1. The Hero’s Journey and Archetypes
The characteristics that make up heroes, their journeys, and the characters surrounding the hero.

2. What is an archetype? Archetypes are …
A pattern or model (think typical or a type)
Universal (they apply to all of us)
Repeated throughout culture, often slightly altered for the present day.

3. The Archetypal Hero
Author’s Note: There are exceptions to all of these; however, these seem to occur most often.
Characteristics:
Has an unusual birth; often an attempt is made on his life
Leaves or is forced to leave home
Raised by “foster” parents or other parental figure
Knows little about childhood until grown
Achieves a victory over a great foe, marries a beautiful girl, achieves great fame or title

4. Characteristics of the Hero (Con’t)
Author’s Note: Not all heroes fit these traits, but these occur most often.
Hero is naïve and inexperienced
Hero meets monsters or strange beings
Hero often travels across water
Hero struggles for something valuable/important
Hero has a loyal band of companions
Hero engages in tests or contests of strength (physical or mental)
Hero makes a stirring speech to his or her companions

5. The Journey
All heroes go on a journey; here are the stages of their journey.
Departure – hero is called to adventure, although reluctantly
Initiation – hero crosses into a new, more dangerous world (crossing the threshold)
Road of Trials – hero is given aid (sometimes supernatural, mentors, and/or companions), endures tests of strength and endurance.
Innermost Cave – hero descends into a great place of trial/crisis and is “reborn” (changes internally and gains knowledge)
Return & Reintegration w/ Society – hero uses his new knowledge to restore order to the “land.”

6. Archetypal Symbols & Journeys
Light=goodness Darkness = evil
Water = birth/rebirth stars = good fortune/hope
Journeys/Types of Quests
Quest for identity
Quest for vengeance
Quest for love
Quest to rid the land of danger
Quest for knowledge

7. Archetypal Heroes

8. Types of Heroes
Hero as Scapegoat (Martyr) – Hero suffers for the sake of others
Transcendent Hero – hero whose
fatal flaw brings about his/her down-
fall but not w/o receiving some
wisdom.
Anti-hero – a main character
that lacks heroic qualities.
Epic Hero – a hero of
great national importance, is
heroic in battle, and has help
from the gods.

9. Other Archetypal Characters
Damsel in Distress – vulnerable woman who must be rescued
Mentor/Professor – teaches by example; logical, introverted, likes the facts
Bad Boy – dangerous, wild-side, rebel, crushed idealist
Warrior – acts with honor, noble, protector
Best Friends/Group of Companions – safe, responsible, always be there
Charmer – fun, irresistible, doesn’t commit to women easily
Outcast – sensitive soul, secretive, vulnerable
Temptress – tempts the hero with her beauty but ultimately brings about his downfall
Devil Figure – offers good, fame, or knowledge in exchange for something much greater.

10. Match the Archetypal Characters
Hero
Damsel in Distress
Mentor
Group of Companions/ Best Friends
Bad Boy
Devil Figure

11. Journal: Where Archetypes Exist Today
Pick a movie that you know fairly well that’s not fantasy/superhero/sci-fi.
Outline the following for the film:
Who’s the hero?
Which archetypal characteristics of the hero does it stick to?
Which archetypes of the hero’s journey apply?
Which “other archetypal characters” exist in the film?
Where does the film stray from the archetypal hero/journey?
USE FOR PLOT INFO

12. Journal: Your Quest MUST BE AT LEAST HALF A PAGE
Describe a quest/journey you are on in your life (something you want to do before you die).
Who is there to help you out and who are those out to hold you back?
Do you have a tragic flaw (a characteristic that could be your downfall)? If so, what?
MUST BE AT LEAST HALF A PAGE