Propp

Vladimair Propp was a Russian theorist that came up with a theory about how there are always 8 key character roles in every story. This was after studying folk songs.

The 8 key character roles are:-

1. The Hero (protagonist, has agency meaning that they move the story on).
2. The Villain (antagonist).
3. The Donor (the provider, gives the hero a magic item).
4. The Helper (helps the protagonist).
5. The Father (father figure, has more wisdom).
6. The Dispatcher (sends the protagonist on a mission).
7. The Princess (doesn't have agency).
8. The False Hero (think he is one the hero's side but isn't).