This document covers Proppian character types in media examplesand... Show more
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Nima K
10/08/2025
Media Studies
Media Language Key Terms
Key Media Studies Terminology
This page delves into essential media language definitions, providing a solid foundation for understanding and analyzing various media forms. It covers fundamental concepts in media studies, including denotation, connotation, codes and conventions, narrative, genre, intertextuality, and different types of media codes.
Denotation is defined as the actual or literal meaning of something. For example, the denotation of a candle is simply a wax object with a wick that produces light when lit.
Connotation refers to the deeper meanings associated with something beyond its literal definition. Using the same example, a candle might connote concepts like hope, warmth, or romance, depending on the context.
Codes and conventions are explained as the elements of media language that typically occur in particular forms (such as magazines or advertisements) or genres (like sitcoms). These are essential for understanding how media products communicate meaning.
Narrative is described as the way stories are structured and communicated within media products. This concept is crucial for analyzing how different media forms tell stories and engage audiences.
Genre is defined as the type or category of a media product. Examples given include crime dramas and sitcoms, highlighting how genre classifications help audiences understand what to expect from a media text.
Intertextuality is explained as the practice where a media product references another text to communicate meaning to the audience. This concept is important for understanding how media texts relate to and build upon each other.
The page also outlines different types of media codes:
- Visual codes are elements related to the look of a product, such as mise-en-scène, color palette, layout, and design.
- Audio codes include non-diegetic music, sound effects, and dialogue.
- Language/written codes refer to both written and spoken words in media products.
Definition: Media language refers to the various elements and techniques used in media products to communicate meaning, including visual, audio, and written components.
Highlight: Understanding these media codes and conventions is crucial for analyzing how media products create meaning and engage with audiences across different forms and genres.
Example: In a horror film, visual codes might include dark lighting and unsettling camera angles, while audio codes could feature eerie background music and sudden sound effects to create tension and fear.
Vocabulary: Mise-en-scène is a French term used in film studies to describe the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including actors, lighting, décor, props, and costumes.
Proppian Character Types in Media
This page introduces Vladimir Propp's 7 character types, providing a comprehensive overview of these archetypal roles in storytelling. Each character type is explained with its function in the narrative and illustrated with an example from popular media.
The Hero is described as the central character who leads the narrative, typically embarking on a quest. For instance, Moana from the Disney film of the same name exemplifies this role.
The Villain is portrayed as the antagonist who opposes the hero. This character is often depicted as morally corrupt, which serves to align the audience's sympathies with the hero. Voldemort from the Harry Potter series is cited as an example.
The Donor is characterized as a character who provides the hero with a special object or skill crucial for their quest. Dumbledore from Harry Potter is given as an example of this character type.
The Helper offers support and guidance to the hero, which can be both physical and intellectual. This character type can highlight the hero's limitations. Donkey from Shrek is mentioned as an illustration of the Helper.
The Princess is described as potentially taking two forms: a person or an object. Often, this character or item represents the ultimate reward of the hero's quest. Gwen Stacy from The Amazing Spider-Man is provided as an example.
The Dispatcher is the character responsible for sending the hero on their quest. It's noted that this role can sometimes be combined with other character types. Nick Fury from Avengers Assemble is cited as an example of the Dispatcher.
Lastly, the False Hero is described as a character who appears to act heroically throughout the story and may be mistaken for the actual hero. Prince Hans from Frozen is given as an example of this deceptive character type.
Highlight: Understanding Propp's character types can significantly enhance media analysis by providing a framework for identifying common narrative roles across various stories and media forms.
Example: In the Harry Potter series, Voldemort serves as the Villain, constantly opposing Harry (the Hero), while Dumbledore acts as both a Donor (providing Harry with crucial information and tools) and a Helper (offering guidance throughout Harry's journey).
Vocabulary: Proppian character types refer to the seven archetypal roles in narratives as identified by Russian folklorist Vladimir Propp. These character types are often found in various forms of media, from literature to film and television.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Vladimir Propp's Character Types & Media Language for Kids
This document covers Proppian character types in media examples and key media studies terminology. It provides an overview of Vladimir Propp's character theory and essential media language definitions.
- Explains seven Proppian character types with examples from popular media
- Defines crucial... Show more
Key Media Studies Terminology
This page delves into essential media language definitions, providing a solid foundation for understanding and analyzing various media forms. It covers fundamental concepts in media studies, including denotation, connotation, codes and conventions, narrative, genre, intertextuality, and different types of media codes.
Denotation is defined as the actual or literal meaning of something. For example, the denotation of a candle is simply a wax object with a wick that produces light when lit.
Connotation refers to the deeper meanings associated with something beyond its literal definition. Using the same example, a candle might connote concepts like hope, warmth, or romance, depending on the context.
Codes and conventions are explained as the elements of media language that typically occur in particular forms (such as magazines or advertisements) or genres (like sitcoms). These are essential for understanding how media products communicate meaning.
Narrative is described as the way stories are structured and communicated within media products. This concept is crucial for analyzing how different media forms tell stories and engage audiences.
Genre is defined as the type or category of a media product. Examples given include crime dramas and sitcoms, highlighting how genre classifications help audiences understand what to expect from a media text.
Intertextuality is explained as the practice where a media product references another text to communicate meaning to the audience. This concept is important for understanding how media texts relate to and build upon each other.
The page also outlines different types of media codes:
- Visual codes are elements related to the look of a product, such as mise-en-scène, color palette, layout, and design.
- Audio codes include non-diegetic music, sound effects, and dialogue.
- Language/written codes refer to both written and spoken words in media products.
Definition: Media language refers to the various elements and techniques used in media products to communicate meaning, including visual, audio, and written components.
Highlight: Understanding these media codes and conventions is crucial for analyzing how media products create meaning and engage with audiences across different forms and genres.
Example: In a horror film, visual codes might include dark lighting and unsettling camera angles, while audio codes could feature eerie background music and sudden sound effects to create tension and fear.
Vocabulary: Mise-en-scène is a French term used in film studies to describe the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including actors, lighting, décor, props, and costumes.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Proppian Character Types in Media
This page introduces Vladimir Propp's 7 character types, providing a comprehensive overview of these archetypal roles in storytelling. Each character type is explained with its function in the narrative and illustrated with an example from popular media.
The Hero is described as the central character who leads the narrative, typically embarking on a quest. For instance, Moana from the Disney film of the same name exemplifies this role.
The Villain is portrayed as the antagonist who opposes the hero. This character is often depicted as morally corrupt, which serves to align the audience's sympathies with the hero. Voldemort from the Harry Potter series is cited as an example.
The Donor is characterized as a character who provides the hero with a special object or skill crucial for their quest. Dumbledore from Harry Potter is given as an example of this character type.
The Helper offers support and guidance to the hero, which can be both physical and intellectual. This character type can highlight the hero's limitations. Donkey from Shrek is mentioned as an illustration of the Helper.
The Princess is described as potentially taking two forms: a person or an object. Often, this character or item represents the ultimate reward of the hero's quest. Gwen Stacy from The Amazing Spider-Man is provided as an example.
The Dispatcher is the character responsible for sending the hero on their quest. It's noted that this role can sometimes be combined with other character types. Nick Fury from Avengers Assemble is cited as an example of the Dispatcher.
Lastly, the False Hero is described as a character who appears to act heroically throughout the story and may be mistaken for the actual hero. Prince Hans from Frozen is given as an example of this deceptive character type.
Highlight: Understanding Propp's character types can significantly enhance media analysis by providing a framework for identifying common narrative roles across various stories and media forms.
Example: In the Harry Potter series, Voldemort serves as the Villain, constantly opposing Harry (the Hero), while Dumbledore acts as both a Donor (providing Harry with crucial information and tools) and a Helper (offering guidance throughout Harry's journey).
Vocabulary: Proppian character types refer to the seven archetypal roles in narratives as identified by Russian folklorist Vladimir Propp. These character types are often found in various forms of media, from literature to film and television.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user