1. Romance Archetype
12th Grade English

2. What is an Archetype?
An Archetype is a character, image, symbol, theme, or plot that is repeated in literature, art, or real life across cultures and time periods

3. The Four Archetypes in Literature
Romance
Tragedy
Satire/Irony
Comedy

4. Romance Archetype: Themes
An ideal world that represents life as we wish it could be
Innocence and purity of youth is more powerful than age and experience
Good triumphs over evil

5. Typical Romance Settings
Timeless (mythic past or fantasy future)
Green and golden natural settings vs. dark and dismal fortresses of evil
Recurring images: never- never lands, idyllic and beautiful natural world, spring, water, fire, morning, caves, mountains

6. Common Images Magic weapons Clairvoyant dreams
Animals or objects with human traits
Heroic costumes that empower the wearer
Spell, potions, and sorcery

7. Romance Characters: Hero
Young and completely innocence (lacking knowledge and experience) or totally good and brave
Pure of heart and mind
Represents the best of civilization
May be an orphan or come from mysterious origins

8. Romance Villains Fallen hero now dedicated to evil Monster Witch
Temptress
Any force of pure evil

9. Other Romance Characters
Wise teacher, mentor
Heroine (beautiful princess)
Sidekicks (human, animal, or robot)
Animal with special powers

10. Typical Romance Plot
A young hero sets off from home and embarks on a perilous journey
During the journey, the hero has many trials during which he must discover his true identity (i.e. “father quest”)
The climax is a physical battle: hero vs. evil forces
The hero wins, saves civilization, and gets the girl