ARCHETYPAL CHARACTERS

WHY DO WE USE ARCHETYPICAL CHARACTERS gives a literary work a universal acceptance readers identify the characters and situations in their social and cultural context

imparts realism to their works, as the situations and characters are drawn from the experiences of the world

Remember that these are basic and there are many different variations. Knowing the basics may help us understand the characters and the stories better.

BASIC TYPES The Hero Herald Mentor Threshold Guardian Ally Trickster Shape-shifter Shadow

Characters can embody multiple archetypes.

THE HERO • is an unusual or prophesied birth • has remarkable courage • has princely status • struggles with pride or impatience • suffers from boredom with current situation He undertakes some long journey during which he:

• performs impossible tasks • battles monsters • solves unanswerable riddles • overcomes insurmountable obstacles • saves a kingdom • marries a princess

•Many different kinds of heroes:• Epic Hero-larger than life and are usually favored or descended from deities• Achilles, Gilgamesh, Beowulf

• Romantic Hero-rejects the established norms and conventions, rejected by society• Focus on thoughts instead of actions

• Tragic Hero-noble birth, tragic flaws, reversal of fortunes because of their own actions

HERALD Usually first character hero meets Issues the call to adventure Announces coming change, that all is not well in “Ordinary World”

Gives motivation to go on adventure Doesn’t have to actually be a person Could be a letter, creature, book, ghost, etc.

MENTOR • personifies spirituality, wisdom, or the reflective/contemplative/fuller life • possesses knowledge, insight, cleverness, or intuition • exemplifies moral qualities such as good will and readiness to help • tests the moral qualities of others and makes gifts dependent on this test • frequently functions as a surrogate father for the hero, taking him under his wing as a child • assists the hero (either materially or spiritually) along the difficult road toward his goal • trains the hero in the skills he will need to succeed in his enterprises • initiates him into the uses and responsibilities of power (even power within the hero himself)

• introduces the hero into a larger world than he has previously known•Again doesn’t technically have to be a person Just needs to teach the Hero and prepare them for the coming test

THRESHOLD GUARDIAN Blocks the Hero’s path First true test of the Hero and if they have developed enough skills May work for good or evil or for themselves

ALLY Functions to assist the Hero Sidekick Offers faithful support to the Hero Can posses the qualities/traits the hero is missing, but needs

TRICKSTER Often a sidekick Balances drama with comic relief Helps bring Hero perspective But ultimately their goal is to disrupt and hinder the Hero

SHAPE-SHIFTER Function is to question and deceive the Hero Not what they appear to be (obviously) May or may not be evil May switch sides in the story Signifies the possibility, at least, of increased self-awareness for the hero, as he confronts a side of himself that he has never confronted before

SHADOW • stands in opposition to both the hero and mentor • fights the hero either spiritually, psychologically, or physically • personifies chaos, mystery, destruction, evil, corruption, deceit, selfishness, sensuality, carnality, crime, secrecy, greed, misery, and/or pride

• may be seen in various animal forms, depending on the hemisphere and culture

• is typically large, dark, articulate, persuasive, and dedicated • is often alone, although he has legions of followers whose loyalty he demands and even tests