1. Identifying Archetypes and Characters in Literature

2. What are archetypes Ar-che-type (Noun):
the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype
repeated patterns that we see across stories
an inherited idea or mode of thought

3. What are archetypes The Hero
Think of the classic hero and qualities of a hero
The main character leaves his or her community to go on an adventure, performing deeds that bring honor to the community
The Villain/Monster
An antagonist, especially in opposition to the hero

4. What are archetypes The Sidekick
Provides a service to a personality that has a stronger nature or a role in life that carries more authority
The Underdog
Characters who are always in the wrong place at the wrong time, or who are generally un-favored, but who usually win something of value in the end

5. Other Examples of Archetypes
Mentor
The Caregiver
Guardian
The Trickster
Successful Business Man
Damsel in Distress
The Confidant
The Bad Boy
And Many More!
The Perfectionist
The Boss
The Mediator

6. Types of Characters in Literature
Flat Character
a character who reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a story or novel, and the trait's) do not change.
Some flat characters are recognized as stock characters
They become types rather than individual since they are instantly recognizable to most readers.
Possible examples include the “ruthless businessman”, or “shushing librarian”.
They are not the focus nor developed in the story.

7. Types of Characters in Literature
Round Character
a well developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits. Round characters are usually dynamic (change in some way over the course of a story).
Dynamic Character
a character which changes during the course of a story or novel. The change in outlook or character is permanent. Sometimes a dynamic character is called a developing character.
Static Character
a character that remains primarily the same throughout a story or novel. Events in the story do not alter a static character’s outlook, personality, motivation, perception, habits, etc.

8. Types of Characters in Literature
Confidant Character
Someone in whom the central character confides, thus revealing the main character’s personality, thoughts and intentions (does not need to be a person)
Foil Character
A character that is used to enhance another character through contrast
Example: Cinderella’s grace and beauty as opposed to her nasty, self-centered stepsisters is one clear illustration of a foil many may recall from childhood.

9. Character Traits
Character Traits are descriptive adjectives that tell us the specific qualities of the character.
The author may tell us these traits directly, but more often the author will show us these traits in action.
Our job as readers is to draw a conclusion about the character's traits (to infer them) from what the character says, thinks, and does.
We might infer a character trait from something a character does only once, or we might draw our conclusions from a series of things the character says and does.

10. How to Determine Character Traits
An easy way to think about characters is to make a simple “T” chart. You can start anywhere. There's no wrong way to make your list:
jot down actions that the character takes then match them with descriptive adjectives in the character traits column.
list character traits that match your character; then gather a list of actions from the book that support the traits you've listed
jump back and forth between the columns listing ideas as they come to you; then go back to fill in the matching information for the related column.

11. How to determine Character Traits
For this example, we'll use the character of Harry Potter from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Actions
Revealed Character Traits
chases Malfoy when he takes Neville's Remembrall
runs to warn Hermione about the Mountain Troll on Halloween and helps Ron fight the Troll
works to protect the Sorcerer's Stone and keep it away from Lord Voldemort
Courageous
Brave
Self-Sacrificing

12. Examples of Character Traits
alluring, ambitious, arrogant
malicious, moody, mysterious,
blunt, boorish, bossy, brilliant
nasty, negligent, nervous, noisy
clumsy, cocky, crafty, courageous
obedient, obnoxious, picky, popular
dark, discrete, discouraged, dutiful
quarrelsome, quiet, responsible, restless
earnest, eloquent, evil, expert
sappy, self-centered, sickly, sly
faithful, fierce, flirt, fortunate
talented, tenacious, touchy, trustworthy
giddy, glamorous, grouchy, guilty
useful, uppity, vulgar, valiant
hardy, happy, hateful, healthy
warm, weak, zealous
ignorant, immaculate, inconsiderate, independent
jealous, kindly, lazy, leader

13. Categorizing Character
For each character, please:
Determine the Archetype (Hero, Villain, Sidekick, Underdog, etc.)
Determine the type of character (Flat, Round, Dynamic, Static, etc.)
Determine appropriate character traits
EXPLAIN YOUR REASONING! 

14. Albus Brian Wulfric Percival Dumbledore

15. Megamind

16. Johnny Cade (The Outsiders)

17. Patrick Star

18. Katnis Everdeen (The Hunger Games)

19. Mr. Hyde (Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde)

20. Choose Your Own Character to Categorize!

21. Choose Your Own Character to Categorize!