Horror Theories (in brief)

Propp's Narrative Functions:

Vladimir Propp was a Russian and Soviet formalist scholar. He suggested that there were 8 main character types. The emphasis was on looking at characters not as representing real people, but as functions whose role was to move the narrative forward. 

1. Hero - seeks something
2. Villain - opposes hero
3. Donor - helps hero providing magic object
4. Dispatcher - sends hero on his way
5. False hero - falsely assuming role of hero
6. Helper - gives support to hero
7. Princess - reward for hero
8. Father - protects princess

Todorov's Basic Narrative Theory: 

Equilibrium -----> Disequilibrium -----> New equilibrium

1. State of equilibrium
2. Disruption of equilibrium by some action
3. A recognition that disruption has caused 
4. An attempt to repair
5. Reinstatement

Aristotle:

Tragedy is a representation, not of men, but of action and life, of happiness and unhappiness - and happiness and unhappiness are bound up with action. ( All about conflict) 

Levi- Strauss' Binary Oppositions:

All narratives had to be driven forward by conflict that was caused by a series of opposing forces - binary oppositions.