Character Archetypes A brief overview of the basics of archetypes in literature. Ms. Mitchell’s Class

So, what is an archetype? From an unknown origin, but are preset at the moment of birth in everyone. They are the symbolic forms in the world’s myths, religions, art, literature and dreams. Archetypes are present in every culture & every historical time period.

Characteristics of archetypes: Shared with all of humanity Connects us to past and future Express themselves in various forms Grow out of people’s social, psychological and biological beings Universal & keep common traits Cannot be explained by interactions among cultures Recurrent, happen over all generations & cultures

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s an…archetype!

The Hero Hero=male Heroine = female This archetype embodies key traits valued by it’s originating culture. Generally superhuman Able to perform extraordinary deeds for others

The Young Person from the Provinces Hero/heroine is taken away as a young person Raised by strangers Later returns home where he/she is a stranger who can see new problems and solutions.

The Initiates Young hero/heroine who, prior to their quest, goes through training and ceremony Usually innocent and often wear white

The Tragic Hero An honorable protagonist with a tragic flaw (aka fatal flaw) This flaw leads to his or her demise The death of the tragic hero saves others in the story.

The Anti Hero A character that has some characteristic that are anti-ethical Performs “heroic” acts that are not done in heroic ways.

Onto the ladies… Female Archetypes

Mother Goddess Ideas of nourishment and creation Worshipped as a source of life Has the ability to give new birth to objects that seem dead

The Temptress Sensual beauty Protagonist is physically attracted to her She ultimately brings about his downfall

The Platonic Ideal Source of inspiration & spiritual ideal Protagonist has intellectual rather than physical attraction toward her

The Unfaithful Wife/Friend Married to a man she sees as dull Attracted to a more desirable man

Damsel in Distress Vulnerable woman Must be rescued by the hero Often used to ensnare the hero

In General… Character Archetypes

The Trickster A “wise-fool,” rascal who looks out for himself Inventive agent whose actions can benefit human society Symbolizes humans’ excess & outrageousness

Mentors Serve as teachers or counselors to the initiates Sometimes role models and parental figure

Group of Companions Loyal companions willing to face any perils in order to be together

Loyal Retainers Protect the hero/heroine Reflect the nobility of the hero/heroine Somewhat like servants Heroic themselves

The Friendly Beast Animal that befriends man

Evil Figure with Good Heart Redeemable devil figure Saved by nobility (or love) of the hero/heroine

The Outcast Banished from social group for some crime against fellow people Destined to become a wanderer

The Devil Figure Evil incarnate Offers worldly goods (fame/knowledge) in exchange for their soul

The Scapegoat Public punishment and/or death gets rid of a sin that has been visited upon a community

The Creature of the Nightmare Monster Usually summoned from the deepest, darkest part of human psyche to threaten the hero/heroine.

Let’s Review…

Which archetype does this character display? Trickster

Which archetype does this character display? Mother Goddess

Which archetype does this character display? Tragic Hero

Which archetype does this character display? Creature of the Nightmare

Which archetype does this character display? The Platonic Ideal

Which archetype does this character display? Hero

Which archetype does this character display? The Temptress

Which archetype does this character display? The Scapegoat

Which archetype does this character display? Anti Hero

Good Job My Genius Students!!! Anti Hero