Vladimir Propp's theory states that in each film there are 8 character types, each has a crucial role in building the text and the story will grow around them.
The 8 characters are:
The Villain,
The Hero,
The Donor,
The Helper,
The Princess,
Her Father,
The Dispatcher,
The False Hero.
Not every film will have a set character type per person, some characters can become more then one character type for example, the Dispatcher and Donor, this character type can send the hero off on a mission whilst giving them something to aid their journey.
Looking at the Harry Potter trailers it is clear to see they use all 8 character types, the Villain being Voldemort, the Dispatcher and Donor being Dumbledore, the Helpers are Ron and Hermione, the Princess is Ginny, the False Hero is Draco Malfoy and the Hero is Harry Potter. This is a very popular film franchise which is built off of Vladimir Propp's character theory.
