Narrative Analysis Frameworks · Narrative structure

Propp’s Functions

Vladimir Propp’s framework describes what characters do and how their actions shape a tale. His Morphology of the Folktale (1928) identifies 31 functions and 7 spheres of action from Russian wonder tales.

The 31 functions

Functions describe an action’s part in the plot. The symbols are Propp’s analytical notation.

The opening situation (α) is outside the numbered functions. Villainy (A) and lack (a, sometimes listed as VIIIa) are shown together at function 8.

Propp’s narrative functions, in their conventional numbered order
FunctionNotationWhat happens
1. Absentation β Someone leaves the household, changing its protection or circumstances.
2. Interdiction γ A warning, prohibition or instruction establishes a boundary for the hero.
3. Violation δ The warning is disregarded or the prohibition is broken.
4. Reconnaissance ε The antagonist tries to discover useful information about a potential victim.
5. Delivery ζ Information reaches the antagonist and enables a harmful plan.
6. Trickery η Deception is used to gain control of someone or their possessions.
7. Complicity θ The deceived person unknowingly assists the antagonist.
8. Villainy or lack A / a Harm disrupts life (A), or an unmet need prompts a quest (a).
9. Mediation B The problem becomes known and a request or dispatch connects it to the hero.
10. Beginning counteraction C The seeker decides to act against the harm or deficiency.
11. Departure ↑ The hero leaves home and the journey begins.
12. First function of the donor D An encounter tests the hero before assistance can become available.
13. Hero’s reaction E The hero responds to the donor’s test or request.
14. Receipt of a magical agent F The hero obtains a special object, power or helper.
15. Guidance G The hero reaches the place where the sought object or person can be found.
16. Struggle H The hero and antagonist confront each other directly.
17. Branding J A wound, mark or token gives the hero a recognisable sign.
18. Victory I The confrontation ends with the antagonist overcome.
19. Liquidation K The initiating harm is repaired or the missing thing obtained.
20. Return ↓ The hero starts the journey back.
21. Pursuit Pr A hostile force follows or chases the returning hero.
22. Rescue Rs The pursuit is escaped or an intervention saves the hero.
23. Unrecognised arrival o The hero reaches home or another place without being identified.
24. Unfounded claims L Another figure claims achievements or rewards that are not theirs.
25. Difficult task M A demanding challenge is set as a condition of success.
26. Solution N The required challenge is successfully completed.
27. Recognition Q Evidence establishes the hero’s identity or achievement.
28. Exposure Ex The false claimant or antagonist is revealed.
29. Transfiguration T A changed appearance expresses the hero’s new condition or standing.
30. Punishment U The antagonist or false claimant receives a penalty.
31. Wedding W Marriage, sovereignty or another reward establishes the closing settlement.

The seven character roles

Propp calls these spheres of action. A role is defined by its contribution to the action.

1. Villain

Creates the harm, opposes the hero or pursues them.

3. Helper

Assists travel, rescue, problem solving or transformation.

5. Dispatcher

Connects the hero with the problem and sends them on their way.

6. Hero

The seeker who undertakes the quest, or the victim whose fortunes the tale follows.

7. False hero

Presents an undeserved claim to the hero’s success or reward.

The princess and her father share one sphere, keeping the total at seven. One character can occupy several roles, and several characters can share a role.

Using the framework

Propp’s model orders the functions that appear; a tale need not contain all 31. Further sequences of harm and resolution can form additional “moves”. Its starting point is the wonder tale, so applying it to other narrative genres calls for interpretation.

Each function and role has its own link for citation and future cross-referencing. Narrative cross-links will be added after analysis.

Sources and terminology

Propp, Vladimir. Morphology of the Folktale. First published in Russian in 1928. Second English edition, translated by Laurence Scott and revised and edited by Louis A. Wagner. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1968. Chapter III, pp. 25–65 (functions); chapter VI, pp. 79–83 (spheres of action).

Publisher’s edition Consult the text (PDF)

Labels vary between translations. “Guidance” is also described as spatial transference, “branding” as marking, and “liquidation” as resolving the original misfortune or lack. The descriptions here are brief editorial summaries.





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