History, Wonder Tales, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends How to Write A Good Fairy Tale | Page 29

THE HERO’S JOURNEY
Russian formalist Vladimir PROPP compares many tales to reveal
COMMON STRUCTURE (31 “functions”) = Propp’s Paradigm:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Protagonist confronted with interdiction/prohibition she violates
departure or banishment
protagonist takes or is given task related to interdiction/prohibition
TASK is a sign mark or stereotype of character (names are rare, insig)

5. Characters function according to social class/profession & transform selves or cross
boundaries
6. Significant or signifying encounter
7. Protagonist will meet enemies or friends
8. Antagonist is often a witch, ogre, monster, or evil fairy
9. “Friend” is usually a mysterious creature or character who gives the protagonist gifts
(often x 3; often magical agents)
10. Miraculous or marvelous change / transformation
11. Protagonist is endowed with gifts
12. Protagonist is tested & overcomes inimical forces
13.
14.
15.
16.

Usually peripeteia (sudden fall) in fortunes = temporary set back
Miraculous / marvelous intervention needed to reverse wheel of fortune
Often protagonist here uses endowed gifts (including magical agens & cunning)
Success usually = marriage, acquisition of money, survival, wisdom or combination of
first 3
17. As a whole these functions form TRANSFORMATION (overall focus of the tale)