Propp’s Structure of the Magic Tale
Working with the theory that fairy tales could be studied and compared by examining their most basic plot components, Formalist Vladimir Propp developed an analysis that reduced fairy tales to a series of actions performed by the dramatis personae (cast of characters) in each story. Propp argued that all fairy tales were constructed of certain plot elements, which he called functions, and that these elements consistently occurred in a uniform sequence. Based on a study of one hundred folk tales, Propp devised a list of thirty-one generic functions, proposing that they encompassed all of the plot components from which fairy tales were constructed.
Cast of Characters
1. Hero (also the Seeker or Victim)
2. Villain
3. Donor (the person from whom the hero gets some magical object)
4. Magical Helper (the character that helps the hero in the quest)
5. Dispatcher (the character that brings the “lack” to the hero’s attention)
6. False hero (the character that takes credit for the hero’s actions)
7. Prince/Princess (person the hero marries)
8. Victim (person harmed by the villain if not the hero
Story Structure
I. Introductory Sequence
A. Family member leaves family- the hero is introduced
B. Interdiction (the order not to do something) ***don’t do X***
C. Interdiction is violated ***hero does X anyway***
D. Villain is introduced
E. Villain attempts to deceive hero with trickery
F. Hero falls for trickery
II. Body of the Story
A. Villain causes harm or injury through villainy (villain carries off a victim, the hero, or a magical objectthat must be retrieved. OR
B. A member of the hero’s family lacks something or wants something
C. “Lack” is made know to the hero
D. Hero agrees to attempt counteraction
E. Hero leaves home
III. Donor Sequence
A. Hero is tested/questioned
B. Hero reacts
C. Hero receives a magical agent or object that helps in the quest
D. Setting moves to where the “Lack” is found
E. Combat with the villain
F. Hero is branded
G. Villain is defeated
H. Object of the quest is obtained by the hero
***The tale often ends here, but may continue to a fourth sequence.***
IV. Hero’s Return
A. Hero sets off for home
B. Hero is pursued
C. Rescued from pursuit
***The tale may end here as well.***
D. Hero arrives home and is not recognized
E. False hero claims to be true hero
F. Difficult task is set to prove identity
G. Task is resolved
H. True hero is recognized
I. False hero is unmasked
J. Hero is given a new appearance
K. Villain is punished
L. Marriage and rule of the true hero
Common Elements ofFairy Tales
• Do NOT need to include fairies.
• Set in the past—usually significantly long ago. The story may be presented as historical fact from the past.
• Include fantasy, supernatural or make-believe aspects.
• Typically incorporate clearly defined good characters and evil characters.
• Involves magic elements, which may be magical people, animals, or objects. Magic may be positive or negative.
• May include objects, people, or events in threes.
• Focus the plot on a problem or conflict that needs to be solved.
• Often have happy endings, based on the resolution of the conflict or problem.
• Usually teach a lesson or demonstrate values important to the culture.
Name: ______Date: ______Hour:______
Analyzing a Story Using Propp’s Structure of the Magic Tale
Propp argued that all fairy tales were constructed of certain plot elements, which he called functions, and that these elements consistently occurred in the same sequence. Based on a study of one hundred folk tales, Propp devised a list of thirty-one functions, proposing that they encompassed all of the plot components from which fairy tales were constructed.
Cast of Characters: Decide how the characters in your story follow Propp’s Structure. Write the character names next to the story role they fill.
1. Hero
2. Villain
3. Donor
4. Magical Helper
5. Dispatcher
6. False hero
7. Prince/Princess
8. Victim
Story Structure: What typical plot events from Propp’s Structure are found in this story? List the events for each section of the story.
- Introductory Sequence
a.
b.
c.
- Body of the Story
a.
b.
c.
- Donor Sequence
a.
b.
c.
***The tale often ends here, but may continue to a fourth sequence.***
- Hero’s Return
a.
b.
c.
Common Elements: What common elements of fairytale were found in the story? List at least four.
1.
2.
3.
4.