Archetypes in Fiction & The Hero’s Journey

Twenty Q&A flashcards reviewing core literary archetypes and the key stages of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey.

What is an archetype in literature?

A primordial image, character, or recurring pattern of circumstances that appears so often across stories and cultures that it is considered a universal concept.

From which Greek phrase does the word “archetype” originate, and what does it mean?

It comes from the Greek for “original pattern,” signifying the first or prototypical model.

Which psychologist popularized the idea of archetypes through the concept of a shared unconscious?

Carl Jung.

How many core archetypes were discussed in Lecture 6?

Twelve.

Which archetype is defined by courage, self-sacrifice, and an epic quest (e.g., Superman)?

The Hero.

Which archetype is driven primarily by love or the pursuit of it (e.g., Anakin Skywalker)?

The Lover.

Which archetype rebels against social conventions and norms (e.g., Wednesday Addams)?

The Outlaw.

Which archetype wields supernatural or otherworldly abilities (e.g., Gandalf)?

The Magician.

Which archetype is motivated to discover new places or experiences (e.g., Dora the Explorer)?

The Explorer.

Which archetype serves as the mentor with great wisdom and often dies after guiding the hero (e.g., Yoda)?

The Sage.

Which archetype designs or invents something essential to the plot (e.g., Iron Man)?

The Creator.

Which archetype embodies pure morality but may lose innocence by story’s end (e.g., Frodo)?

The Innocent.

Which archetype offers love, shelter, or material aid to others (e.g., Marge Simpson)?

The Caregiver.

Which archetype provides comic relief yet secretly understands more than most (e.g., The Joker)?

The Jester.

Which archetype represents the relatable, average person through whom the audience experiences the story?

The Everyman/Everywoman.

Which archetype holds power, authority, or status over others (e.g., Darth Vader)?

The Ruler.

Who first theorized the Hero’s Journey (monomyth) in 1949?

Joseph Campbell.

What are the three overarching acts of the Hero’s Journey?

Act I – Departure, Act II – Initiation, Act III – Return.

List the five main stages of Act I (Departure) in the Hero’s Journey.

1) Ordinary World, 2) Call to Adventure, 3) Refusal of the Call, 4) Meeting with the Mentor, 5) Crossing the First Threshold.

In Act III of the Hero’s Journey, what is the purpose of the ‘Resurrection’ stage?

The hero faces a final test that transforms or renews them—sometimes through literal death and revival—before establishing a new status quo.

List the stages in Act || (Initiation) of the hero’s journey.

1. Tests, Allies, Enemies.

2. Approach to the Inmost Cave.

3. Ordeal.

4. Reward (Seizing the Sword).

List the stages in Act ||| (Return) of the hero’s journey.

1. The road back

2. The resurrection

3. Establishment of New status Quo