Discuss some or all of these archetypes with your parents tonight, focusing on where, whether it be in literature, TV, plays, comics, or movies, you have seen evidence of their presence. If you wish, discuss the big idea, as well.
Example: Harry Potter is a hero; he is also a young person from somewhere else. Dumbledore is Harry's mentor.
CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
Protagonist: The hero of the story
Antagonist: The person who is against the hero---who intends to block the hero's progress or success.
Big Idea: Can you have a good story without an antagonist?
1. The Hero – In its simplest form, this character is the one ultimately who may fulfill a necessary task and who will restore harmony, and/or justice to a community. Often he or she will embody characteristics of YOUNG PERSON.
2. Young Person from somewhere else – This hero is taken away as an infant or youth and raised by strangers. He or she later returns home as a stranger and able to recognize new problems and new solutions.
3. Mentors – These individuals serve as teachers or counselors to the hero. 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.
5. Hunting Group of Companions – These loyal companions are willing to face any number of perils in order to be together.
6. Loyal Retainers – These individuals are like the noble sidekicks to the hero. Their duty is to protect the hero. Often the retainer reflects the hero’s nobility.
7. Friendly Beast –These animals assist the hero and reflect that nature is on the hero’s side.
8. The Devil Figure – This character represents evil incarnate. He or she may offer worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the hero/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.This person is called the antagonist in the story
9. The Evil Figure with the Ultimately Good Heart – This redeemable devil figure (or servant to the devil figure) is saved by the hero’s nobility or good heart.
Example: Harry Potter is a hero; he is also a young person from somewhere else. Dumbledore is Harry's mentor.
CHARACTER ARCHETYPES
Protagonist: The hero of the story
Antagonist: The person who is against the hero---who intends to block the hero's progress or success.
Big Idea: Can you have a good story without an antagonist?
1. The Hero – In its simplest form, this character is the one ultimately who may fulfill a necessary task and who will restore harmony, and/or justice to a community. Often he or she will embody characteristics of YOUNG PERSON.
2. Young Person from somewhere else – This hero is taken away as an infant or youth and raised by strangers. He or she later returns home as a stranger and able to recognize new problems and new solutions.
3. Mentors – These individuals serve as teachers or counselors to the hero. 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.
5. Hunting Group of Companions – These loyal companions are willing to face any number of perils in order to be together.
6. Loyal Retainers – These individuals are like the noble sidekicks to the hero. Their duty is to protect the hero. Often the retainer reflects the hero’s nobility.
7. Friendly Beast –These animals assist the hero and reflect that nature is on the hero’s side.
8. The Devil Figure – This character represents evil incarnate. He or she may offer worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the hero/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.This person is called the antagonist in the story
9. The Evil Figure with the Ultimately Good Heart – This redeemable devil figure (or servant to the devil figure) is saved by the hero’s nobility or good heart.