propp character theory

• hero


  The seeker agrees to solve the problem caused by the villain. The victim suffers due to the villain and quests to resolve it.
• villain 


  Causes misfortune/damage which leads to conflict with hero
• helper


  Helps the hero and shows their transformation at the resolution
• princess


  Sought-for character the hero needs to complete the quest
• donor


  Hero fulfills donor’s demands for a reward/help on their quest
• false hero


  Takes credit for the hero’s victory, appears good but is corrupt
• dispatcher


  Calls for help and sends the hero on their quest
• gatsby is the hero
• villain is tom, often conflicts with the hero
• nick is the helper, drives the narrative and enables gatsby in his quest
• daisy fulfils the princess archetype by being what the hero seeks, she acts as a prize
• may be argued george is the false hero as he appears good and innocent but turns out to be corrupt

  however a false hero often takes credit for the hero's victory - in this case no one wins not even the false hero