Archetypes in Literature

1. Archetypes in Literature An overview

2. It is a common character type found in fiction. This same type of character can be found in various stories. The personalities are different, but the way they act and what they do is the same. What is an archetype?

3. Exhibits goodness and struggles against evil (usually). Places honor and loyalty at the top of their core values. • Pride is usually their downfall. • Ex. Hercules, Beowulf, Superman The Hero

4. Epic: typical one who saves the day and may end up dead for his/her efforts. • Reluctant: doesn’t want to get involved but is thrust into being the hero. • Tragic: will die; his/er story is sad; makes bad decisions • Flawed: still saves the day, but has severe issues. Isn’t all friendly and nice, is too arrogant, is too mean, etc. Types of Hero

5. Loyal to the hero at all costs. Think sidekicks. • Ex. Chewbacca, all the people who helped Frodo, Spock Companions

6. Gives the hero advice, counsel. Usually an older person who has experience in what the hero is going through. • Ex. Yoda, Gandolf, Superman’s dad Benevolent guide

7. Causes trouble for the characters just for the fun of watching all the problems. Usually hidden from the main character till the end of the story. Tries to stay hidden so they can enjoy the misery. Trickster

8. Character who is the foil for the hero. Causes evil to happen, or other problems but doesn’t hide his/her actions. Villain

9. Character starts out as evil, but as the character develops the evil leaves and the character turns good. • Ex. Darth Vader, Scrooge Evil figure with Good Heart

10. Character who is blamed for all the problems even if the character had nothing to do with the problems. Usually the evil character frames this character. Scapegoat

11. This character wants to be part of the group, but because they don’t fit in, either physically or socially or emotionally, they are set aside, or cast out, from the group. Outcast

12. This character takes care of others. She is either a real mother, or is a metaphorical mother to others. Worries about their well-being both physical and emotional and spiritual. Earth Mother

13. Female character who uses her beauty to bring down the hero. The hero may have a physical relationship with this character. • Tempts the hero away from his journey or main goal. • Ex. Helen of Troy Temptress

14. Female character who is on a pedestal and for whom the hero fights. However, the hero has no physical relationship with this character, and idolizes her. Platonic Ideal

15. Damsel in Distress: needs saving by the hero. Can’t save herself; may be weak female character who can’t live without the hero. Passive personality • Unfaithful wife: married woman involved in an affair (could be the villain depending on the situation). • Hag: old woman, may be a witch who conspires against the hero or other characters. More examples of female archetypes

16. Usually a younger person (but doesn’t have to be) who has a gilded view of the world. Sees everything as a positive and hasn’t had any hugely negative problems to jade their thinking. Innocent