Contextual Studies: Spheres of influence

Spheres of influence were proposed by Vladimir Propp. He looked at Russian folk tales, analysing them to reveal their most basic attributes. He concluded that each of the characters could be fit into one or more of seven character types. (Possible to separate princess and her father into two categories, creating a potential of eight.)

1. Hero: The main character in which the story often focuses on. Saves people and recieves rewards for doing so.
2. Villain:  Fights with the hero, trying to hinder their journey in some way.
3. The Dispatcher: Sets the hero off on their journey. Can be anything from an event to a person.
4. Princess and Father: The reward for the hero. Note this can be anything from treasure to the princess herself. The father is included as he is the one who gives the rewards.
5. The False Hero: This is someone who appears to be doing good in the world, possibly helping the hero. However in reality they are evil, trying to hinder the hero.
6. The Helper: This is someone or something which helps the hero in any way. Possible guide or companion.
7. The Donor: Someone who gives the hero something to help complete their quest. Note this requires the act of giving.

We were then told to pick two games and see if it was possible to relate these categories to a game world instead of characters. This was to be presented in a ten minute pitch. We chose Skyrim and Jurassic Park: Operation Genius as our games.

Here is a video to further demonstrate the use of traps to kill either hostile or non hostile NPCs. While designed to try to kill the player they also have a duel purpose to be used for good.