Propp's Theory of character functions

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

Propp’s 31 functions are too many to remember without a prompt, and probably too many to be applied easily. However, a simplified model (Propp-R) has been developed that merges several of Propp's functions, resulting in an abbreviated list of five functions which, like Propp's, always occur in the same sequence:

1. There is a LACK of something.
2. This forces the hero to go on a QUEST to eliminate the lack.
3. On the quest, the hero encounters a MAGICAL HELPER.
4. (S)he is subjected to one or more TESTS. This may be divided into two: an initial, qualifying test necessary to secure the helpers’ help, and additional tests related to the quest itself.
5. After passing the test, (s)he achieves his/her REWARD.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Propp

As well as finding the 31 narrative functions of Propp's theory he also discovered that there are ONLY 8 broad character types in the one hundred tales he analysed:

The villain (struggles against the hero)
The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
The (magical) helper (helps the hero in the quest)
The princess (person the hero marries, often sought for during the narrative)
Her father
The dispatcher (character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off)
The hero or victim/ seeker hero, reacts to the donor, weds the princess
False hero/ anti-hero/ usurper — (takes credit for the hero’s actions/ tries to marry the princess)
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Criticism

This analysis has been criticized for entirely removing all verbal considerations from the analysis, despite the folktale's usual form being oral, and also all considerations of tone, mood, character, and, indeed, anything that differentiates one fairy tale from another.