CHARACTER ARCHETYPEs

What is an Archetype? An original model which other things are similarly patterned after An image, story pattern, character type, representation, or recurring idea Evokes strong associations to the reader or observer

What should I look for to identify archetypes? A shared idea with all humanity An inherited part of the human being that connects us all A constant and universal idea Though it may differ from place to place, the concept is worldwide

What kinds of Archetypes are there? There are three main archetypes: –Situational –Symbolic –Character

What is a Situational Archetype? A given experience that a hero or character must endure to move from one place in life to the next Actions and events that add to the plot A common event seen throughout stories in many different genres

Situational Archetypes Situational Archetypes include the following: The Quest The Task The Initiation The Journey The Fall Death and Rebirth Nature vs. Mechanistic World Good vs. Evil The Unhealable Wound The Ritual Quest for the Holy Grail, The Lion King Arthur pulls the sword from the stone Huckleberry Finn The Fellowship of the Ring, the Odyssey Adam and Eve Spring time is associated with new life & hope for the future Brave New World, Walden Sauron vs. Middleearth, any western Lancelot’s madness Weddings, coronations

Symbolic Archetypes Serve as a representation of a specific person, act, deed, place or conflict. They are easily recognizable but not as common as situational archetypes. The Archetypes Include: Light vs. Darkness Water vs. Desert Heaven vs. Hell The Magic Weapon Innate Wisdom vs. Educated Stupidity Haven vs. Wilderness Supernatural Intervention Fire vs. Ice

Character Archetypes A character type that recurs consistently enough in life and literature to be considered universal to all cultures throughout time. It serves as a representative of a greater ideal Characteristics, actions, abilities, or powers contribute to the archetype characterization

Character Archetypes Character Archetypes include the following: – Caretaker – Earth Mother – Faithful Companion – Hero/Heroine – The Innocent – Lonely Orphan – Outsider/ Outcast – Misfit/Rebel – Rugged individualist – The Shrew – Trickster – Villain/Monster – Scapegoat Let’s look more at character archetypes…

Caretaker A character that consistently supports, protects and provides for other characters who are unable to look after themselves.

Earth Mother Symbolic of abundance, fertility, and knowledge Offers spiritual and emotional advice or nourishment to those she meets In the film The Matrix, the Oracle gives spiritual advice to Neo in his quest for the truth

Faithful Companion A secondary character that offers constant friendship and support. Somewhat heroic Duty: Protect the Hero Sam from Lord of The Rings is the loyal companion of Frodo.

Hero/Heroine A character that exists to battle against a villain on the side of good and on the behalf of society. Traditionally the protagonist of a story He is the champion, king, leader or savior of many

The Innocent Lacks experience and exemplifies virtue and purity. Goal: To remain safe. Fear: Being abandoned Gifted with trust, optimism, and loyalty that endears them to others and so gain help and support on their quest. Main danger is they may be blind to their obvious weaknesses. They can also become dependent on others to fulfill their tasks.

Lonely orphan A character that has been abandoned by his or her family. Seeks to regain the comfort and safety in the arms of loving parents. Fear: Exploitation or victimization Gifted with Interdependence, empathy, realism Anastasia does not trust her travel companions, fearing they are using her while she seeks to reunite with family.

Outsider/ Outcast A character that is not accepted by a group or society because of physical or personal differences. Destined to become a wanderer; Moves from place to place Outcast – banished from social group for some crime against fellow people

Rebel A character that radically rejects the values of a society and the restrictions placed on him or her. Hawkeye Pierce (M*A*S*H) salutes in his own way. Ariel (The Little Mermaid) rejects the norms of her society. She wants to be where the people are.

Misfit A character that does not feel any connection with a group or any affinity for its members and personally rejects them. Dwight Schrute from The Office

Rugged Individualist A character that relies solely on his or her personal strengths and merits to survive. Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino

The Shrew A female character that will not conform to the demands of society and scolds or quarrels constantly.

The Trickster A “wise-fool,” rascal who looks out for himself Almost always male Inventive agent whose actions can benefit human society Symbolizes humans’ excess & outrageousness

Villain/Monster An evil character who exists to cause disorder, confusion and mayhem on society and to battle against a hero.

Scapegoat A character whose public punishment or death is a sin of the community. Death makes him a more powerful force than when he lived

MORE ARCHETYPES These may not be on your SOL, but… there are many more archetypes, including but not limited to… –The Mentor –The Friendly Beast –The Evil Figure with the Ultimately Good Heart –Damsel in Distress –Hunting Group of Companions

Mentor Serve as a teacher or counselor to the initiate or future hero Role Model Sometimes a Father or Mother figure The Karate Kid’s Mr. Miyagi

The Friendly Beast Animal befriends man Finds villains threatening and may attempt to warn the hero Loyal only to the hero & the hero’s companions Chewbacca, Han Solo’s companion, may look scary…but he’s really just a big, hairy, heroic baby

Evil figure w/ good heart A Redeemable Devil Saved by the love or faith of a hero Bah! Hum-Bug! Ebenezer Scrooge realizes his faults and finds good in the world

Damsel in Distress Vulnerable woman who must be rescued by the hero She is often used as bait to trap the hero Mary Jane Watson is often being tossed around by villains. Lucky for her, Spider-man is her boy-toy!

Hunting Group of Companions Loyal to the hero Group willing to face dangers in order to be together Robin Hood’s Merry Men never abandoned him despite the danger

Archetypes: They are everywhere.

In Conclusion… Archetypes are everywhere, but we often just overlook them They can be found in every book, short story, TV show, or movie Archetypes represent ideas larger than themselves!

The End