Media Studies: Character Theories

In order to further develop my research into Characters, I have also explored the main theories of characters within Media based on the work of Goffman and Propp.

Goffmans Character Theory

Erving Goffman was a American sociologist from the 20th century. He created a character theory that states that there are four main types of character in a media text or production.

Character theory (Short) A2 Media from ellisburnsy

This can be applied to many Thriller films, one of which would be Jurassic Park. The protagonist, Dr Alan Grant is the leading character, followed by Dr Ellis Sattler as the deuteragonist. The bit part player would be any of the characters working and the park and the fool would be Donald Gennaro (The man killed by the T-Rex while hiding in a toilet stall). 

Propps Character Theory

Vladimir Propp developed a theory in which is used when studying media productions, it suggests that within film there are seven broad character types, this theory is based on 100 stories he analysed over various cultures.

1. The villain (struggles against the hero)
2. The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
3. The (magical) helper (helps the hero in the quest)
4. The princess (person the hero marries, often sought for during the narrative)
5. The false hero (perceived as good character in beginning but emerges as evil)
6. The dispatcher (character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off)
7. The hero [AKA victim/seeker/paladin/winner, reacts to the donor, weds the princess

A criticism of Propp's character theory may be that although he clearly states the different categories of found in stories, he did not take into account the application to each individual character. For example, the villain could also be the donor or the false hero could also be the dispatcher. 

Nevertheless, This theory can also be applied to thriller films. A prime example of this would be the Superhero Thriller The Dark Knight (2008):

1. The villain in this film would primarily be The Joker, Portrayed by Heath Ledger.
2. The donor would be Alfred, Batmans Butler.
3. The helper would be Lucius Fox, who helps Bruce Wayne to run Wayne Enterprises.
4. The princess is Rachel Dawes, the Damzel in distress Batman works to save.
5. The false hero would be "Two-Face", who goes from hero to villain.
6. The dispatcher is portayed by the Character or James Gordon, A police officer who gives Batman intel during the movie.
7. The hero would be Bruce Wayne/Batman, A superhero who fights crime and is trying to stop the antagonist (The Joker).

In conclusion, Both of these theories show that they can help to create successful narratives and give us an idea of how we may change the structure of our narrative in a way that would improve it. However according to these theories these our film will follow this narrative regardless. Which brings me to my final point, why have I wrote all of this? Because it was Propp-a good fun.