Goffman and Propp theories

Goffman's character  theory suggests that there are four main types of broad character in a media text or production;

The protagonist  (leading character)
The Deuteragonist (secondary character)
The bit player (minor character whose specific background the audience is not aware of)
The fool (a character that uses humor to convey messages)

This is complex compared to Propps more simple idea:

The villain (struggles against the hero)
The donor  (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
The helper (helps the hero in the quest)
The princess (person the hero marries, often sought for during the narrative)
The false hero (perceived as good character in beginning but emerges as evil)
The dispatcher (character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off)

These are all characters that we see in many forms of media today