Archetypes

Archetypes are the original pattern/model

from which all stories are copied or based.

Archetypes include general situations, symbols, and character traits.

What is an archetype?

The [Epic] Hero – conquers obstacles and saves the day.

(protagonist) Usually embarks on a physical or spiritual quest Typically stronger, smarter, and braver than the average

human Puts others ahead of himself Examples include: Robin Hood, Luke Skywalker, Spiderman

Villan – working against the hero (antagonist) Employs brute strength or cunning to undermine the work

of the hero Sometimes not recognized until well into the story Ultimately defeated by the hero

Character Archetypes

Mother Figure – cares for and guides the hero

Not always an actual mother Fairy godmothers in fairytales fall under this Sometimes a spiritual leader

Father Figure – leader and protector of a group Sometimes intermingled with the role of the

Mother Figure Underdog – character who is always at a

disadvantage Pushes through hardship and wins respect

Character Archetypes

Mentors – serve as teachers or role models to teach

necessary skills to survive journey and quest Hunting Group of Companions – loyal companions

willing to face any perils to be together The Temptress – Characterized by sensuous beauty,

may bring hero’s downfall The Devil Figure – Character represents evil

incarnate; opposes the hero and their quest Friendly beast – these animals assist the hero and

reflect that nature is on his/her side

Character Archetypes

The Damsel in Distress – vulnerable woman who

must be rescued by the hero Star-Crossed Lovers- two characters engaged in love

affair that will end in tragedy for one or both due to disapproval of society, family, friends, or the gods (Romeo and Juliet)

Creature of Nightmare – monster that is summoned from the deepest, darkest parts of the human pysche to threaten the lives of the hero/heroine.

Scapegoat – An animal or human whose death excuses some taint or sin that has been visited upon the community

Character Archetypes

Light vs. Darkness – light = hope and renewal;

darkness = unknown, ignorance, and despair Heaven vs. Hell – skies and mountaintops

house gods; bowels of the earth contain diabolical forces

Supernatural Intervention – gods intervene on the side of the hero

Symbolic Archetypes

The Journey – hero is required to leave home and

undertake a mission without guaranteed success Many obstacles and distractions, but failure is not an option Group members learn more about themselves and their

world during this journey Lord of the Rings & Frodo is an example

The Fall – characters losing some power or privilege. Characters who make a mistake and derail hopes and dreams Teaches the character an important lesson about life. Ex: Biblical Story of Adam and Eve

Father-Son Conflict – tension from separation during childhood where both meet as men and a mentor has higher place in son’s affections than the father.

Situational Archetypes

The Quest – the search for someone or some talisman

which, when found and returned, will restore fertility to a wasted land

The Task – refers to a possibly superhuman feat that must be accomplished to fulfill the ultimate goal

The Initiation – a moment, usually psychological, in which an individual comes into maturity. A hero will usually deny and question the calling and ultimately will accept their responsibility.

Death & Rebirth – someone or something, concrete and/or metaphysical dies yet is accompanied by some sign of birth or rebirth

Battle between Good and Evil – usually good wins

Situational Archetypes