Propp's Narrative Function

Vladimir Propp was a Russian critic active in the 1920's who came up with a theory based on his observation. Propp stated that narratives did not have to include all the functions he noted, but they should be in the order listed. His functions were:

1. Preparation - Setting the story up, introduction of characters and a hero, a basic introduction to the plot is given. 
2. Complication - There is a state of disorder. Introduction of a villain or a problem that the hero must overcome in order to go on living as normal.
3. Transference - The hero leaves home and is tested or attacked.
4. Struggle - There is a struggle between the hero and the villain. The villain is eventually overcome. The state of disorder is settled.
5. Return - In some narratives a false hero returns and tries to take credit or the real hero is not recognised for his/her actions.
6. Recognition - The false hero or villain is unmasked and punished. The hero is recognised for the work he/she has done and praised. Life begins to return to normal or changes completely but returns to some form of equilibrium.

 

Because we are doing a trailer we may not apply all of Propp's narrative function and we may decide to do them in a different order so the trailer doesn't follow a chronological order and thus doesn't seem like a short film rather than a trailer.