The Monomyth’s Major Archetypal Characters  The one story that rules them all comprised of the various character types that keep showing up.

The Great 8 Characters…  Hero  Mentor  Threshold Guardian  Herald  Shapeshifter  Shadow  Trickster  Allies (sidekicks) Think of these as various jobs at McDonalds

McDonalds needs various types of workers to make everything work.  All 8 “jobs” work together to make a great thing happen.  Yummy…french fries! Get in my belly!  Wait…there’s no one operating the fryer to create that golden brown stick of potatoey goodness?  This is no good! Someone fill that dude’s shoes! NOW!!!!!

Archetype 1: HERO  The protagonist that answers the call of duty and separates himself/herself from the normal world.  Sacrifices self for the sake of the journey and its potential to help others.  S/he accepts the challenge, goes on a quest, and restores a balance.  We experience the journey through the eyes of the HERO.

Name these heroes and others…

Archetype 2: MENTOR

They are all the same. Can you name more?  They provide:  Insight (understanding and knowledge)  Training (preparation for success)  Motivation (you can do it)

Archetype 3: THRESHOLD GUARDIAN  Protects the special world and the secrets it contains  Tests the hero and makes him/her pass tests to prove worth, ability and dedication  The mentor can act as a threshold guardian.  The guardian is not necessarily an antagonist or “bad guy.”  It will be me when some punk tries to date my daughter. He’ll have to get through me!  You may pass me when you give me vocab!

Can you name others?

Archetype 4: HERALD

 Announces coming change and issues challenges (go on a journey (Gandalf) or discover the truth (Morpheus)  Could be a person (Gandalf to Bilbo/Frodo) or an event or force (a dark cloud or storm looming over a hero’s village)  The herald is like the match that starts the fire.  The herald ignites the hero’s journey.

Archetype 5: Shapeshifter  A character’s who assistance is not quite clear  Could be a “shady” character that might help or might hurt (Shay or Han Solo or Gollum)  Keeps you on edge wondering what will happen  Doesn’t have to physically change shape (like Jacob does in Twilight series)  Could mislead or deceive; is cynical and sarcastic  Keeps hero on guard

Archetype 6: Shadow  Not always “bad” or “evil”—just the opposite of the hero(ine)  Creates conflict and brings two different worlds together  May represent the protagonist’s fears or desires (that stuff of the unconscious)  Hero’s enemies or villains often wear the shadow mask to destroy the hero and/or his cause

Archetype 7: Trickster  Could be funny and make us laugh  This character shows the absurdity of the situation the hero is in  Enjoys watching the status quo being altered  Shows how things are spinning out of control

Archetype 8: Allies (sidekicks)  Fills in gaps where hero is deficient (skills or knowledge)  Represents virtues of hero (could be one sidekick or a team)  Support system (the mentor is more of a teacher)  Allows hero to complete journey