1. Heroes and Villains

2. What is an archetype?
Psychologist Carl Jung and scholar Joseph Campbell “propagated” the concept of archetypes but did not create it. They both recognised the recurring pattern of character types, symbols, relationships, and situations in stories across time periods.

3. Definition
Archetypes are common character types, symbols and relationships that appear often in stories modern and ancient.
The concept of archetypes is an indispensable tool for understanding the purpose or function of characters in a story.

4. 5 Types of Hero
Willing
Unwilling
Anti-Hero
Tragic
Lone

5. The Hero: 5 types Willing Hero
This is a hero who knows he or she is a hero, and embraces this role.
Examples: King Arthur, Hercules

6. The Hero: 5 types Unwilling Hero:
This is a “normal” person who is thrust into a situation in which he or she must become a hero. The Unwilling Hero usually turns out to be very brave, wise, and lucky.
Examples: Shrek, Neo from The Matrix,
Frodo Baggins

7. The Hero: 5 types Anti-Hero
Usually a “bad boy” (or girl) type, who lives on outskirts of society and is an outsider, but has a
good heart.
Examples: Han Solo, Huckleberry Finn,
Robin Hood, Holden Caulfield,
John McClain in Die Hard

8. The Hero: 5 types Tragic Hero
A great person who has one tragic flaw which ultimately brings about his or her downfall. This kind of hero makes the audience feel pity for him or her.
Examples: Hamlet, Darth Vader, Oedipus, Othello

9. The Hero: 5 types Lone Hero
Like the Anti-Hero, also usually an outsider. This hero works alone, and may be mysterious.
Examples: Indiana Jones, Xena,
most American Western
cowboys

10. Archetypes
We know them when we see them without even realizing that we know them.
Archetypes are
Identifiable
Consistent
Powerful
Innate (from within)

11. Archetypes Never confuse archetypes with stereotypes. Stereotypes are
Misguided
Erratic
Weak

12. Archetypes in Heroic Journeys
GOOD
The Hero:
The main character but NOT always admirable. (Not always saving puppies from burning buildings)
audience identifies with him/her
willing to sacrifice on behalf of others.
Examples: David in Montana, Hamlet in Hamlet, Frodo in LOR, many others

13. Archetypes in Heroic Journeys
GOOD
The Mentor:
The wise advisor/teacher to the Hero.
Has two responsibilities: teaching the hero life lessons, and giving gifts (often a magical weapon) to the hero.
Often the Mentor is a wise older man or woman
Examples: Yoda, Morpheus (Matrix), Splinter, Cinderella’s fairy godmother

14. Archetypes in Heroic Journeys
The Shadow:
In direct conflict with the Hero.
Represents darkness--the Dark Side.
Could also represent the fears of society.
Could be a person (villain) or an idea (racism).
Could be external (outside the Hero, like a villain), or internal (inside the hero, like a tragic flaw).
Examples: Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz, Claudius in Hamlet, Iago in Othello, also Hamlet’s indeciciveness (internal), Othello’s jealousy, Racism (idea), Procrastination (internal).
EVIL

15. Archetypes in Heroic Journeys
EVIL
The Threshold Guardian:
obstacle in the hero’s way.
Often an evil henchman of the Shadow.
Isn’t always a character—could be mountain, bad weather, bad luck etc.
tests the hero’s skills/willingness to continue
Can always be overcome by the Hero, and may even be turned into the Hero’s ally
Examples: The mountain, orcs, Gollum, in LOR, Flying monkeys in Wizard of Oz

16. Archetypes in Heroic Journeys
GOOD or EVIL
The Herald or Harbinger:
A messenger who gives the Hero new information.
Issues challenges
Announces the coming of a significant change.
Influences the hero to start the journey.
Examples: The messenger in Cinderella, Hagrid in Harry Potter

17. Archetypes in Heroic Journeys
GOOD or EVIL
The Trickster:
A crazy or comic character—adds comedy even in a serious story.
Creates mischief just for the sake of mischief, even if it causes trouble for the Hero.
Often a sidekick of Hero or Villain.
Examples: The mice in Cinderella, Rafiki in Lion King, Dobby in Harry Potter, Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King

18. Archetypes in Heroic Journeys
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The Shapeshifter
Mysterious, alliances are unclear—Sometimes actually changes shapes (the love interest?)
The Hero often wonders: “Is he/she on my side or not?”
We find out at the end of the story
Lures the Hero on to his/her doom or reward
Examples: Sauruman and Gollum in LOR, Ursula in Little Mermaid, Prof. Snape in Harry Potter,