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Character Archetypes Character Archetypes A brief overview of the basics of archetypes in literature. Ms. Mitchell’s Class
Character ArchetypesCharacter ArchetypesA brief overview of the basics of archetypes in
literature.
Ms. Mitchell’s Class
So, what is an archetype?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 Characteristics of archetypes:archetypes:
Shared with all of humanityConnects us to past and futureExpress themselves in various formsGrow out of people’s social, psychological and biological beings
Universal & keep common traitsCannot be explained by interactions among cultures
Recurrent, happen over all generations & cultures
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s an…archetype!It’s an…archetype!
The HeroThe HeroHero=maleHeroine = femaleThis archetype embodies key traits valued by it’s originating culture.
Generally superhumanAble to perform extraordinary deeds for others
The Young Person from the The Young Person from the ProvincesProvinces
Hero/heroine is taken away as a young person
Raised by strangersLater returns home where he/she is a stranger who can see new problems and solutions.
The InitiatesThe InitiatesYoung hero/heroine who, prior to their quest, goes through training and ceremony
Usually innocent and often wear white
The Tragic HeroThe Tragic HeroAn 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 HeroThe Anti HeroA character that has some characteristic that are anti-ethical
Performs “heroic” acts that are not done in heroic ways.
Onto the ladies…Onto the ladies…Female ArchetypesFemale Archetypes
Mother GoddessMother Goddess
Ideas of nourishment and creationWorshipped as a source of lifeHas the ability to give new birth to objects that seem dead
The TemptressThe Temptress
Sensual beautyProtagonist is physically attracted to her
She ultimately brings about his downfall
The Platonic IdealThe Platonic Ideal
Source of inspiration & spiritual ideal
Protagonist has intellectual rather than physical attraction toward her
The Unfaithful Wife/FriendThe Unfaithful Wife/FriendMarried to a man she sees as dullAttracted to a more desirable man
Damsel in DistressDamsel in DistressVulnerable womanMust be rescued by the heroOften used to ensnare the hero
In General…In General…Character ArchetypesCharacter Archetypes
The TricksterThe Trickster
A “wise-fool,” rascal who looks out for himself
Inventive agent whose actions can benefit human society
Symbolizes humans’ excess & outrageousness
MentorsMentorsServe as teachers or counselors to the initiates
Sometimes role models and parental figure
Group of CompanionsGroup of CompanionsLoyal companions willing to face any perils in order to be together
Loyal RetainersLoyal RetainersProtect the hero/heroineReflect the nobility of the hero/heroine
Somewhat like servantsHeroic themselves
The Friendly BeastThe Friendly BeastAnimal that befriends man
Evil Figure with Good HeartEvil Figure with Good HeartRedeemable devil figureSaved by nobility (or love) of the hero/heroine
The OutcastThe OutcastBanished from social group for some crime against fellow people
Destined to become a wanderer
The Devil FigureThe Devil FigureEvil incarnateOffers worldly goods (fame/knowledge) in exchange for their soul
The ScapegoatThe Scapegoat
Public punishment and/or death gets rid of a sin that has been visited upon a community
The Creature of the NightmareThe Creature of the Nightmare
Monster Usually summoned from the deepest, darkest part of human psyche to threaten the hero/heroine.
Let’s Review…Let’s Review…
Which archetype does this Which archetype does this character display?character display?
Trickster
Which archetype does this Which archetype does this character display?character display?
Mother Goddess
Which archetype does this Which archetype does this character display?character display?
Tragic Hero
Which archetype does this Which archetype does this character display?character display?
Creature of the Nightmare
Which archetype does this Which archetype does this character display?character display?
The Platonic Ideal
Which archetype does this Which archetype does this character display?character display?
Hero
Which archetype does this Which archetype does this character display?character display?
The Temptress
Which archetype does this Which archetype does this character display?character display?
The Scapegoat
Which archetype does this Which archetype does this character display?character display?
Anti Hero
Good Job My Genius Students!!!Good Job My Genius Students!!!
Anti Hero
