Propp

http://www.brown.edu/Courses/FR0133/Fairytale_Generator/theory.html

Propp argued that all fairy tales were constructed of certain plot elements, which he called functions, and that these elements consistently occurred in a uniform sequence. Based on a study of one hundred folk tales, Propp devised a list of thirty-one generic functions, proposing that they encompassed all of the plot components from which fairy tales were constructed.

http://www.northern.edu/hastingw/propp.htm

The initial situation.
1. One of the members of a family absents himself from home.
2. An interdiction (prohibition) is addressed to the hero(ine). [OR: (s)he is ordered to do something]
3. The interdiction is violated.
4. The villain makes an attempt at reconnaissance.
5. The villain receives information about his/her victim.
6. The villain attempts to deceive his/her victim in order to take possession of him/her and/or of his/her belongings.
7. The victim submits to deception and thereby unwittingly helps his/her enemy.
8. The villain causes harm or injury to a member of a family. 8a. One member of a family either lacks something or desires to have something.
9. Misfortune or lack is made known; the hero(ine) is approached with a request or a command; (s)he is allowed to go or (s)he is dispatched.
10. The seeker agrees to or decides upon counteraction.
11. The hero(ine) leaves home.
12. The hero(ine) is tested, interrogated, attacked, etc., which prepares the way for his/her receiving either a magical agent or helper.
13. The hero(ine) reacts to the actions of the future donor.
14. The hero(ine) acquires the use of a magical agent.
15. The hero(ine) is transferred, delivered, or led to the whereabouts of an object of search.
16. The hero(ine) and the villain join in direct combat.
17. The hero(ine) is branded.
18. The villain is defeated.
19. The initial misfortune or lack is liquidated.
20. The hero(ine) returns.
21. The hero(ine) is pursued.
22. Rescue of the hero(ine) from pursuit.
23. The hero(ine), unrecognized, arrives home or in another country.
24. A false hero(ine) presents unfounded claims.
25. A difficult task is proposed to the hero(ine).
26. The task is resolved.
27. The hero(ine) is recognized.
28. The false hero(ine) or villain is exposed.
29. The hero(ine) is given a new appearance.
30. The villain is punished.
31. The hero(ine) is married and ascends the throne