Introduction to Archetypes

Star Wars: A New Hope Luke Skywalker is an orphan living with his uncle and aunt in the remote wilderness of Tatooine. He is rescued from aliens by wise, bearded Ben Kenobi, who turns out to be a Jedi Knight. Ben reveals to Luke that Luke's father was also a Jedi Knight, and was the best pilot he had ever seen. Luke is also instructed in how to use the Jedi light sabre as he too trains to become a Jedi. Luke has many adventures in the galaxy and makes new friends such as Han Solo and Princess Leia. In the course of these adventures, he distinguishes himself as a top X-wing pilot in the battle of the Death Star, making the direct hit that secures the Rebel victory against the forces of the evil Empire. Luke also sees off the threat of Darth Vader, who we know murdered his uncle and aunt. In the finale, Luke and his new friends receive medals of valor.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Harry Potter is an orphan living with his uncle and aunt in the remote wilderness of Suburbia. He is rescued from muggles by wise, bearded Hagrid, who turns out to be a wizard. Hagrid reveals to Harry that Harry's father was also a wizard, and was the best Quidditch player he had ever seen. Harry is also instructed in how to use a magic wand as he too trains to become a wizard. Harry has many adventures in Hogwarts and makes new friends such as Ron and Hermione. In the course of these adventures, he distinguishes himself as a top Quidditch Seeker in the Quidditch match, making the catch that secures the Gryffindor victory against the forces of the evil Slytherin. Harry also sees off the threat of Lord Voldemort, who we know murdered his parents. In the finale, Harry and his new friends win the House Cup.

Lord of the Rings Frodo is an orphan living with his uncle in the remote gardens of the Shire. He is rescued from the Black Riders by wise, bearded Gandalf the Grey, who turns out to be a Wizard. Gandalf reveals to Frodo that Frodo’s uncle was also a ring bearer, and was the best ring bearer he had ever seen. Frodo is also instructed in how to destroy the ring as he too trains to become a ring bearer. Frodo has many adventures in Middle Earth and makes new friends such as Merry, Pippin, Sam, and Strider. In the course of these adventures, he distinguishes himself as an admirable ring bearer, carrying the ring to the elven stronghold of Rivendell and eventually to Mordor and Mount Doom. Frodo also sees off the threat of Sauron and Saruman the White, who we know tried to murder Gandalf. In the finale, Frodo and his friends receive medals of valor.

ONE PLOT TO RULE THEM ALL Lord Of The Rings Star Wars Harry Potter

THE UNWILLING HERO The plot focuses around the unwilling hero. He is the main character, yet it takes him a while to accept his fate. Here we have Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, or Frodo Baggins. We know nothing of Frodo’s parents, but Luke and Harry have had their parents killed by the bad guys, and their guardians hold them back from their dreams.

THE MENTOR Frodo has Galdalf Luke has Obi Wan Kenobi Harry Potter has Dumbledore Their mentors also have a history of fighting against:

THE BAD GUY Luke has Darth Vader Frodo has Saruman Harry Potter has Malfoy Voldemort plays more the part of:

THE ULTIMATE BAD GUY Behind the bad guy is always a more evil, unseen force that pushes the bad guy. The Emperor in Star Wars Sauron in Lord of the Rings Voldemort in Harry Potter (unseen until he becomes embodied)

THE COMIC RELIEF You have to have your comedy buddies with you! Luke has the droids Frodo has Pippin Harry Potter has a myriad – Ron Weasley and his twin brothers, etc.

THE STRONG FEMALE Always the one to tell the guys to knock it off. Leia in Star Wars Hermione in Harry Potter Arwen in Lord Of The Rings

THE ROGUE Since our UNWILLING HERO is a bit of a wuss (at first) we have to have a strong warrior type that can step up to the challenge, and of course, be dashing when needed. Han Solo in Star Wars Aragorn in Lord of the Rings Sirius Black in Harry Potter

DYNAMICS The Unwilling Hero needs a reason to fight…this is an encounter with The Mentor. The motive for revenge is because of his parents/family who have a connection to The Badder Bad Guy. The Rogue and the Strong Female have a relationship which is hindered by the cause of the fight in the plot. Two or more of the main party have a love/hate relationship in which they bicker and fight yet are secretly friends. An object of power is entrusted to The Unwilling Hero – The Lightsabre, A Wand, The Ring. The Unwilling Hero gets a physical reminder from the bad guys – Frodo’s finger, Luke’s hand, Harry’s scar. A prophecy makes The Unwilling Hero choose between rushing off and helping his friends.

Your Assignment: Write a claim/evidence/commentary identifying one of these character archetypes that appears in The Wizard of Oz. Ex.: In The Hunger Games, President Snow fulfills the role of the badder bad guy. Although Katniss is directly pitted against the other competitors of the game, her real danger is President Snow, who is the “unseen force” behind the creation of the games. President Snow recognizes that Katniss is not only going to win the Hunger Games, but may actually bring down the games themselves. For the threat she poses to his creation, Snow is determined to destroy Katniss.