Character Theory - The Hurt Locker

Claude Levi Strauss Binary Theory and Vladimir Propps theory applied to the main characters of   'The Hurt Locker'

Staff Sergeant William James

Vladimir Propps theory

For this character, I think he best fits the character type of the hero as though he doesn't necessarily fit the idea of a 'good guy', he definitely isn't he 'bad guy'. He may be rude and reckless, but overall seeks to help defeat the villian and save lives through his job. 

Claude Levi Strauss Binary Theory

This character is involved in the binary opposite of Cautious Vs Reckless with Sergeant JT Sanborn. James is impulsive and listens to only himself, which is the direct opposite of both the sensible Sanborn and James's predecessor. This initially causes major conflict and even causes Sanborn to ponder on the idea of killing James.  

Sergeant JT Sanborn

Vladimir Propps theory

For this character I think he best fits the character type of the helper as he is not the protagonist but instead eventually ends up bonding with Staff Sergeant William James and they help each other working more like a team.

Claude Levi Strauss Binary Theory

This character is involved in the binary opposite of Cautious Vs Reckless with Sergeant JT Sanborn. Sanborn is a sensible leader and a planner, which is the direct opposite of the impulsive and almost selfish James. This initially causes major conflict and even causes Sanborn to ponder on the idea of killing James.

Specialist Owen Eldridge

Vladimir Propps theory

For this character I think he best suites the character type of the helper as similarly to Sergeant JT Sanborn, Eldridge initially doesn't get along with the protagonist but eventually they become closer and help each other. 

Claude Levi Strauss Binary Theory

This character is involved in the binary opposite of peace Vs War as he struggles with the horrors of the war and especially with the guilt of Jame's predecessor dying when he possibly could have saved him.

Colonel John Cambridge 

Vladimir Propps theory

For this character I think he best fits the character type of the helper but unlike the two previous characters, he's not really the helper of the hero but of Eldridge. He is meant to help him adjust to the life of a soldier at war but fails to fully understand the pressure Eldridge is facing and therefore makes little process with him.

Claude Levi Strauss Binary Theory

This character is involved in the binary opposite of Civilised Vs Savage as he is meant to be helping Eldridge cope with the savage aspects of war yet it is hinted that he has has quite a sheltered upper class life in comparison to the others and does not truly understand the troubles of the war until he gets out into it.