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