Archetypes in Literature

Definition of Archetype In literature, an archetype is a typical character, an action or a situation that seems to represent universal patterns of human nature.

Definition of Archetype An archetype, also known as universal symbol, may be a character, a theme, a symbol or even a setting. Many literary critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literary work.

Character archetypes

THE HERO Primary Function: “to serve and sacrifice” The Hero is someone who is willing to sacrifice his/her own needs on behalf of others The journey of many heroes is the story of becoming an ‘individual’, separate from the family or tribe (equivalent to a child’s sense of separation from the mother) The hero’s journey represents our search for identity and wholeness. In the process of becoming complete, integrated human beings, we are all heroes facing internal guardians, monsters and helpers The Hero is a source of identification for the audience. We see the world through his/her eyes. They have a combination of qualities - a mix of universal and unique characteristics, some of which we can recognise within ourselves They are propelled by universal drives that we can all understand: the desire to be loved/ understood, to succeed, survive, be free, get revenge, right wrongs or seek self expression

THE HERO Primary Function: “to serve and sacrifice” The hero’s journey is about learning and growing up, overcoming obstacles and achieving goals, gaining new knowledge and wisdom The hero’s function is to act - to do, progress, move forward. The hero is usually the most active person in the story. Heroes must perform the decisive action of the story, take risks and responsibility

THE HERO Primary Function: “to serve and sacrifice” The Hero’s most important quality is self-sacrifice - his/her ability to give up something of value, or of himself on behalf of an ideal or group. Flaws and weaknesses humanize the character, e.g., inner doubts, errors in thinking, guilt from the past, fear of the future. Flaws give a character somewhere to go - to develop - a starting point for imperfection, incompleteness or deficiency

The Damsel in Distress A vulnerable woman who needs to be rescued by the hero. She is often used as a trap to ensnare the unsuspecting hero Functions: to create conflict

THE MENTOR Primary Function: “to guide” A Mentor is usually a positive figure/archetype who aids/ trains the hero. The mentor is usually a source of knowledge and inspiration for the hero In Mythology, this is usually a wise old man or woman but generally it can be those characters who teach and protect heroes and give them (special) gifts, e.g., Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother, Jimmy Cricket and Pinocchio, King Arthur and Merlin the Magician, Athena and Perseus, Hera and Jason (and the Argonauts) \

THE MENTOR Primary Function: “to guide” Mentors have several functions: - they teach the hero - prepare him/her for the adventure ahead. - they give the hero special gifts - this could be a magic weapon, an important key or clue, magical medicine or food, advice. (However, this gift or help of the mentor is usually earned, by the hero’s learning, sacrifice or commitment)

THE SHADOW Primary Function: “to destroy” The Shadow is the character who represents the energy of the dark side, the unexpected, the unrealised or the rejected In stories or films, the Shadow is referred to as the villain, the antagonist or the enemy. They are usually dedicated to the death, destruction or defeat of the hero. Some however are not so hostile - they may be characters who are simply in competition with the hero, i.e., who are after the same goal but who disagree with the hero’s tactics The main dramatic function of the Shadow is to challenge the hero and give her a worthy opponent in the struggle. They create conflict and bring out the best in the hero by putting her in a life threatening situation

THE THRESHOLD GUARDIAN Primary Function: “to test” All heroes encounter obstacles on the road to adventure. At each ‘gateway’ or new stage of the new world, the hero is confronted with Threshold Guardians, placed to keep the unworthy from entering They usually present a menacing face to the hero - but if properly understood, they can be overcome, bypassed and in some cases, turned into allies Threshold Guardians are not the main villain but can be connected to them. They are usually lieutenants of villains, lesser things, mercenaries hired to guard the main headquarters or secret helpers to test the hero’s willingness or skill

The Outcast Figure banished from the community for some crime (real or imagined)

Archetypes in Situations The Fall: The main character falls from grace in consequence of his or her own action

Archetypes in Situations Good Versus Evil: It represents the clash of forces that represent goodness with those that represent evil.

Function of Archetype The use of archetypical characters and situations gives a literary work a universal acceptance, as readers identify the characters and situations in their social and cultural context. By using common archetype, the writers attempt to impart realism to their works, as the situations and characters are drawn from the experiences of the world.