What is an example of an archetypal character?

A character archetype in novel terms is a type of character who represents a universal pattern, and therefore appeals to our human ‘collective unconscious’ . For example, ‘hero’ is the most fundamental character archetype, which directly corresponds to us each being the hero (or protagonist) of our own life story.

What are character archetypes in film?

It can be a human, an object, or a particular set of behaviors, but the point is that it fits into a time-tested mold that embodies a pure form. A character archetype is the core traits, values, and decision making patterns of a particular type of person.

What type of archetypal character is Harry Potter?

classic archetypal hero
Harry Potter is, himself, a classic archetypal hero, and understanding his archetypal forebears will explain much of his appeal to young readers who are excited by the pleasures and perils of heroism better than older people (Schafer 160).

What character archetype is Shrek?

Despite his frightening appearance, Shrek is an Archetypal Hero because he sets out on a mission to save Princess Fiona. Shrek lives in a swamp with his only companion.

What archetype is Elsa?

Damsel in Distress

Elsa is a character who cannot love and shuts everyone out. Anna (the heroine) goes on a journey to save her sister and rescues her.

What are the 7 character archetypes?

The Archetypes
  • Hero. A hero willingly sacrifices their needs for others. …
  • Mentor. A teacher or trainer who aids the hero by teaching and protecting them. …
  • Threshold Guardian. A character who serves to keep the unworthy from entering. …
  • Herald. …
  • Shadow. …
  • Trickster. …
  • Shapeshifter.

What are the 7 story archetypes?

The 7 story archetypes are:
  • Overcoming the Monster.
  • Rags to Riches.
  • The Quest.
  • Voyage and Return.
  • Comedy.
  • Tragedy.
  • Rebirth.

What are the 8 character archetypes?

Eight Essential Character Archetypes
  • The Hero. Often the easiest to identify, the Hero is usually (but not always) the protagonist of the story. …
  • The Shadow. The Shadow is a complex archetype and worthy of an entire post of its own. …
  • The Herald. …
  • The Mentor. …
  • The Threshold Guardian. …
  • Allies. …
  • Shapeshifter. …
  • Trickster.

Why do movies use archetypes?

That’s where the value of archetypes comes in: archetypal characters help to quickly orient and hook audiences into a story by giving them an idea of what kind of narrative they are in for. They allow audiences to hop on the train and prepare to go on a journey with your characters.

What are the 12 common archetypes?

There are twelve brand archetypes: The Innocent, Everyman, Hero, Outlaw, Explorer, Creator, Ruler, Magician, Lover, Caregiver, Jester, and Sage. Let’s take a look at a few examples: The Innocent: Exhibits happiness, goodness, optimism, safety, romance, and youth.

What are the 7 basic movie plots?

The plots
  • Overcoming the monster.
  • Rags to riches.
  • The quest.
  • Voyage and return.
  • Comedy.
  • Tragedy.
  • Rebirth.

How many story archetypes are there?

seven story archetypes
In the collective history of literature, theater, and film, seven story archetypes recur over and over again. Referred to as “the seven basic plots” by the literary theorist Christopher Booker, these common archetypes have guided storytelling for countless generations.

What archetype is Winnie the Pooh?

Pooh is the archetypal phlegmatic or easy-going character. The self-described ‘bear of little brain’ plods along, seldom ruffled. Milne contrasts this with Pooh’s friend Piglet, who is timid and usually in a state of high anxiety or panic.

What is the Joker archetype?

With a core desire to live in the moment, the Joker is able to bring lightness and joy to the lives of others. This is a result of the ability to laugh at himself, the ridiculousness of life and hypocrisy in an acceptable way. The talent of the Joker is to reveal these things to us.

Is Villain an archetype?

A villain is the bad guy, the one who comes up with diabolical plots to somehow cause harm or ruin. It is one of the archetype characters in many stories. The villain may truly believe that he/she is helping society, but causes harm in the process.

What archetype is Indiana Jones?

Indiana Jones is a classic example of the “explorer” archetype. They rarely fit in with the people around them due to their desire to explore and their restlessness.

What personality type is Christopher Robin?

Christopher Robin

Christopher has a cheerful and compassionate personality and is someone that Pooh and the others look up to. He is much wiser and more mature than many of the other characters.