Archetypes I’m just your type!

What the heck are they? According to Wikipedia: An archetype is a universally understood symbol, term, or pattern of behavior, a prototype upon which others are copied, patterned, or emulated. Archetypes are often used in myths and storytelling across different cultures. According to Merriam-Webster the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies : prototype; also : a perfect example

Can be applied to: A character type A plot pattern

Can be expressed in: Myths Dreams Literature Religion Folklore

Some Character Archetypes: The Child-longing for the innocent (Tommy Pickles) The Hero The Martyr-suffers persecution/death for refusing to denounce a belief (William Wallace) The Great Mother-mother goddess/Mother Earth The Wise old man or Sage-can be a mentor known for good judgment (Obi Wan Kenobi, Dumbledore, Gandalf) The Wise Old Woman/Man-helpful/magical (Fairy Godmother) The Damsel in distress-naïve, young lady in need of aid (almost all Disney princesses) The Trickster/Fox/Jester-disobeys normal rules or acceptable behavior (The Riddler, The Joker, Loki) The Devil-personification of evil (Voldemort, Maleficent, Regina)

Heroic Archetypes: As warrior – a near god-like hero faces physical challenges and external enemies (Achilles, Maximus) As lover – a pure love motivates hero to complete his quest (Romeo) As scapegoat – hero suffers for the sake of others (Jesus, Harry Potter, Aslan) Transcendent hero – hero of a tragedy whose fatal flaw brings about his downfall, but not without achieving wisdom (Brutus)

Heroic Archetypes: Romantic/Gothic hero – hero/lover with a decidedly dark side (Edward Cullen) Proto-Feminist hero – female heroes/heroines (Katniss Everdeen) Apocalyptic hero – hero who faces the possible destruction of society (Will Smith in Independence Day) Anti-hero – a non-hero, given the vocation of failure, frequently humorous (Peter Griffin, Homer Simpson)

Heroic Archetypes: Defiant Anti-hero – opposer of society’s definition of heroism/goodness (House) Unbalanced hero – the protagonist who has (or must pretend to have) a mental or emotional deficiency (Hamlet) The Other/Denied hero – the protagonist whose status or essential otherness makes heroism possible (Mulan) The Superheroic – exaggerates the normal proportions of humanity (Wonder Woman, Superman, Iron Man, Thor)

Stages of a Hero’s Journey The Mundane World/ Call to Adventure/Departure: The hero is called to adventure, although he may be reluctant to accept (Refusal of the Call). Crossing the Threshold/Initiation: The hero crosses a threshold into a new, more dangerous world, gaining a more mature perspective.

Stages of a Hero’s Journey cont. The Road/Path of Trials: The hero is given supernatural aid (Mentor), may be joined by helpers (Friends), discovers opposition/antagonists (Enemies), endures tests of strength, resourcefulness, endurance (Skills), and learns something about himself (Knowledge).

Stages of a Hero’s Journey cont. The Innermost Cave: The hero descends into the innermost cave, an underworld, or some other place of great trial. Sometimes this place can be within the hero’s own mind. Master of Two Worlds/Return and Reintegration with Society: The hero uses his new wisdom to restore order to the land (and sometimes they leave again). Hero’s Journey Video Because of this trial, the hero is reborn in some way – physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Through his experience, the hero changes internally.

Archetypal Journeys Quest for identity Epic journey to find promised land Quest for vengeance Warrior’s journey to save people Search for love Journey in search of knowledge Tragic quest: penance or self-denial Fool’s errand Quest to rid land of danger Grail quest

Characteristics of Hero’s Journey Born and raised in rural setting Origin is mysterious/loses parents at young age Returns to the land of birth One of a kind Struggles for something valuable Has divine help Is naïve and inexperienced Meets monsters or monstrous men Has a strange, wise being as a mentor Yearns for a beautiful lady Must go on a journey Crosses a body of water

Characteristics of Hero’s Journey Makes a stirring speech Engages in tests or contests of strength (physical and/or mental) Suffers unhealable wound Has a guide Goes through rite of passage Undergoes type of ritual Has a loyal band of companions