The 7 Character Archetypes

Mr A, Mr C and Mr D
Present…
the 7 Character
Archetypes
Contents
Explanations and Examples p3-4
The Hero/Heroine Poster p5
The Villain Poster p6
The Helper Poster p7
The Donor Poster p8
The Dispatcher Poster p9
The Prize Poster p10
The False Hero Poster p11
More Resources p12
Explanations and Examples
Vladimir Propp was a literacy critic and scholar from Russia who was born on the 17 th April 1895 and
believed that there were 7 main/typical character types in every film and 31 narrative functions that
follow a simple plot. These roles could sometimes be distributed among various characters, as the hero
kills the villain dragon, and the dragon's sisters take on the villainous role of chasing him. Conversely,
one character could engage in acts as more than one role, as a father could send his son on the quest
and give him a sword, acting as both dispatcher and donor.
Folk stories around the world form a web of connections and the same or similar stories can be found in
many places. These old stories also have formed the basis of many more stories since and hence Propp's
morphology is useful not only in understanding Russian folk tales but most other stories.
Propp has been both lauded for his structural approach and criticized for his lack of sensitivity to subtle
story elements such as mood and deeper context.
1.) The Hero/Heroine

Propp describes this as just the hero but we will describe it as the hero/heroine. Typically, the
hero/heroine is the protagonist character that reacts to the donor and dispatcher, outwits the
villain, resolves corruption and marries the princess (or wins the prize).
Examples: Harry Potter (Harry Potter Series), Stitch Head (Stitch Head), Lucy (The Lion, The Witch
and the Wardrobe), Marinka (The House with Chicken Legs), Nobody Owens (The Graveyard
Book), Lila (The Firework Maker’s Daughter) etc.
2.) Villain
The villain is the evil, antagonist character that creates struggles for the hero/heroine. They
usually try to prevent the hero/heroine from reaching their goal or may clash on a quest for
similar interests.
Examples: Voldemort (Harry Potter Series), Sebastian Eels (Malamander), Scramashank (Podkin
One-Ear), Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker (James and the Giant Peach), Eudora Vane (Brightstorm),
The Ice Queen (Sky Song), Miss Trunchbull (Matilda) etc.
3.) The Helper

The helper can often be a magician or wise old man (but certainly not always) that supports the
hero/heroine in their quest and often appears during a critical moment in the story.
Examples: Hermione (Harry Potter Series), Praveen (When the Mountains Roared), Cludge
(Varjak Paw), Sam (The Light Jar), The Queen (The B.F.G.), Dr Barnardo (Street Child), Mina
(Skellig), Matteo (Rooftoppers), Virgo (Who Let the Gods Out)
© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

4.) The Donor
The donor is a character that donates or imparts their wisdom or magical weapons on the
hero/heroine. The donor and helper are usually combined and are one in same character in
different stories. The donor may also be capricious and not easily swayed and may not give up
their gift without setting the hero/heroine another task, from a simple riddle to a new quest.
Examples: Dumbledore (Harry Potter Series), Glinda the Good Witch of the North (The Wizard
of Oz), Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), Genie (Aladdin) etc.
5.) The Dispatcher

The dispatcher is a character who dispatches the need for the hero and then sends the hero on
their mission. Dispatchers can be combined with roles such as donor, helper or false hero.
Examples: Dumbledore (Harry Potter Series), Nate Pullman (Wonder), Mother (Little Red Riding
Hood), Gandalf (The Hobbit), Cadellin Silverbrow (The Weirdstone of Brisingamen) etc.
6.) The Prize

Propp describes this as the princess but we will refer to this as the prize. Generally, the prize is
for the hero/heroine in completing the mission; he/she gains their affection, seeks marriage, or
perhaps rescues them from the villain. The prize may be seen very little in the story, perhaps
appearing only at the end, or may be an integral character, for example where they accompany
the hero/heroine on his mission, where he/she may win their heart by the courage and
determination of his/her actions. If we see the prize being won by the false hero, we may rail
and rant in frustration as we see them falling unwittingly into their clutches.
Examples: Ginny (Harry Potter Series), Abilene (The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane),
Podkin’s mother and father (Podkin One-Ear), The Prince (Sleeping Beauty) etc.
7.) The False Hero/Heroine

Propp describes this character as the false hero but we will refer to it as the false hero/heroine.
The false hero/heroine is a character that appears to be heroic and may be mistaken as the real
hero/heroine. The false hero/heroine is a self-concerned and manipulative individual that will try
to steal the hero’s spotlight, take credit for his achievement’s and maybe try to win the prize.
Examples: Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter Series), Vernon Vincent (Atomic! The Vengeance of
Vinister Vile), Fulbert Freakfinder (Stitch Head), The Wizard of Oz (The Wonderful Wizard of
Oz) etc.

The 7 Characters
No. 1 – The Hero/Heroine

This character is usually the main character (protagonist) of the story. The hero/heroine fights
against the villain and is normally lead by, and has a strong relationship with, the donor.
Hero/Heroine

The 7 Characters
No. 2 – The Villain

The main enemy (antagonist) who causes conflict. The villain struggles against the
hero/heroine and is usually defeated in the end.

The 7 Characters
No. 3 – The Helper

The hero/heroine often needs a helping hand along the way. The helper is someone who
supports them on their quest. They can often be magical (but not always) and often have
intelligence, determination and courage.

The 7 Characters
No. 4 – The Donor

The donor prepares the hero/heroine or gives them a useful (often magical) object.

The 7 Characters
No. 5 – The Dispatcher

An early role in a story often involves a dispatcher who dispatches (sends) the
hero/heroine on a mission. This is usually a family member. The dispatcher may also be
combined with another role such as a false hero or a helper.

The 7 Characters
No. 6 – The Prize

This is usually linked to love and can be someone who the hero/heroine wants to be with. They are
united at the end of the story. It could even include a long-lost mother, a friend of even a pet!

The 7 Characters
No. 7 – The False Hero/Heroine

The false hero/heroine is seen as a good character at the start but emerges
as evil, deceitful and an enemy later in the story.

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Mr A, Mr C and Mr D

1.) The Hero/Heroine

3.) The Helper

© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

5.) The Dispatcher

6.) The Prize

7.) The False Hero/Heroine

© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

No. 1 – The Hero/Heroine

© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

No. 2 – The Villain

© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

No. 3 – The Helper

© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

No. 4 – The Donor

© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

No. 5 – The Dispatcher

© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

No. 6 – The Prize

© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

No. 7 – The False Hero/Heroine

© Mr A, Mr C and Mr D Present - 2020

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