Task A1 - Vladimir Propp's character roles (Shrek)

Shrek - Propp's Character roles

Vladimir Propp had a theory that a certain type of character is used in every narrative. Propp believes they follow 7 character types which are the hero, the villain, the dispatcher, the false hero, the sidekick, the princess and the donor. Not every film has all seven character roles in the film, for example in the horror film 'Scream' they don't have a princess character but as it is not needed, then Wes Craven (director) decided not add one. You don't have to follow Propp's character theory to your narrative, as it is not required.

In the film, 'Shrek' the hero is Shrek. Shrek leads the narrative throughout the quest and solves the mystery. Shrek was forced by Lord Farquhaad (the villain) to rescue Princess Fiona (Princess), so that Shrek could get his swamp back from the Lord Farquhaad. On Shrek quests, he wears a knight armour and carries a sword to rescue her. 

This emphasises that Shrek is the hero in the film, as the armour and sword is meant to protect him whilst on the quest. These props are typically what hero's would have worn in the 60th century which prompts the audience to primarily believe that Shrek is the hero in this film.

Shrek wasn't suppose to rescue Princess Fiona from the castle, but it was meant to be Prince Charming (false hero). This is because at the end of the quest when Princess Fiona is rescued, Prince Charming tries to take credit for Shrek's hard work. This evokes the audience to feel as if Prince Charming only wanted to rescue Princess Fiona because he would become heir to the throne of Far Far Away. The fact that Prince Charming only wants Fiona for the throne is also highlighted through Prince Charming deciding to get Shrek to do his hard work for him, instead of doing it himself.

King Harold (father figure) gave Prince Charming the authorities to go and rescue his daughter, then when he does he will be able to marry her. Then when Prince Charming married Princess Fiona, he would become heir to the throne of Far Far Away. This evokes the thought that King Harold really cared about his daughter Fiona and wanted her to be rescued as soon as possible.

Princess Fiona has a curse on her. During sunrise and sunset she was a human, however during twilight she is an ogre so her Fairy Godmother locked her away in the towers. Princess Fiona is the princess of Vladimir Propp's character theory. She is the reward that would be given to the hero (Shrek) for rescuing her from the castle. 

When Fiona is rescued by Shrek, she is disappointed to find out that her hero is an ogre. This prompts the audience to feel sympathy for Shrek because he saved her, and she isn't showing that she is thankful for his help. All she wanted to understand is why he is doing what typical heroes do when they save the princess from danger. In the end, Princess Fiona ends up falling in love with Shrek.

The villain in 'Shrek' is Lord Farquhaad. Villains have conflict with the hero and believes they'll get a reward for beating the hero. Lord Farquhaad is after Princess Fiona as he wants her for himself and is against everything that Shrek is doing. He is nice to Shrek at the beginning, but then deceives him and takes Princess Fiona away after all his hard work from capturing the dragon. This prompts the audience to feel as if all the men in the film, are trying to use Princess Fiona to benefit themselves and not because they want to do the morally right thing.

Shrek had a sidekick which was very talkative and loud. The purpose of the sidekick is to help the hero re-establish the equilibrium  The Donkey was Shrek's sidekick because he helps the hero on the quest. This was due to the Donkey being able to distract the dragon, whilst he goes and rescues the princess from inside the tower. Also, a lot of directors use a sidekick in their narratives as they could bring a comedic element to the film which would entertain the audience through laughter.

In 'Shrek', the muffin man is the donor and the donor are someone who helps the donor by giving them something that will help them to complete their quest (a clue or special power). The muffin man because he makes a giant gingerbread man who breaks through the castle walls.

In conclusion , these characters are used to allow audiences to feel confident that good will win over evil and that they expect the hero to save the princess or prize, which offers a satisfied ending which they'll find comforting.