Plantilla Aventura 31 puntos Propp

## **1st Sphere: Introduction**

Functions 1 to 7 introduce the situation and the main characters, setting the scene for the subsequent adventure.

### Absentation: Someone goes missing

**Description**

**Discussion**

'Family' need not mean a genetic unit but can be any group who have some form of cohesion, whether it is an association, a group of friends or a town. The implication of 'family' is a deep cultural one of familiarity (note the same root!), comfort and safety.

### Interdiction: Hero is warned

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Violation of interdiction

**Description**

This generally proves to be a bad move and the villain enters the story, although not necessarily confronting the hero. Perhaps they are just a lurking presence or perhaps they attack the family whilst the hero is away.

**Discussion**

### Reconnaissance: Villain seeks something

**Description**

They may speak with a member of the family who innocently divulges information or perhaps realizes that something is up and backs away in terror.
They may also seek to meet the hero, perhaps knowing already the hero is special in some way.

**Discussion**

When it is not known that the person is the true villain, we may still be prodded into suspicions by the actions of an unknown stranger. Sometimes this uncertainty may be used as a false trigger, for example where the shady character is actually a helper in disguise.

### Delivery: The villain gains information

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Trickery: Villain attempts to deceive victim

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Complicity: Unwitting helping of the enemy

**Description**

**Discussion**

## **2nd Sphere: The Body of the Story**

The main story starts here and extends to the departure of the hero on the main quest.

### Villainy and lack: The need is identified

**Description**

In the first stage, the villain causes some kind of harm, for example carrying away a victim or the desired magical object (which must be then be retrieved). Villainy may include theft, casting spells on people, murder,
In the second stage, a sense of lack is identified, for example in the hero's family or within a community, whereby something is identified as lost or something becomes desirable for some reason, for example a magical object that will save people in some way.

**Discussion**

### Mediation: Hero discovers the lack

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Counteraction: Hero chooses positive action

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Departure: Hero leave on mission

**Description**

**Discussion**

## **3rd Sphere: The Donor Sequence**

In the third set of functions, the hero goes in search of a solution, gaining the magical agent from the Donor. Note that this in itself may be a complete story.

### Testing: Hero is challenged to prove heroic qualities

**Description**

The test may be to perform some act, answer a riddle or otherwise prove mettle. Whilst the surface test may be physical, the actual test is often of inner quality associated with heroes, including courage, integrity and humility.

**Discussion**

### Reaction: Hero responds to test

**Description**

The hero may realize the need for the challenge and may view it as an irritation that is holding up the main goal. Importantly, they must show the qualities of the hero, facing up difficulties as we all have to face tests in our own lifetimes.

**Discussion**

### Acquisition: Hero gains magical item

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Guidance: Hero reaches destination

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Struggle: Hero and villain do battle

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Branding: Hero is branded

**Description**

The branding of the hero is a life-changing experience.

**Discussion**

When it is visible, it sends a signal to others of the hero's status. When it cannot be seen it is still a reminder to the hero both of their achievement and possibly of their changed placed in the world.

### Victory: Villain is defeated

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Resolution: Initial misfortune or lack is resolved

**Description**

The initial lack is now resolved and the associated desire satisfied, and the reader feels a great sense of relief and satisfaction as the main story completes.

**Discussion**

## **4th Sphere: The Hero’s Return**

In the final (and often optional) phase of the storyline, the hero returns home, hopefully uneventfully and to a hero’s welcome, although this may not always be the case.

### Return: Hero sets out for home

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Pursuit: Hero is chased

**Description**

The pursuit may also be a race home with a competitor, perhaps a false hero, with the victor gaining the final reward.

**Discussion**

Pursuit on the last leg home also indicates that stories perhaps never really end and that we can never completely relax.
Pursuit can also be pleasurable in some way. If somebody else is chasing us, then they are recognizing us in some way and indicating that we have some worth.

### Rescue: pursuit ends

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Arrival: Hero arrives unrecognized

**Description**

The lack of recognition may be a deliberate ploy by the hero who, having achieved so much, no longer seeks (and perhaps shuns) adulation.
There may also be reason for secrecy as threat may still exist and the mission may not be fully complete until the treasure is handed over.

**Discussion**

### Claim: False hero makes unfounded claims

**Description**

The role of the false hero can be very varied and they can be heroic in their own right. A major difference with the hero is in who gets to marry the princess.
Sometimes the false hero is known as such from early in the story. Sometimes also they are concealed, perhaps masquerading as a friend and helper right up to the last minute. Sometimes the existence of a traitor is known but who is not exposed until the last minute.

**Discussion**

The false hero also adds ambiguity to the storyline as you are not sure how heroic they really are or not (and maybe never find out).

### Task: Difficult task proposed to the hero

**Description**

**Discussion**

This task is generally visible to the princess, her father, and other community members. If the hero can complete this action then their heroism will be unassailably established.
As a final task, this extends the storyline. It also emphasizes the importance of never-ending integrity and readiness.

### Solution: Task is resolved

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Recognition: Hero is recognised

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Exposure: False hero is exposed

**Description**

**Discussion**

In combination with recognition of the hero, exposure of the false hero gives a 'double whammy' punch, creating a contrast that highlights further the value and achievement of the hero.

### Transfiguration: Hero is given a new appearance

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Punishment: Villain is punished

**Description**

**Discussion**

### Wedding: Hero marries and ascends the throne

**Description**

**Discussion**

At the end of the story, all outstanding themes and unresolved tensions are usually completed, and a strong sense of closure is engendered. Things may be left open sometimes to allow subsequent stories of the hero's next adventure.