Archetypes Characters and Settings
Anti-hero: The hero who didn’t ask to get involved but does. Ex: Sarah Connor, Wolverine Bully: Has no tolerance for weakness, especially in himself. Ex: Scut Farkus (Christmas Story) Bureaucrat: Follows the rules no matter what. Hermione Granger Catalyst: Makes things happen. Curmudgeon: Irritable and cynical and proud of it. Ex: Ebenezer Scrooge Dreamer: Longs to be something he/she isn’t. Ex: Annie, William Thatcher (A Knight’s Tale) Elder/Mentor/Teacher/Parent: Been around long enough to know some vital information. Ex: Ben Kenobi, Mufassa Explorer/Wanderer: Wants to see the world—could be running from something. Extraordinary man: The guy who can do anything. Ex: Indiana Jones, James Bond Characters
Hedonist/Thrill-seeker: Lives for today in case tomorrow never comes. Innocent: An inexperienced individual exposed to the evils in the world. Ex: Dorothy Gale Introvert: Lives inside his shell to prevent anyone from seeing the real him. Ex: Gabriella Montez (High School Musical) Martyr: Willing to suffer or die for others or a cause. Masquerader: Pretends to be something he is not. Ordinary Man: Your average Joe, just like you or me or the guy across the street. Ex: Frodo Baggins. Penitent: Lives to atone for his sin. Perfectionist: Every action and word must be flawless. Rebel/Revolutionary: Stands opposed to the status quo and fights for his cause. Tyrant: Must be in control at all times. Ex: Captain Hook Victim: Was hurt by someone or lives in fear that someone will hurt him.
day: safety; knowledge; order night: danger; lack of knowledge; disorder garden: ordered and controlled environment that is usually safe, happy, and nurturing forest: dangerous garden; a place of trials; the unconscious; "lost in the _____“ desert: death; spiritual loss; hopelessness; isolation; wasteland mountain: personal achievement; meeting place of heaven and earth; insight and enlightenment cave: descent into the unconscious or inner self; a place to face innermost fears sea: vast, alien, dangerous; waves represent infinity islands: a microcosm of society; spiritual as well as physical isolation; can be nurturing or detrimental maze: difficult, confusing, challenging task; in order to escape from a ____, the hero must discover the essential reality of his nature Settings
Actions/Events Journey-The protagonist takes a journey, usually physical but sometimes emotional, during which he or she learns something about himself or herself or finds meaning in his or her life as well as acceptance in a community Parental Conflict and Relationships - The protagonist deals with parental conflict by rejecting or bonding with parents Coming of Age – The protagonist reaches maturity (physical/mental), respectability, or prominence Sleep - Crucial for physical and/or psychological healing. A transitional and beneficial period. Person awakens with a greater understanding of human nature. The Test or Trial - In the transition from one stage of life to another, the main character experiences a rite of passage through growth and change; he or she experiences a transformation
Birth/Death and Rebirth - Through pain and suffering the character overcomes feelings of despair, and through a process of self-realization is reborn The Fall: Expulsion from Eden - The main character is expelled because of an unacceptable action on his or her part Annihilation/Absurdity/Total Oblivion - In order to exist in an intolerable world, the main character accepts that life is absurd, ridiculous, and ironic