who helps the hero in their quest
4. The princess who the hero deserves but cannot marry her because of the villain
5. Her father who gives the hero the task/identifies the false hero
6. The donor who prepares the hero or gives them a magic object
7. The hero who reacts to the donor and marries the princess
8. The false hero who takes credit for hero's actions and tries to marry the princess

The hero's journey often ends when he defeats the villain and marries the princess

*both use folk law*