Propp's Morphology
Vladimir Propp's structural analysis of Russian fairy tales identifying 31 narrative functions that appear in a fixed sequence.
In 1928, Russian folklorist Vladimir Propp published 'Morphology of the Folktale,' analyzing 100 Russian fairy tales to identify a common underlying structure. He identified 31 'functions' (plot elements) that appear in a consistent order, though not all functions appear in every tale. Key functions include: Absentation (a family member leaves home), Interdiction (a warning is given), Violation (the warning is ignored), Villainy (the antagonist acts), Departure (the hero leaves home), Donor (the hero receives magical help), and Wedding (the hero is rewarded). Propp also identified 7 character roles: villain, donor, helper, princess/prize, dispatcher, hero, and false hero.