Archetypes
The Hero Noble birth and/or orphan, unusual birth Special abilities and/or weapons Has a mentor Trials involving overwhelming obstacles Faithful companions Drawing appropriate “line in the sand” (knowing when to act and when to stop) The Hero
A great search for someone or something, a quest In harmony with nature Appropriate use of/restraint of force Not distinguished by race, creed, or gender Takes a leap of faith Examples: Frodo in The Lord of the Rings Luke Skywalker in Star Wars Simba in The Lion King
The Devil Represents the evil enemy Selfish, power-hungry, ruthless, wicked. Strives against the hero. Physically ugly, malformed, masked, or disfigured Examples: Darth Vader in Star Wars Scar in The Lion King Sauron in The Lord of the Rings The Devil
The Outcast Thrown out of society * Often a pathetic or comedic figure * Doomed to wander the earth without a place to rest or call home. Examples: Gollum in The Lord of the Rings Timon and Pumba in The Lion King Jar Jar in Star Wars The Outcast
The Wizard Old and wise Mentor to the hero Guardian of tradition Usually uses magic Examples: Yoda in Star Wars Merlin in The Sword and the Stone Rafiki in The Lion King The Wizard
The Princess Female of great beauty, virtue, and power Usually of noble birth Often marries the hero Examples: Princess Leia in Star Wars Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings The Princess
A couple who loves each other, but fate will not allow them to be together. Often separated by circumstances, social class, birth, or a curse Examples: Romeo and Juliet Robin Hood and Maid Marion Han Solo and Princess Leia Star-Crossed Lovers