A recurrent pattern character type theme or image which is identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature General Terms An archetype is a recurring symbol theme character or setting ID: 538460
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Slide1
Archetype
A recurrent pattern, character type, theme or image which is identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature. Slide2
General Terms
An archetype is a recurring symbol, theme, character, or setting. It's something that's appeared in literature so often that it is very recognizable. Example of an archetypical theme: “Love conquers all."
Example of an archetypical plot structure: The love triangle.Slide3
Character Archetypes
Many different character archetypes throughout literature. Any time you can compare some heroic or evil character to another you are dealing with archetypes on some level.Slide4
The Hero
Often participate in the classic hero journey.“The main character leaves his or her community to go on an adventure, performing deeds that bring honor to the community” (
Herz
and Gallo 121).
Examples:
D’artagnan
from the three musketeers
Simba
from the Lion KingHobbits in Lord of the RingsSlide5
Mother Figure
Surrogate Mother. Comforts and directs child, especially when he or she is confused and needs guidance.
Fairy tales characters such as the stepmother in Cinderella, fairy godmothers, Mother Goose, Little Red Riding Hood, Briar Rose, Pocahontas
Literature: Galadriel from Lord of the Rings,
Glinda
from the Wizard of Oz, Dante’s Beatrice
.Slide6
The Great Teacher/Mentor
Wise elder – Protects or helps main character when he or she faces challenges.
Sometimes they work as role models and often serve as father or mother figure. They teach by example the skills necessary to survive the journey and quest.
Examples
Obi Wan Kenobi
RafikiSlide7
The Innocent
Child or inexperienced adultTheir greatest strength is their trust and optimism. Their positivity endears them to others.
Their main danger is that they may be blind to their obvious weaknesses or deny them. They also may become dependent on others to fulfill their heroic task.
Frodo –
Lord of the RingsSlide8
The Sacrificial Redeemer
“The protagonist is willing to die for his or her beliefs; the main character maintains a strong sense of morality” (
Herz
and Gallo 123).
Often features some aspect of higher power.
On a mission to save others/humanity.
Jesus Christ
Simon from Lord of the FliesSlide9
Scapegoat/Sacrificial Victim
The one who gets blamed for everything, regardless of whether he or she is at fault.Snowball from George Orwell’s
Animal Farm
Hassan from The Kite RunnerSlide10
Enchantress/Temptress
Characterized by beauty, this is usually a woman whom the protagonist is physically attracted and who ultimately brings about his downfall. May appear as a witch or other mystical character.
The Sirens in Mythology
Mystique from
X-Men
Elektra King from James
Bond
The World is Not
EnoughSlide11
Villain
The AntagonistThe Bad GuyExamples:
Cruella
DeVille
The Big Bad WolfSlide12
Trickster
A trickster is a god, goddess, spirit, man, woman, or anthropomorphic animal who plays tricks or otherwise disobeys normal rules and conventional behavior.
Loki
CoyoteSlide13
Evil Incarnate
The Devil or SerpentThis character represents evil itself. He or she may offer worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the protagonist in exchange for possession of the soul or integrity. This figure’s main aim is to oppose the hero in his or her quest.
Voldemort
Sauron
DraculaSlide14
Archetypical Settings
ForestCaves and tunnelsThe MountaintopThe River
The Sea
IslandsSlide15
Archtype
EventsJourney – The protagonist takes a journey, usually physical but sometimes emotional, during which he or she learns something about himself or herself or finds meaning in his or her life as well as acceptance in a community
Linear
Circular
Quests
Quest for material wealth
Quest for security, as a secure place to live
Quest for kin
Quest for global good, such as when a kingdom is threatened
Quest for self, for self-identity or self-assuranceSlide16
Rite of Initiation/Passage
This is the process by which a character grows into a new sphere of influence, usually into adulthood.Slide17
Parental/Relational Conflict
The protagonist overcomes parental conflict or abandonment by bonding with others or pursuing some greater good.Slide18
Sleep/Dreams
Person is somehow renewed or enlightened through sleep/dreams. New information is obtained or psychological truth is revealed. Slide19
The Test/Trial
Faced with a seemingly insurmountable struggle, the protagonist must overcome to show his or her quality.Slide20
Birth/Death and Rebirth
Through pain and suffering the protagonist overcomes feelings of despair. Then, either physically or through some level of self-realization, the hero is “reborn” into something greater.Slide21
The Fall: Expulsion from Eden
The main character is expelled from the place he/she wants to be due to a mistake or grave sin.