Hello! I am back and will discuss and research a specific media theory that I wish to integrate into my portfolio project. The theory I chose is... the Character Theory by Vladimir Propp. He says that characters can be classified into specific roles, and Propps argues that there are seven types of characters. I will go over and provide some details for each one!
Just to add before I explain these character types, they do not have to be actual characters, they can be symbolic elements, objects, or abstract forces too! For my examples, I will be using the Harry Potter series for my examples!
The first one is the Hero or Protagonist: This character is the main character, the one for whom the audience typically roots. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that they have to be likable, but the audience should relate to them and their desires/goals. Typically the character has flaws but over the film they conquer them.
Example: Harry Potter
He is the main character of the series. Harry goes on many adventures and is the hero at the end. The audience roots for Harry Potter from the get-go too.
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The Villain or Antagonist: They are usually shown as the "bad guy" or the "bully". A fun fact is that sometimes they are remembered more than the protagonist. The protagonist wishes different things than the antagonist, and the majority of the time, the protagonist is the ultimate winner.
Example: Lord Voldemort
He is portrayed as evil and is Harry's #1 enemy throughout all the movies. They end up in a huge battle at the end, and their relationship drives the series onward.
The Dispatcher: This character informs the protagonist, of this "emergency" and tells them that they need to leave on their journey ASAP.
Example: Professor Dumbledore
Dumbledore introduces Potter to the wizarding world and provides Harry with very important advice and even he is shown helping him defeat Voldemort throughout the movies, through his mentoring and the information he gives Harry.
The Helper: They help the main character on their journey by providing support, but they do not take the spotlight.
Example: Hermione Granger and Ron Weasely
These two are Harry's support system. They have been together since they were little kids and they tag along Harry's journeys and always provide backup.
The Donor: This is the character that aids and prepares the character on their journey, sort of like a mentor.
Example: Hagrid
Hagrid helps Harry out, with many things and is always very kind towards him (showing clear favoritism) such as giving Harry an Owl for his birthday!
The Princess: They are the main character's love interest. However, they cannot have their happily ever after until after the bad guy is defeated.
Example: Ginny Weasley
is Harry's love interest and while they do hint and foreshadow their relationship, they do not end up together til the very end, when Voldemort is defeated.
The False Hero: This character is jealous of the main character. They attempt to go against them, setting traps, and they take the glory for the protagonist's achievements. They aren't the antagonist, but share SOME similar characteristics.
Example: Draco Malfoy
Malfoy is clearly shown as someone jealous of Harry. He sees himself as superior compared to Harry and constantly tries to put Harry down either by embarrassing him or his friends.
I would use this media theory in my project by having some of these character types portrayed in the opening. Our protagonist could encounter a challenge, perhaps an injury, or a traumatic family incident that she will have to overcome throughout the progression of the film. Another idea is for us to introduce other characters briefly such as a coach, who in this case would be the donor, or someone like the false hero, who is jealous of the protagonist and tries to sabotage her, maybe by setting up traps while she's training causing her to injure herself. These are just some ideas but I like the idea of the false hero.
Cites I visited;
“The 7 Main Character Roles in Film: Ultimate Guide to Archetypes - Arc Studio Blog.” Www.arcstudiopro.com, www.arcstudiopro.com/blog/the-7-main-character-roles-in-film-ultimate-guide-to-archetypes
https://www.arcstudiopro.com/blog/the-7-main-character-roles-in-film-ultimate-guide-to-archetypes
Heckmann, Chris. “Antagonists Explained and What Makes a Great One.” StudioBinder, 27 Sept. 2020, www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-an-antagonist-definition/
“Narrative - GCSE Moving Image Arts (CCEA) Revision.” BBC Bitesize, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zysrrdm/revision/5
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zysrrdm/revision/5
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