INI
Propp's 31 Narrative Functions in Morphology of the Folktale - INI
Propp's 31 functions are a narrative structure analysis system proposed by Russian folklorist Vladimir Propp in his 1928 work 'Morphology of the Folktale'. By analyzing 100 Russian wonder tales, he identified 31 narrative functions common to all folktales. These functions always appear in the same sequence and form the skeleton of the narrative. This theory has influenced many fields including narratology, semiotics, screenwriting, and game design, becoming foundational to structuralist narrative analysis.
narratology
folklore
structuralism
folktale
Russian
morphology
functional analysis
[item.absentation]
code=01
slug=absentation
name=Absentation
description=A member of the family absents themselves from home.
narrativeSphere=Introduction
symbol=β
[item.interdiction]
code=02
slug=interdiction
name=Interdiction
description=An interdiction or prohibition is addressed to the hero.
narrativeSphere=Introduction
symbol=γ
[item.violation]
code=03
slug=violation
name=Violation
description=The interdiction is violated.
narrativeSphere=Introduction
symbol=δ
[item.reconnaissance]
code=04
slug=reconnaissance
name=Reconnaissance
description=The villain attempts to obtain information about the hero or victim.
narrativeSphere=Introduction
symbol=ε
[item.delivery]
code=05
slug=delivery
name=Delivery
description=The villain gains the information they sought.
narrativeSphere=Introduction
symbol=ζ
[item.trickery]
code=06
slug=trickery
name=Trickery
description=The villain uses deception to gain advantage over the hero.
narrativeSphere=Introduction
symbol=η
[item.complicity]
code=07
slug=complicity
name=Complicity
description=The victim submits to deception and unwittingly helps the villain.
narrativeSphere=Introduction
symbol=θ
[item.villainy-or-lack]
code=08
slug=villainy-or-lack
name=Villainy or Lack
description=The villain causes harm, or a lack/deficiency is recognized.
narrativeSphere=Body/Complication
symbol=A/a
[item.mediation]
code=09
slug=mediation
name=Mediation
description=Misfortune becomes known and the hero is called upon for help.
narrativeSphere=Body/Complication
symbol=B
[item.counteraction]
code=10
slug=counteraction
name=Beginning Counter-Action
description=The hero agrees to undertake counter-action against the misfortune.
narrativeSphere=Body/Complication
symbol=B↑
[item.departure]
code=11
slug=departure
name=Departure
description=The hero leaves home to begin the quest.
narrativeSphere=Donor Sequence/Main Quest
symbol=↑
[item.first-function-of-donor]
code=12
slug=first-function-of-donor
name=First Function of the Donor
description=The hero is tested or challenged by a donor figure.
narrativeSphere=Donor Sequence/Main Quest
symbol=D
[item.heros-reaction]
code=13
slug=heros-reaction
name=Hero's Reaction
description=The hero reacts to the donor's test, passing or failing.
narrativeSphere=Donor Sequence/Main Quest
symbol=E
[item.receipt-of-magical-agent]
code=14
slug=receipt-of-magical-agent
name=Receipt of a Magical Agent
description=The hero acquires a magical object, weapon, or helper.
narrativeSphere=Donor Sequence/Main Quest
symbol=F
[item.spatial-transfer]
code=15
slug=spatial-transfer
name=Spatial Transfer
description=The hero is transported to the location of the object of search.
narrativeSphere=Donor Sequence/Main Quest
symbol=G
[item.struggle]
code=16
slug=struggle
name=Struggle
description=The hero and villain engage in direct combat or contest.
narrativeSphere=Donor Sequence/Main Quest
symbol=H
[item.branding]
code=17
slug=branding
name=Branding
description=The hero receives a mark, scar, or wound during the struggle.
narrativeSphere=Donor Sequence/Main Quest
symbol=I
[item.victory]
code=18
slug=victory
name=Victory
description=The villain is defeated, killed, or overcome.
narrativeSphere=Donor Sequence/Main Quest
symbol=I
[item.liquidation-of-lack]
code=19
slug=liquidation-of-lack
name=Liquidation of Lack
description=The initial misfortune or lack is resolved.
narrativeSphere=Donor Sequence/Main Quest
symbol=K
[item.return]
code=20
slug=return
name=Return
description=The hero returns home or to another location.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=↓
[item.pursuit]
code=21
slug=pursuit
name=Pursuit
description=The hero is pursued by the villain or their agent.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=Pr
[item.rescue]
code=22
slug=rescue
name=Rescue
description=The hero is rescued from pursuit through various means.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=Rs
[item.unrecognized-arrival]
code=23
slug=unrecognized-arrival
name=Unrecognized Arrival
description=The hero arrives home but is not recognized.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=O
[item.unfounded-claims]
code=24
slug=unfounded-claims
name=Unfounded Claims
description=A false hero presents unfounded claims to the hero's achievements.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=L
[item.difficult-task]
code=25
slug=difficult-task
name=Difficult Task
description=A difficult task is proposed to prove the hero's identity.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=T
[item.solution]
code=26
slug=solution
name=Solution
description=The hero accomplishes the difficult task.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=T
[item.recognition]
code=27
slug=recognition
name=Recognition
description=The hero is recognized by their mark or through solving the task.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=Q
[item.exposure]
code=28
slug=exposure
name=Exposure
description=The false hero or villain is exposed and revealed.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=Ex
[item.transfiguration]
code=29
slug=transfiguration
name=Transfiguration
description=The hero is given a new appearance through transformation.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=T
[item.punishment]
code=30
slug=punishment
name=Punishment
description=The villain is punished for their deeds.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=U
[item.wedding]
code=31
slug=wedding
name=Wedding
description=The hero is married and/or ascends the throne.
narrativeSphere=Hero's Return
symbol=W