1. Archetypes

2. The Hero Noble birth and/or orphan, unusual birth
Special abilities and/or weapons
Has a mentor
Trials involving overwhelming obstacles
Faithful companions
Drawing appropriate “line in the sand” (knowing when to act and when to stop)
The Hero

3. A great search for someone or something, a quest
In harmony with nature
Appropriate use of/restraint of force
Not distinguished by race, creed, or gender
Takes a leap of faith
Examples: Frodo in The Lord of the Rings
Luke Skywalker in Star Wars
Simba in The Lion King

4. The Devil Represents the evil enemy
Selfish, power-hungry, ruthless, wicked.
Strives against the hero.
Physically ugly, malformed, masked, or disfigured
Examples: Darth Vader in Star Wars
Scar in The Lion King
Sauron in The Lord of the Rings
The Devil

5. The Outcast Thrown out of society * Often a pathetic or comedic figure
* Doomed to wander the earth without a place to rest or call home.
Examples: Gollum in The Lord of the Rings
Timon and Pumba in The Lion King
Jar Jar in Star Wars
The Outcast

6. The Wizard Old and wise Mentor to the hero Guardian of tradition
Usually uses magic
Examples: Yoda in Star Wars
Merlin in The Sword and the Stone
Rafiki in The Lion King
The Wizard

7. The Princess Female of great beauty, virtue, and power
Usually of noble birth
Often marries the hero
Examples: Princess Leia in Star Wars
Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings
The Princess

8. A couple who loves each other, but fate will not allow them to be together.
Often separated by circumstances, social class, birth, or a curse
Examples: Romeo and Juliet
Robin Hood and Maid Marion
Han Solo and Princess Leia
Star-Crossed Lovers