Todorov's Narrative Structure and Propp's Character Theory applied to Shrek 2

 This is an analysis of Shrek 2 based on the theories above.

Todorov’s Narrative structure

Equilibrium 

1. Shrek and Fiona are married, they and Donkey are then invited to Far Far Away to receive a blessing from Fiona’s father. Shrek goes along with this to make Fiona happy.

1. Far Far Away is established as a new location.

2. Shrek’s goal is established, and that is to make Fiona happy.

Disruption

2. Shrek meets Fiona’s father, John Cleese who does not like Shrek due to him being an Ogre and flights with him at dinner. Shrek begins to feel that he is not good enough for Fiona. Fairy Godmother and her son are also established as manipulators who use John Cleese for their personal gain. 

1. John Cleese is established as opposing Shrek’s vies, while Fairy Godmother and her son are established as the main villains of the film.

2. They drive the point home that Shrek is not good enough for her which leads Shrek to try changing himself.

Recognition of disruption

3. Shrek tries to change himself and finds a potion to turn himself handsome and Fiona back to her human form. Fairy Godmother attempts to stop this by convincing Shrek that even when handsome he’s still an ogre on the inside and that he should give up. 

1. Shrek tries to change himself to be good enough for Fiona.

2. Fairy Godmother tries to thwart Shrek’s attempts t stop her. 

Attempt to repair disruption

4. Shrek realizes Fairy Godmother’s plan and storms the castle to stop her, proving that he would do anything for his wife.

1. The stakes are the highest at this point if he fails to stop her, Fiona and Far Far away would fall under her control.

Restoration of equilibrium

5. Fairy Godmother is defeated, Fiona accepts Shrek as he is, the two turn back into Ogres and John Cleese gives Shrek his blessing. Then they all party. 

1. All the conflicts set up in the movie are resolved. 

Propp’s Character Roles

The Hero seeks something

1. Shrek

1. The main character of the movie, tries to become better for the person he loves most.

The Villain opposes the Hero

2. Fairy Godmother and her son.

1. Trying to take over the kingdom, as well as manipulating John Cleese and Shrek.

The Donor gives something useful to the Hero.

3. Puss in Boots

1. Helps Shrek after he spares his life, he’s the one to find and give the potion to Shrek.

The Dispatcher sends the Hero on a quest.

4. John Cleese

1. The one to start the idea that Shrek isn’t good enough for Fiona, which sends him on his quest to be good enough for Fiona. 

The False Hero seems to be good. 

5. John Cleese

1. Tricked Shrek into almost getting killed by Puss. 

The Helper supports the Hero.

6. Donkey and Puss in Boots

1. Both help Shrek on his quest.

The Princess/Reward is a reward for the Hero, often needing protection from the Villain.

7. Fiona

1. Fiona is the target of the villains as well as the person Shrek wants to be good enough for.

The Father/Mentor gives advice. 

8. Donkey

1. Often gives Shrek life advice or convinces him to keep going.