1. Basic Plot Types and Archetypes

2. Plot Structure Based Upon Conflict
(wo)man v. (wo)man
(wo)man v. nature
(wo)man v. self
(wo)man v. the environment/society
(wo)man v. machine/technology
(wo)man v. the supernatural
(wo)man v. god/religion

3. Basic Story Types Based Upon Situation
Quest
Rivalry
Forbidden Love
Adventure
Underdog
Sacrifice
Pursuit
Temptation
Discovery
Rescue
Metamorphosis
Wretched Excess
Escape
Transformation
Ascension
Revenge
Maturation
Descension
Riddle
Love

4. Archetype Symbolic Figures
The original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based.
A collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., that has universal relevance.

5. Synonyms for Archetype
Classic exemplar
Pattern
Form
Perfect Specimen
Ideal
Prime example
Model
Prototype
Original
Standard
Paradigm

6. Traditional Archetypes in Literature
The Hero
The Innocent
The Father/Mother Figure
The Alter Ego/Double
Wise Old (Wo)Man/Animal
The Fatal Woman/Temptress
The Trickster/Fool
The Witch
The Underdog
Monster/Villain

7. The Hero
A larger-than-life character that often goes on some kind of journey or quest. In the course of his journey, the hero demonstrates the qualities and abilities valued by his culture

8. The Mother/Father Figure
Father - The protector and leader
Mother - The protective nurturer and gentle provider

9. The Fatal Woman/Temptress
A woman who uses her power (intellect, magic, or most of all, beauty) to make men, especially the Hero, weak

10. The Witch
A woman, often a hag (though she may be disguised as a beautiful young woman), who attempts to trap and destroy the protagonist

11. The antagonist, especially in opposition to the hero
Monster/Villain
The antagonist, especially in opposition to the hero

12. The Innocent
An inexperienced male or female character that is exposed to the evils in the world

13. Reveals the dual nature of man
The Alter Ego/Double
Reveals the dual nature of man

14. The Wise Old (Wo)Man/Animal
Characters that assist or guide the protagonist

15. The Trickster/Fool
Characters who trick others to get them to do what s/he wants – they can be both virtuous and nefarious

16. The Underdog
Characters who are always in the wrong place at the wrong time, but who usually win something of value in the end

17. Traditional Archetypes in Literature
The Hero
The Innocent
The Father/Mother Figure
The Alter Ego/Double
Wise Old (Wo)Man/Animal
The Fatal Woman/Temptress
The Trickster/Fool
The Witch
The Underdog
Monster/Villain

18. Traditional Archetypes in Literature and Stories
Situational Archetypes
Character Archetypes
Symbolic Archetypes

19. Traditional Archetypes in Literature and Stories
Most stories utilize a combination of situational, character, and symbolic archetypes… this is what makes a story rich and complete. When you like a story, you are most likely, whether you realize it or not, tapping into the archetypes present in the story.