Bellringer:
• Turn in your Internet Safety letter to the
basket if you have not already done so.
• Clear your desk with the exception of
something to write with.
Archetypes Notes Unit One
• You may choose to record your notes in 3column format, or you may choose to record
them linearly on your page.
Hero- give the definition
Example:
Essential Question:
Why do authors
use archetypes to
tell stories?
Archetypes
The Models of Our Entertainment and
Philosophies
What is an archetype?
• An original model which other things are
similarly patterned after
• An image, story pattern, character type,
representation, or recurring idea
• Evokes strong associations to the reader or
observer
What should I look for
to identify archetypes?
• A shared idea with all humanity (an inherited
part of the human being that connects us all)
• A constant and universal idea (though it may
differ from place to place, the concept is
worldwide)
Are there different kinds
of archetypes?
• There are three main archetypes:
• Situational
• Symbolic
• Character
We will focus on character archetypes.
Character Archetypes
• A person or being that serves as a
representative of a greater ideal
• Characteristics, actions, abilities, or powers
contribute to the archetype characterization
Character Archetypes:
The Hero
• Traditionally the
protagonist of a story
• Often his past is a
mystery
• He is the champion,
king, leader or savior of
many
• Endures pain and
sorrow that all lead to a
greater good
Character Archetypes: The
Scapegoat
• Person or group of
people who bears the
blame and suffers in
place of others
• Public death is a sin of
the community
• Death makes him a
more powerful force
than when he lived
In The Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan sacrifices
himself to the evil witch in order to save
Narnia.
Character Archetypes:
Wise Counselor/Mentor
• Serve as a teacher or
counselor to the future
hero
• Role Model
• Sometimes a Father or
Mother figure
The Blind Side’s Leigh Anne Tuohy and
her family save Big Mike, and she
teaches him life lessons.
Character Archetypes:
• Represents knowledge,
reflection, insight,
wisdom, cleverness,
and moral qualities
such as goodwill and
readiness to help
• Messengers of the
divine
• Helps someone in need
either anonymously or
with no expectation of
return
Supernatural Guide
Glinda the Good Witch gave Dorothy
wisdom in finding her way home without
expecting anything in return in The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Character Archetypes: Villain/Evil
• Monster usually
summoned
from the
deepest,
darkest parts of
the mind
• Threatens the
life of the hero
• Often in the
form of a
human, but
twisted.
Figure
Harry Potter has to defeat Lord Voldemort, whose
goal is to destroy Harry Potter.
Character Archetypes: Companions
• Loyal to the hero
• Group willing to face dangers in order to be together
The Fellowship of the Ring helped Frodo destroy
the ring and save Middle Earth.
Character Archetypes: Damsel
in Distress
• Vulnerable woman who
must be rescued by the
hero
• She is often used as bait
to trap the hero
Mary Jane Watson is often being tossed
around by villains. Lucky for her
Spiderman is her boy-toy!
Character Archetypes:
• Sensuous
with beauty
• The hero is
physically
attracted to
her but she
will ultimately
bring about
his downfall
Temptress
In the Biblical
story of Samson
and Delilah,
Samson falls in
love with
Delilah, but she
betrays him by
cutting off his
hair and
stealing his
strength.
Character Archetypes: Soul Mate
• The princess or
“beautiful lady”
• Incarnation of
inspiration and
spiritual
fulfillment
Wesley risks his life over and over for
Princess Buttercup in Princess Bride
Character Archetypes:
Good Mother/Earth Mother
• Symbolic of abundance,
fertility, and knowledge
• Offers spiritual and
emotional advice or
nourishment to those
she meets
In Conclusion…
• Archetypes are everywhere, but we often just
overlook them
• They can be found in every book, short story,
TV show, or movie
• Archetypes represent ideas larger than
themselves!
3-2-1 Summary
• Complete the 3-2-1 Summary as a Ticket-outthe-door to demonstrate your understanding
of today’s lesson on archetypes.