Vladimir Propp's Morphology of Folk Tales: Enhancing Creative Writing

Imagine you're an aspiring author, struggling to construct a compelling narrative from an intriguing concept for a fantasy novel. Despite your unique setting and characters, the storyline feels formulaic or confusing. To help you navigate this common writer's block, you could turn to Vladimir Propp's Morphology of the Folk Tale, a framework that dissects the common narrative elements in traditional folk tales.

What is Vladimir Propp's Morphology of the Folk Tale?

Vladimir Propp, a Russian folklorist and scholar, developed his Morphology of the Folk Tale by analyzing hundreds of Russian fairy tales. In his study, he identified 31 'functions', or narrative events that recur in the same sequence in many stories. This sequence forms a structural framework that characters inhabit to create different stories.

Core Elements of Propp's Morphology

1. Introduction: The initial situation is set.
2. Interdiction: The hero is warned and given a task.
3. Violation: Despite the warning, the interdiction is violated.
4. Reconnaissance: The villain makes inquiries.
5. Delivery: The villain receives information about the hero.
6. Trickery: The villain attempts to deceive the hero.
7. Complicity: The hero unwittingly helps the villain.
8. Villainy and Lack: The villain causes harm.
9. Mediation: The hero is dispatched.
10. Counteraction: The hero agrees to or decides upon counteraction.
11. Departure: The hero leaves home.
12. First Function of the Donor: The hero is tested.
13. Hero's Reaction: The hero reacts to the actions of the future donor.
14. Receipt of a Magical Agent: The hero acquires the use of a magical agent.
15. Guidance: The hero reaches the location of the object of the quest.
16. Struggle: The hero and villain engage in direct combat.
17. Branding: The hero is branded.
18. Victory: The villain is defeated.
19. Return: The hero returns.
20. Pursuit: The hero is pursued.
21. Rescue: The hero is rescued from pursuit.
22. Unrecognized Arrival: The hero arrives home or in another country and is unrecognized.
23. Unfounded Claims: A false hero presents unfounded claims.
24. Difficult Task: A difficult task is proposed to the hero.
25. Solution: The task is resolved.
26. Recognition: The hero is recognised.
27. Exposure: The false hero or villain is exposed.
28. Transfiguration: The hero is given a new appearance.
29. Punishment: The villain is punished.
30. Wedding: The hero marries and becomes king.

Applying Propp's Morphology to Your Writing

1. Understand the Functions: Familiarize yourself with the 31 functions and the flow of the narrative they propose.
2. Structure Your Story: Use this understanding to structure your story and set a clear narrative path.
3. Innovate: Remember these functions are guides not rules. Freedom lies in how each role can be performed or how each task can be carried out—offering endless creativity.
4. Develop Characters: Use the roles identified in the morphology (hero, villain, donor, helper, princess, etc.) to shape your characters.

Conclusion

For your fantasy novel, the application of Propp's Morphology of the Folk Tale could serve to tighten a wandering narrative or breathe new life into a cliched plot. It not only provides a dependable structural blueprint but also sparks creative transformation of the archetypal roles and quests. By viewing your own writing through Propp's lens, you can build compelling, diverse and unpredictable narratives.