Narrative Function

First off, it is important to note that we are not talking about characterisation or representation!

We are talking the role the characters have in the narrative. In other words what is their job in the story? This analysis can give us helpful clues to understand the themes and ideas, especially when we consider the ways in which the characters (ideology) conflict.

Stories typically have most, if not all, of the following characters types:

1. The protagonist (the hero at the heart of the story)
2. The antagonist (the villain who opposes and tries to defeat the hero)
3. The donor (a character who gives the hero advice and sometimes a helpful object)
4. The dispatcher (a character who sends the hero on the journey)
5. The helper (the sidekick for the hero who helps the hero through the trials)
6. The false hero (a traitor, close to the hero who ends up betraying the hero)
7. The girl (the ‘reward’ for the hero)

Characters’ narrative function in Harry Potter.

Task

Consider these character roles for the stories you studied in the last lesson. Please remember that a character in a story may fulfill more than one role.

Using the film you studies yesterday develop your poster with details of the characters’ and their narrative function.

Extension – Character, Conflict and Themes (Dialects)