The Functions

After first acknowledging the setting up of an environment for the tale to grow from, an "initial situation", the original 31 Functions identified by Propp were:

1. One of the members of a family absents himself from home
   
2. An interdiction is addressed to the Hero
   
3. The interdiction is violated
   
4. The Villain makes an attempt at reconnaissance
   
5. The Villain receives information about his victim
   
6. The Villain attempts to deceive his victim in order to take possession of him or his belongings
   
7. The victim submits to the deception and thereby unwittingly helps his enemy
   
8. The Villain causes harm or injury to a member of the family; or One member of a family either lacks something or desires to have something
   
9. Misfortune or lack is made known; the Hero is approached with a request or command; he is allowed to go or he is dispatched
   
10. The Seeker agrees to or decides upon counteraction
    
11. The Hero leaves home
    
12. The Hero is tested, interrogated, attacked, etc., which prepares the way for his receiving either a magical agent or helper
    
13. The Hero reacts to the actions of the future Donor
    
14. The Hero acquires the use of a magical agent
    
15. The Hero is transferred, delivered or led to the whereabouts of an object of search
    
16. The Hero and villain join in direct combat
    
17. The Hero is branded
    
18. The Villain is defeated
    
19. The initial misfortune or lack is liquidated
    
20. The Hero returns
21. The Hero is pursued
    
22. The rescue of the Hero from pursuit
23. The Hero, unrecognised, arrives home or in another country
    
24. A False Hero presents unfounded claims
    
25. A difficult Task is proposed to the Hero
26. The task is resolved
    
27. The Hero is recognised
28. The False Hero or Villain is exposed
29. The Hero is given a new appearance
    
30. The Villain is punished
31. The Hero is married and ascends the throne

These headings provide only the most superficial impression of the structure which Propp identified; nor do they convey the amazingly varied interpretations of these common themes which the great volumes of source material achieved. Morphology of the Folktale defines the Functions in great detail, using numerous examples to demonstrate how distinct each one can be in the service of different tales; it also qualifies the more straightforward interpretations where simpler or entirely contrary readings are possible.

I will not reproduce Propp's exhaustive notes in greater detail than this - Morphology of the Folktale is well worth reading for itself and my recommendation is that the interested reader purchase a copy for themselves. It is available online via the links below:

University of Texas Press | AmazonUK