Archetypes

From the Greek word arkhetupos. Arkhe = “Primitive” Tupos – “a model” An archetype is an original model or pattern from which later copies are made.

THE HERO’S JOURNEY

THE CALL TO ADVENTURE The future hero is first given notice that his or her life is going to change. Ex. Nemo is caught by the men in the boat and Marlin has to get him back.

REFUSAL OF THE CALL The future hero often refuses to accept the Call to Adventure. Refusal may stem from: A sense of duty An obligation A fear An insecurity EX. Marlin fears the open sea, but he has to go because of Nemo.

BEGINNING OF THE ADVENTURE Point where the hero actually begins the adventure. Hero leaves the known limits of his/her world Hero ventures into an unknown/dangerous realm. Ex. Marlin swims out into the ocean and meets Dory, the Trickster Mentor who will help him on his journey.

ROAD OF TRIALS Series of tests or challenges that hero must go through. Hero will usually fail one or more these trials. Ex. Dory and Marlin face many trials: Meeting and escaping the sharks “Fish are friends….. not food” Dory = Her short term memory loss The Jelly Fish = Marlin learns to trust Dory even though she not always together mentally Whale = Marlin has to learn to just let go.

EXPERIENCE WITH UNCONDITIONAL LOVE During the Road of Trials, the hero experiences unconditional love from A friend A mentor A family member This love usually drives the hero to continue their journey when they doubt themselves. Ex. Dory never leaves Marlin no matter how rude he is to her. She stays by his side and continues to help him.

THE ULTIMATE BOON The goal of the quest is achieved! Ex. Dory meets Nemo, remembers the adventure, and helps him find his dad.

REFUSAL OF THE RETURN When the goal of the adventure has been accomplished, the hero may refuse to return with the boon or gift. Sometimes the hero prefers to stay in a better place rather than return to a normal life of pain and trouble. Ex. When Dory and the other fish are captured in the net, Marlin does not want to let Nemo help for fear of losing him again.

THE MAGIC FLIGHT The hero experiences adventure and perhaps danger as he or she returns to life as it was before the adventure. Ex. Marlin must face a great fear as he realizes that Nemo may not have survived after the net broke and Dory and the other fish escaped.

RESCUE FROM WITHOUT These guides/rescuers bring him/her back to everyday life, especially if the hero has been weakened by the experience. Ex. Not Any

THE CROSSING/RETURN THRESHOLD THE FINAL POINT IN THE ADVENTURE! The hero must retain the wisdom gained on the quest. The hero will integrate that wisdom into his/her previous life. Perhaps decide how to share the wisdom with the rest of the world. Ex. Marlin learns to let his son explore and to trust Nemo and himself.

CHARACTER ARCHETYPES

Common Hero Patterns The hero is born under unusual circumstances. The son (daughter) of a great king or deity. Marked for greatness by prophecy or physical trait. While young is exiled or placed in harm’s way in an attempt to kill or hinder him (her). Must prove “royal” claim by test or trial. Accomplishes great deeds for his people. Often a mysterious or ambiguous death. A suggestion or promise that the hero will someday return to reward or rescue.

Primitive Hero Usually a slayer of monsters Beowulf Conan Ripley from Alien

Warrior Hero Fights for personal glory and/or a dying or doomed culture or cause Has no fear of death (usually) Seeks to create or revive a society (Ex. Achilles, Rambo, Hercules, Odysseus)

Metaphysical Hero On a quest for enlightenment or very spiritual journey. The conquest is against himself as he conquers selfish urges and undergoes great temptation. (Buddah)

Character Archetypes Helpers The hero’s “sidekick” usually has his own abilities but somehow lacks the necessary traits of being a hero himself. Ex. Sam for Frodo in Lord of the Rings

Character Archetypes Mentor – “Wise Old Man” ; gives the hero wisdom and often has trained or helped the hero develop his abilities. (Gandalf, Dumbledore)

Character Archetypes Femme Fatale – “Deadly Lady” ; a temptress who seeks to destroy the Hero or keep him from completing his mission (often times is truly attracted to the hero and vice versa). (Cat woman)

Character Archetypes Good (or Earth) Mother – opposite of the Femme Fatale ; she possesses all the positive aspects of life (protection, warmth, nurturing). Ex. Glinda The Good Witch from Wizard of Oz

Character Archetypes 6. Father Figure – Represents all that the hero is trying to attain or find in his search or possesses or is involved in a secret that can change the hero’s destiny. Ex. Mufasa from The Lion King

Character Archetypes 7. Trickster - many times a “helper” to the hero (does things w/out meaning to) Although he/she may often cause problems, he/she does not want to hurt the hero. The Trickster may be an adversary despite the fact that an “enemy trickster” can border on maliciousness. Ex. Fred and George Weasley in Harry Potter Gollum is an “enemy trickster”

Character Archetypes 8. Nemesis – The Hero’s “sworn enemy” Perfect adversary for the Hero Usually evenly matched in ability yet opposite in temperament or values. EX. Voldemort