You should already know this, but let’s REVIEW anyways… Types of characters

Protagonist Person on whom actions centers Character who drives the action forward Character who attempts to accomplish something Usually seen as “the good guy” or hero/heroine Usually round & dynamic

Antagonist Character or force that holds the action back Character who wants something in opposition to the protagonist Usually seen as the “bad guy” or villain

Foil character Secondary or minor character Character who is a contrast or opposite to the protagonist Character who emphasizes or highlights the traits of the protagonist because he/she is the direct opposite

Dynamic Character Undergoes an important change in personality in the story Comes to some sort of realization that permanently changes the character A change occurs within the character because of the events of the story The protagonist is usually dynamic, but not always

Static Character Remains the same throughout the story Although something may happen to the character, it does not cause the character to change The protagonist is usually dynamic, but not always

Round character “The test of a round character is Has many traits, both good and bad Not easily defined because we know many details about the character Realistic and life-like Most major characters are round “The test of a round character is whether it is capable of surprising in a convincing way. If it never surprises, t is flat.” - E.M. Forster

Flat character Does not have many Traits Easily defined in a single sentence because we know little about the Character Sometimes stereotyped Most minor characters are flat

The rest of this should be new!!! character Archetypes Swiss philosopher Car Jung discovered certain similarities in the myths of different civilizations which had no possible contact with one another. By examining these myths and individuals’ dreams, he concluded that there are certain patterns which were simply innate to the human psyche- a part of the unconscious of every individual. - Carl Jung, “Archetypes in Literature”

ARCHETYPES

Hero A larger-than-life character that often goes on some kind of journey or quest. In the course of his journey, the hero demonstrates the qualities and abilities valued by his culture. At birth, someone tries to kill hero (or curse them). Usually taken away, raised by foster parents Audience or reader knows little of his/her childhood

Mentor Alfred The protector and leader Father or mother figure Serve as guardians, teachers, or counselors to the initiate Sometimes work as role models The “good mother” or “good father” Alfred Sebastian

Loyal Retainer/Hunting Group of Companions Loyal to the hero Retainers-work for the hero Friends-often heroic themselves Act in a way that represent the hero’s nobility Protectors Flounder Ron

Friendly Beast An animal helping our hero through his journey. Gingy Timon and Pumba Gingy

The Damsel in Distress Sometimes we see the man in distress and the damsel rescuing him Vulnerable, naïve, helpless Must be rescued by the hero Often used as bait Representing purity and innocence.

Outcast Figure banished from a social group from some crime against mankind Real crime Imagined crime Destined to become a wanderer Donkey Hancock

The Fatal Woman/Temptress A woman who uses her power (intellect, magic, or most of all, beauty) to make men, especially the Hero, weak. Ultimately brings about his downfall Megara

The Witch A woman, often a hag (though she may be disguised as a beautiful young woman), who attempts to trap and destroy the protagonist Can also be the “bad mother” Ursula

Monster or Villain The antagonist, especially in opposition to the hero. Evil Cruel and Malicious Cunning

Demonic Adversary (Devil Character) Offers a trade for the hero’s soul, or the thing most important to them “Demonic Pact” Very Cunning Unreliable, dishonest Hades Joker

Minions “Side-kicks” for the antagonist In it for themselves Don’t hesitate to turn on, or run away from the villain if they’re in danger Flotsam and Jetsam Banzai, Ed, Shenzi

Star-crossed Lovers Love is disapproved of by society, friends, or family It WILL end badly, often with the death of one or both characters Rose and Jack

Earth Mother Symbolic of fruition, abundance. Offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those with whom she comes in contact. Often depicted in earth colors. Mrs. Weasley Fairy Godmother

Platonic Ideal A woman who is a source of inspiration to the hero The hero has an intellectual rather than physical attraction to her