Vladimir Propp concluded a theory regarding character roles:
The hero (seeks everything)
The villain (opposes the hero)
The helper (gives support the hero)
The donor (helps hero by providing a magic object)
The dispatcher ( sends the hero on it's way)
The princess (the reward for the hero, needs protection)
The false hero (falsely assumes the role of the hero)
HIs theory put into context: Little Red Riding Hood
The hero - The woodcutter
The villain - The wolf
The helper - The wolf/ mum / woodcutter
The dispatcher - The mum
The princess - The nan/ Little red riding hood
The false hero - The wolf
Another example: Spectre
The hero - James Bond
The villain- Ernst Status Blofeld
The helper- Money penny
The donor- Q
The dispatcher- M
The princess- Madeline Swann
The false hero- C
Propp's narrative theory:
Preparation
A community/kingdom/family is in an ordered state of being
A member of the community/kingdom/family leaves home
A warning is given to the leaders of the community or a rule is imposed on the hero
The warning is discounted/ the rule is broken
The villain attempts to discover something about the victim of the broken rule
The villain tries to deceive the victim to gain advantage
The victim unwittingly helps the villain
Complication
A state of disorder
The villain harms a member of the community/kingdom/family
One of the members of the community/kingdom/family desires something
The hero is sent to get what is desired
The hero plans action against the villain
Transference
The hero leaves home
The hero is tested or attacked/ he meets the test and is given a magical gift or helper
The hero reacts to the donor
The hero arrives at the place he can fulfil his quest
Struggle
There is a struggle between the hero and the villain
The hero is branded
The villain is overcome
The state of disorder is settled
Return
The hero returns
The hero is pursued
The hero escapes or is rescued
The hero arrives home and is not recognised
A false hero claims rewards
A task is set for the hero
The task is accomplished
Recognition
The hero is recognised
The false hero or villain is unmasked
The false hero is punished
The hero attains the reward (princess/ kingdom)
How does this relate to The Following?
I would argue that Vladimir Propp's theory doesn't necessarily apply to my film opening The Following. The villain is definitely Jack, Nancy's ex and the princess would be Nancy. However, no other characters are involved in the storyline, we don't have a hero in the film opening, however a hero would feature in the full film.