Archetypes in LiteratureArchetypes in Literature

88thth Grade ELA Grade ELA

Definition of ArchetypeDefinition of Archetype

an original model on which something is an original model on which something is patternedpatterned

• Someone who fights for a Someone who fights for a cause/saves the daycause/saves the day

• Examples:Examples:•Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Batman, Spiderman, Wonder WomanWoman

1. Hero/Heroine1. Hero/Heroine

2. Sidekick2. Sidekick

A person's assistant or close associate, A person's assistant or close associate, especially one who has less authority than especially one who has less authority than that person.that person.

Examples:Examples:• RobinRobin• Patrick the StarfishPatrick the Starfish• MinionsMinions

3. Wise One/Mentor3. Wise One/Mentor

A wise and trusted guide and advisor A wise and trusted guide and advisor who serves as a teacher or trusted who serves as a teacher or trusted counselorcounselor

ExamplesExamples• Obi Wan KenobiObi Wan Kenobi• RafikiRafiki

4. The Innocent4. The Innocent Child/YouthChild/Youth Inexperienced adult.Inexperienced adult. A person who lacks knowledge of A person who lacks knowledge of

evilevil

Examples:Examples: Frodo – Frodo – Lord of the RingsLord of the Rings BayMax- BayMax- Big Hero 6Big Hero 6

5. The Rebel5. The Rebel A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an

established government, establishment, society or ruler.established government, establishment, society or ruler.

Examples:Examples: Captain Jack SparrowCaptain Jack Sparrow KatnissKatniss

6. Villain6. Villain

A wicked or evil person; A wicked or evil person; someone who does evil someone who does evil deliberatelydeliberately

the principle bad the principle bad charactercharacter

Examples: Examples: • VoldemortVoldemort• The JokerThe Joker• Cruella DeVilleCruella DeVille

7. Trickster7. Trickster

A mischievous supernatural being A mischievous supernatural being found in the folklore of many culturesfound in the folklore of many cultures

Examples:Examples:• LokiLoki• CoyoteCoyote• Bart SimpsonBart Simpson

8. Everyman8. Everyman An ordinary person, who the audience or An ordinary person, who the audience or

reader is supposed to be able to identify reader is supposed to be able to identify easily, and who is often placed in easily, and who is often placed in extraordinary circumstances.extraordinary circumstances.

Examples:Examples: Alan Harper – Alan Harper – Two and a Half MenTwo and a Half Men Homer SimpsonHomer Simpson

The Full 12 Archetype WheelThe Full 12 Archetype Wheel