Propp's Character Roles

Propp identified 8 character roles in each narrative:

Using the second Harry Potter book; 'Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets' as an example and using Todorov's theory, the equilibrium is at the beginning when Harry returns to Hogwarts and continues to learn magic. Things then start to go wrong when people become paralysed by a snake, this is the disequilibrium. They then discover a cursed diary and realise that it is evil. They then attempt to solve the crime and defeat Tom Riddle, in which they are successful. The equilibrium is then restored as the evil is destroyed and everyone who was paralysed have come back to life.  The book fits in with Propp's 8 main character roles and Harry Potter fits the categories, as each of the character roles can be filled;

The Hero ( seeks something) - Harry Potter

The Villain (opposes the Hero) - Tom Riddle ( Lord Voldemort) 

The Donor ( helps the hero by providing a magic object)- The Phoenix provides the sorting hat, which provides a sword.

The Helper (gives support to the Hero) - Ron Weasley

The Princess ( the reward for the Hero, but also needs protection from the Villain) - Ginny Weasley

Her father - Dumbledore, he rewards Harry, however is not the father but may be looked up to as a father figure.

The dispatcher ( sends the Hero on his way) - Moaning Myrtle, helps show the entrance to the chamber.

The false Hero ( falsely assuming the role of the Hero) - Professor Gilderoy Lockhart