Situational Archetypes

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Situational Archetypes
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Definition

• Archetypes are things patterned after an
  original and many are so common that you often
  dont need extensive knowledge of the original to
  appreciate the meaning or intent.

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The Task

• To save the kingdom, to identify himself so that
  he may assume his rightful position the hero must
  perform some nearly superhuman deed

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The Fall

• This archetype describes a descent from a higher
  to a lower state of being. The experience
  involves a defilement and/or loss of innocence.

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Death and Rebirth

• The most common of all situational archetypes,
  this motif grows out of the parallel between the
  cycle of nature and life. Morning and springtime
  represent rebirth, birth, and youth evening and
  winter suggest old age and death.

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Battle between Good and Evil

• a battle between two primal forces mankind
  shows eternal optimism in continual portrayal of
  good triumphing over evil despite great odds

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The Magic Weapon

• This symbolizes the extraordinary quality of the
  hero because no one else can wield the weapon or
  use it to its fullest potential. It is usually
  given by a mentor figure.

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The Initiation

• This usually takes the form of an initiation
  into adult life. The adolescent comes into
  his/her maturity with new awareness and problems
  along with new hope for the community.

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Character Archetypes

• The Hero
• The Child
• The Trickster
• Old Man - Wisdom

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The Hero

• The Hero is a protagonist whose life is a series
  of well-marked adventures.
• The Hero is characterized by courage, strength,
  and honor.
• He is the essence of bravery and nobility, but he
  will have to sacrifice his life for the good of
  the cause

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The Child

• Characterized as
• Innocent and naïve
• Needs protecting by adult/guardian
• Most characters are actual children
• An adult character can be considered The
  Child if exhibits childlike qualities.
• The child is exposed to the evils in the world.

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Trickster/Deceiver

• The Trickster is a clown, or mischief maker.
• The trickster can be an ally or companion of the
  hero, or may work for the villain.
• He/She is commonly
• Underhanded
• Mischievous
• Double agent
• Usually lives in dual reality

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Old-Man Wizard

• Old Man Wizard introduces our hero to a larger
  world that is usually unknown to him.
• Often is taken out of the story, so the hero has
  to act alone and conquer the villain.
• Characteristics
• Old
• Wise
• Often Male
• Assistant to the hero or protagonist

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Can you tell what archetype each of these
characters are?