Media Propp and Todorov

Narrative Structure

      Propp                                     

    Preparation
    Complication
    Transference
    Struggle
    Return
    Recognition.

 Tororov

    Equilibrium
    Disruption
    Recognition of disruption
    Attempt to repair disruption
    A return or restoration or NEW equilibrium.

Propp's Theory Says            Meaning                                             Back To The Future.

Preparation          -      A community or family is in an ordered state of being.   Marty is at school. His mum doesn't like his girlfriend much. Everything else is fine.   

Complication  - The Villain harms a member of the Hero's family.   Biff bullies Marty's dad.       

                          The Hero plans action against the Villain.     Marty goes back to 1955 and gets his dad to stick up to Biff.

Transference        The Hero is given a magical gift 

                   The hero arrives at the place he can fulfill his quest.       Marty arrives at the Enchantment under the sea dance. 

Struggle.     There is a struggle between the hero and the villain.    Marty's dad punches Biff.

Return          The hero escapes.                                  Marty plays a song at the Enchantment under the sea dance.
                              A task is set for the hero.                      Marty has to get back to the present day. 
                        
                           The hero accomplishes the task                Marty returns to present day. 
Recognition.   The hero is rewarded.                Marty has a new 4x4 and his dad is rich and successful and his mum likes his girlfriend.                               




Propp's Character Types.

Character                                                           Example

Hero                                                                   Marty         

Villain                                                                  Biff 

Prize                                                                    Jennifer  
Mentor                                                                 Doc
Helper                                                                  Doc
Blocker                                                                Biff + Stepdad
Dispatcher                                                            Doc