Vladimir Propps 'Music Video' Theory

Vladimir Propp focused on looking at narrative folk tales. He noticed that the folk tales were all very similar and they followed a structure. This is where he formed his theory about characters and actions as narrative functions. He formed the theory that characters all have a distinctive narrative function.

Vladimir Propp states that characters take up roles in their narratives. He identifies seven different characters necessary to make up a narrative.

• The Hero
• The Villain
• The Donor
• The Dispatcher
• The False Hero
• The Helper
• The Princess

Therefore, his theory being more suited to films rather than a music video due to the designated character choice. However, there are certain aspects of Propp’s theory in specific music videos. An example music video of where Vladimir Propp’s theory has been embedded is Demi Lovato – Confident. The protagonist/artist in the video is seen to be the Princess who is in danger and needs help, therefore outlining a clear villain role in the music video as the protagonist is captured.