Title: Character Archetypes
1Character Archetypes
- A brief overview of the basics of archetypes in
literature. - Ms. Mitchells Class
2So, 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 worlds myths,
religions, art, literature and dreams. - Archetypes are present in every culture every
historical time period.
3Characteristics of archetypes
- Shared with all of humanity
- Connects us to past and future
- Express themselves in various forms
- Grow out of peoples social, psychological and
biological beings - Universal keep common traits
- Cannot be explained by interactions among
cultures - Recurrent, happen over all generations cultures
4Its a bird! Its a plane! Its anarchetype!
5The Hero
- Heromale
- Heroine female
- This archetype embodies key traits valued by its
originating culture. - Generally superhuman
- Able to perform extraordinary deeds for others
6The 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.
7The Initiates
- Young hero/heroine who, prior to their quest,
goes through training and ceremony - Usually innocent and often wear white
8The 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.
9The Anti Hero
- A character that has some characteristic that are
anti-ethical - Performs heroic acts that are not done in
heroic ways.
10Onto the ladiesFemale Archetypes
11Mother Goddess
- Ideas of nourishment and creation
- Worshipped as a source of life
- Has the ability to give new birth to objects that
seem dead
12The Temptress
- Sensual beauty
- Protagonist is physically attracted to her
- She ultimately brings about his downfall
13The Platonic Ideal
- Source of inspiration spiritual ideal
- Protagonist has intellectual rather than physical
attraction toward her
14The Unfaithful Wife/Friend
- Married to a man she sees as dull
- Attracted to a more desirable man
15Damsel in Distress
- Vulnerable woman
- Must be rescued by the hero
- Often used to ensnare the hero
16In GeneralCharacter Archetypes
17The Trickster
- A wise-fool, rascal who looks out for himself
- Inventive agent whose actions can benefit human
society - Symbolizes humans excess outrageousness
18Mentors
- Serve as teachers or counselors to the initiates
- Sometimes role models and parental figure
19Group of Companions
- Loyal companions willing to face any perils in
order to be together
20Loyal Retainers
- Protect the hero/heroine
- Reflect the nobility of the hero/heroine
- Somewhat like servants
- Heroic themselves
21The Friendly Beast
- Animal that befriends man
22Evil Figure with Good Heart
- Redeemable devil figure
- Saved by nobility (or love) of the hero/heroine
23The Outcast
- Banished from social group for some crime against
fellow people - Destined to become a wanderer
24The Devil Figure
- Evil incarnate
- Offers worldly goods (fame/knowledge) in exchange
for their soul
25The Scapegoat
- Public punishment and/or death gets rid of a sin
that has been visited upon a community
26The Creature of the Nightmare
- Monster
- Usually summoned from the deepest, darkest part
of human psyche to threaten the hero/heroine.
27Lets Review
28Which archetype does this character display?
Trickster
29Which archetype does this character display?
Mother Goddess
30Which archetype does this character display?
Tragic Hero
31Which archetype does this character display?
Creature of the Nightmare
32Which archetype does this character display?
The Platonic Ideal
33Which archetype does this character display?
Hero
34Which archetype does this character display?
The Temptress
35Which archetype does this character display?
The Scapegoat
36Which archetype does this character display?
Anti Hero
37Good Job My Genius Students!!!
Anti Hero