There is nothing new under the sun. This statement applies to characters as well.

All characters fit into pre-existing archetypal patterns.

There are many character archetypes. We will encounter only some of the most frequent.

Think of character archetypes as the same character reappearing with a different face and name.

Character Archetypes

The hero archetype is the most important character archetype.

The hero is also the most complicated.

Most of the time, the protagonist of any story will fit some or all of the “hero” characteristics.

Generally, the hero is the hero because he or she embarks on the archetypal “Hero’s Quest”

The Hero

The circumstances surrounding the characters conception or birth are unusual.

An attempt is made to kill the hero at birth.

Early in his life, he is taken away and raised by foster parents.

Upon reaching adulthood, he returns home, where his true identity is discovered.

After a victory over an evil force, (monster, beast, villain, etc.), he marries a princess (or other important lady), and becomes king (or gains other important position).

Characteristics of the Hero

Later, he loses favor with the gods or fate.

He is driven away and meets a mysterious death, often at the top of a hill.

His body is not buried, but he often has numerous tombs or monuments.

Characteristics of the Hero Continued

Every Hero embarks on the Hero’s quest.

In many ways, this quest defines the character, and is usually represented in the movie, book, comic, oral tale, or TV show we watch.

The Archetypal Hero’s Quest

Crossing Over

This is the point where the character enters the adventure, entering the unknown. This world is where the hero endures his trials.

The Call

The character is given the opportunity to go into the world on an adventure

May not accept.

The person or event that begins the call is called the herald.

The task is the thing the hero must do to complete the quest.

The Hero’s Quest

There are a series of tests, tasks, or ordeals that the person must go through to begin his or her transformation into the hero.• Tests are obstacles that must be solved.• Trials are ordeals that simply must be endured.• The “Ultimate Battle” is the final test when the hero must defeat an evil foe of great power.

The Tests and Trials

The return home begins when the hero emerges from the “underworld.” The hero may rejoin his family and continue his original way of life, he is forever changed by his ordeal. The hero has to remember the lessons he learned on his journey and apply them to everyday life. This is where the majority of modern hero tales end, but the traditional Hero’s Quest continues . . .

The Return Home

The GiftsThe gift is whatever reward is given or earned by completing the hero’s quest. It is why the person went on the journey.

This may mean the character achieves balance between the material and the spiritual. The character has become comfortable and confident in both worlds.

The Transformation

There are several versions or types of heroes in literature, books, movies, and all forms of human expression.

Types of Heroes

The hero is taken away as a young man.He is raised by strangers.He later returns to his home where he is a stranger and can see new problems and new solutions.

The Young Man from the Provinces

These are young heroes or heroines who, before their quest, must endure some training or ceremony.

They are usually innocent and often wear white.

The Initiates

Mentors serve as teachers or counselors to the heroes.Sometimes they work as role models.Sometimes they serve as a father or mother figure.

Mentors

Conflict resulting from separation during childhood.

The individuals meet as men and have conflicting beliefs.

Often, the mentor has a higher place in the affections of the hero than the father.

Father-Son Conflict

Example - Superman

Loyal companions willing to face any number of perils in order to be together.

Hunting Group of Companions

Somewhat like a servant, but is heroic himself.

Must protect the hero and reflect the nobility of the hero.

The Loyal Retainer

These animals accompany the hero on his or her quest.

They show that the natural world is on the side of the hero.

Friendly Beasts

Totally evil

Offers worldly goods, fame, or knowledge in exchange for the possession of the soul.

Wishes to corrupt the protagonist, and thereby destroy him or her.

The Devil Figure

This character starts as an evil character, but is ultimately saved by the hero’s love or nobility.

Makes a turn around by the end of the story.

Evil Figure with a Good Heart

An animal or, more usually, a human who is blamed for the ills of a society or community and is killed in order to remove the problem.

Is not the real source of the problem.

Is often a more powerful force in the society after death than when he or she was alive.

The Scapegoat

A figure who is banished from a social group for a crime against his fellow man. The outcast is usually destined to become a wanderer from place to place.

The Outcast

A monster usually summoned from the deepest, darkest part of the human mind.

Threatens the life of the hero/heroine.

Often is a perversion or desecration of the human body.

The Creature of Nightmare

Symbolic of fruition, abundance, and fertility.

Traditionally offers spiritual and emotional guidance to the hero or heroine.

Often shown in earth colors with large breasts and hips.

The Earth Mother

Sensuous Beauty

Physically attractive to the protagonist

Ultimately brings about his downfall

The Temptress

This woman is a source of inspiration and spiritual ideal

Protagonist or author has an intellectual rather than a physical attraction.

The Platonic Ideal

A woman married to a man she sees as dull or distant

Is attracted to a more virile or interesting man.

The Unfaithful Wife

A vulnerable woman who must be rescued by the hero.

She is often used to trap or ensnare the unsuspecting hero.

The Damsel in Distress

These two characters are engaged in a love affair that is fated to end tragically because of the disapproval of society, friends, family, or some other tragic situation.

The Star-Crossed Lovers

For the next few weeks, try to identify character archetypes in television shows, movies, books, and anywhere else you may look.

We’ll be using this information to identify character archetypes in literature in the future, so hang on to it!

NEXT -

Symbolic and Situational Archetypes!

Can you find them?