Archetypes and Hero's Journey

Carl Jung

Psychologist who first noticed patterns in stories and coined "collective unconscious"

Joseph Campbell

a literature/mythology professor, also called these stories the "monomyth"

Archetypal Character

A typical example of or a "type" of repeating character (usually symbolic)

Departure or Calling

starts the adventure; character begins journey

Initiation

new world, searching for guide

Meeting of the Guide/Mentor/Helper

the character finds a guide/mentor/helper, might not realize this person's importance at first

Crosses the Threshold into More Trials

crosses a threshold of learning or change - can't go back

Refusal/Frustration/Failure

learning and more tests, guide or mentor provides support (but doesn't give the answers); hero can become frustrated

Character Make More Growth in the Process

applies new knowledge; has some more success on the journey

Great Trial

hardest and most personal/introspective part of the process

Atonement or Revelation of the Journey or Process

atones for mistakes or is able to correct failures, accepts, learns, and grows after the revelation of the journey's purpose

Return or Reintegration into Society (New Life)

new wisdom is used/shared, and new life is embraced fully

Darth Vader, Thanos, Sauron

Examples of archetypal villains

Yoda, Gandalf, Dumbledore

Examples of archetypal guides/mentors

Nemo, Black Panther - T'Challa, Spiderman, Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen (HG), Tris Prior (Divergent)

Examples of archetypal heroes

Hermione Granger

Example of an archetypal sidekick