1. ARCHETYPES

2. ARCHETYPE (N)  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

3.  Examples of plot archetypes…

4. Cinderella Story (Rags-to-Riches) In this “Rags-to-Riches” narrative, a character who is often overlooked or under-appreciated, suddenly does something to gain notice and respect from a more powerful character.

5. David and Goliath Here, the underdog is faced with a character much more powerful than he, but because of his innate underdog- awesomeness, the protagonist manages to vanquish the more powerful character.

6. Come-Back Story  The protagonist suffers some set-back but turns around and is able to achieve a position of power. Revenge stories fall under this category; in this case, the character achieves power by exacting revenge

7. “Golem” Story  A powerful character “creates” a less-powerful one, intending to use him or her. Eventually, the “creation” develops enough power to cause trouble. Think Frankenstein or Pygmalion.

8. Knight in Shining Armor Story There is an antagonist—a great force/opponent or a big problem—and the protagonist is determined to stop it. Often the protagonist is not a powerful knight but develops the skills to save the world throughout the story. Many dystopian stories fit this category.

9. Star-Crossed Lovers  Two characters fall in love but some huge external obstacle stands in the way of their being together

10. Long-Lost Twin Two characters–can be friends or even enemies–discover a hidden kinship or likeness between them. The long-lost twin narrative also includes tropes like “switched at birth” or “switching places” stories where two opposite characters discover what they have in common when they’re forced to walk in each others’ shoes.

11. Boy Hates Girl  We often see this formula in romance stories (boy meets girl; boy loses girl; boy gets girl). Characters who start off hating each other eventually come to realize their similarities and end up together. Think: When Harry Met Sally