1. What terms do we use to define and describe characters? Romance Unit Understanding Vocabulary…

2. Round vs. Flat Round characters: So fully developed that the reader can visualize him/her, do not lack details Flat characters: Lack so much detail that he/she falls into a stereotype; these characters are difficult to form a connection with.

3. Static vs. Dynamic Static characters stay the same throughout the entire text—they make no changes Dynamic characters make a change (in opinion, behavior, attitude, etc.) during the text

4. What do these characters have in common? Romance Unit Learning the vocabulary…

5. HEROES

6. VILLAINS

7. FOOLS

8. SAGES

9. LOVERS

10. Game Time! Directions: There are several cookie cutter men who must be grouped into the following categories: stereotypes and archetypes. As a class, you must figure out which cookie cutter people belong in each category.

11. Archetypes: Where are characters originated Romance Unit Understanding Archetypes

12. Archetypes vs. Stereotypes Archetypes: the “cookie cutters” from which all other character types are created; they maintain the same basic qualities across all cultures and time Stereotypes: Can change based on the culture in which the exist, typically viewed negatively

13. Archetypes vs. Stereotypes If the archetypes are the cookie cutters, then the stereotypes are the cookies. The cookie cutters never change, no matter who is holding them. The cookies, however, can be made from different types of dough, decorated in a variety of ways, and change based on the person creating them

14. Archetypes Background Carl Jung – Was a psychologist in the 1900s who noticed that certain archetypes were apparent in all societies throughout time – Determined that archetypes dictate what kind of person you will be. From the knowledge you are born with, you choose who to be.

15. Archetypes Criteria a.Are innate and inborn (know it from birth) b.Are understood by everyone; there is a collective unconscious c.Are universal and shared by many different cultures throughout history d.Share the most typical characteristic in order to create a personality type e.Can be themes or storylines – Boy meets girl, the quest, search for self

16. Archetypal Characters Hero: tries to save the day Sidekick: Accompanies the hero on his journey Villain: tries to destroy the day Sage: wise figure (usually old) Fool: story’s “clown” or comic relief Lovers: impenetrable bond regardless of physical separation Mother figure: Takes care of others, compassionate Rebel: Goes against the gradient Temptress: Tries to veer hero from his righteous path Father: Source of protection Dreamer: Head is always in the clouds

17. Archetypal Characters Some characters are a combination of different archetypes. – For example, Spiderman plays both the hero and the villain in Spiderman 3

18. Romance as an Archetype PLOT – Character sent on quest—leaves safety of home – Something gone wrong character must fix – Character faces many challenges on quest – Character overcomes challenges and saves home CHARACTERS – Character begins naïve or “green” – Character is usually superior to others and environment in some way – Character’s actions are marvels, but they are still human – Character gains knowledge during quest, which is shared with society

19. Romance as an Archetype SETTING – Natural settings, such as forests, are common – Ordinary laws of nature are suspended (allowing for miracles) – Association with summer season (typically) THEME – Chivalrous character changes for the better – Character gains enlightenment – Character shares enlightenment to improve society

20. The Princess Bride Archetypes Fezzik? Westley? Buttercup? Miracle Max? Prince Humperdinck? Buttercup & Westley?

21. What is Cinderella about? Directions: As a class, we are going to retell the story of Cinderella.

22. Story time! Directions: While Miss Wojcik reads you a story, you must look for the following: – Archetypal storylines/themes – Archetypal characters – How this story is similar to and different from the Cinderella you know