Archetypes Archetypes are recurring symbols, characters, patterns, and settings that give literature its unity. In other words, they are the basic patterns that occur repeatedly in literature of all ages.

Archetypal Characters Alter-ego Helpful animal Earth Mother Wise Old Man Temptress Hero Anti-Hero Innocent Scapegoat/Sacrificial Victim Trickster Villain Transgressor Destroyer Handsome Prince Helpless Princess

Hero: Usually portrayed as larger than life, the hero has outstanding qualities and abilities and upholds the values of his culture or society Examples: Santiago Harry Potter

Anti-Hero: This character may try to uphold heroic qualities, but actually does not. The anti-hero usually turns out to be a loser. The Englishman

Alter-Ego or Double: Split personalities or opposite tendencies within an individual The Crystal Merchant Severus Snape

Supernatural Helper or Helpful Animal: Any animal/force that usually appears when the hero cannot see a way out of his dilemma Dobby Hawks Kreacher Scarab Beetle

Wise old man: eternal provider, protecting, nourishing, sheltering, and nurturing Albus Dumbledore Melchizidek

Temptress: A woman, who, through her power, can make a strong man weak and a wise man foolish. She can be an immoral temptress(does so on purpose) or amoral temptress (Unintentionally tempts the hero) Ginny Weasley Fatima

Innocent: A child or naïve and inexperienced man or woman who is exposed to the evils of the world. The character usually moves from innocence to experience and knowledge

Scapegoat or sacrificial victim: one who suffers or is blamed unjustly in order for others to escape blame or punishment Harry Potter Santiago

Trickster: the character who, through superior wit or cunning, can deceive and manipulate those who seemingly have greater strength or authority Fortune Teller Fred and George Weasley Thief

Transgressor: Pushes the limits of human knowledge and often angers “the Gods” Voldemort The Alchemist

Destroyer: Destroys for destruction’s sake; enjoys evil Bellatrix LeStrange

Villain: an evil character who attempts to destroy the hero Thieves at the Pyramids Voldemort

Helpless princess: woman (usually beautiful) in need of a hero to save her from death, evil adversaries, or other danger

Handsome prince: Serves as a hero to a princess or kingdom

Archetypal Settings

Caves, Tunnels, Pools of water: symbols of descent into the unconscious or the inner self The Pensieve Where Godric Gryffindor’s Sword Is hidden Voldemort’s Cave

Countryside: Associated with healing and goodness The Burrow Santiago’s Pastureland

Garden: ordered and controlled environment that is usually safe, happy, and nurturing The Oasis

Mountains and Peaks: symbols of the quest for spiritual self and personal achievement The Pyramids

River: on-flowing time or life, eternal change, destiny

Islands and ships at sea: Symbolize spiritual and psychological isolation or exile The Island in Voldemort’s Cave The Desert

Archetypal themes and patterns of existence Initiation Santiago must sell his sheep Harry Potter must leave Hogwarts to search for Horcruxes Journey, Search, or Quest Santiago looks for treasure Harry looks for Horcruxes Transformation Santiago discovers the meaning of (and location of) true treasure Harry Potter accepts his fate for the good of the wizarding world