1. Archetypes in Literature
Symbols, Plots, Themes, and Characters

2. Archetypes An archetype is:
a model from which something else has been based
an original that has been imitated
or, even more specifically to literature: a recurring theme, symbol, character, or situation (plot) that reflects human experience

3. Why study archetypes?
As writers – archetypes help us create interesting narratives
As readers – understanding archetypes helps us to analyze narratives

4. Literary Archetypes
It is said that any story ever written can be essentially traced back to one of seven basic plots.
Similarly, there are character archetypes that repeat in stories throughout history and across cultures.
AND, many themes in stories are based on archetypes (think, “Good overcomes Evil”)

5. Seven Basic Plots The Quest Voyage and Return Rebirth Comedy Tragedy
Overcoming the Monster
Rags to Riches

6. Seven Basic Plots
The Quest: The hero goes on a journey to obtain a treasure or achieve a goal. The hero often has companions travel along (a sidekick), overcomes evil, achieves the goal, and sometimes finds love in the end.
Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Finding Nemo, etc.

7. Seven Basic Plots
Voyage and Return: Similar to The Quest, but the hero travels to another world, often gaining a deeper understanding of self and the world
Alice in Wonderland, Back to the Future, Wizard of Oz, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

8. Seven Basic Plots
Rebirth: The hero may be under a spell, either by magical means or a psychological state. The hero can only be freed from the spell by the forces of good, often love.
Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, The Grinch

9. Seven Basic Plots
Comedy: Some kind of confusion must be resolved or a dark force defeated before the hero and heroine can be united in love. Sometimes creates a humorous situation, but not always.
Meet the Parents
Twilight
Sleeping Beauty

10. Seven Basic Plots
Tragedy: The main character unintentionally brings about his/her own downfall. The audience usually pities or fears the character.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Star Wars I-III (Darth Vader)

11. Seven Basic Plots
Overcoming the Monster: Hero sets out to destroy an evil threatening the land. Usually includes a thrilling escape from death.
The Avengers
Jurassic Park
Jaws
James Bond

12. Seven Basic Plots
Rags to Riches: The protagonist goes from nothing to greatness, usually in terms of money but also through the revelation of a special talent or beauty. Usually a happy ending.
Aladdin, Cinderella