English 10 GT Midterm Review - The Hero's Journey and Character Archetypes

Hero (definition)

The protagonist of the story who masters the rules of the new world and saves the day. A romantic one should be brave, kind, and smart.

Hero (example for SGGK)

Sir Gawain serves this role of SGGK, as the one who ventures forth to enter a new world.

Hero (example for Jane Eyre)

Jane Eyre is this role, as the one who works to advance her place in society and adapts to new situations throughout the book's various settings.

Ally (definition)

Often has skills in things the hero doesn't. They exist to assist the hero during their journey.

Ally (example for SGGK)

Does not apply, given how Sir Gawain's (like the lord and lady) are ultimately there to test, not assist him.

Ally (example for Jane Eyre)

The Rivers and Mrs. Fairfax remain with Jane as these throughout her journey and give her advice/intellectual challenge.

Mentor (definition)

Describes the new world and gifts the hero a talisman. They get the plot moving and often disappear afterwards.

Mentor (example for SGGK)

King Arthur disappears later on in the plot and serves as the one who inspires Gawain's own call to adventure. He provides Gawain with the equipment needed for his adventure.

Mentor (example for Jane Eyre)

Miss Temple and Helen Burns both introduce new settings to Jane (primarily at Lowood), in introducing the school's ways and giving her the "talisman" of an education.

Herald (definition)

Gets the whole story moving. They call upon the hero to embark on the adventure. They can be a character, letter, or invitation.

Herald (example for SGGK)

The Green Knight gives Gawain the option of beheading him, and, in doing so, serves as a catalyst for the events of the story.

Herald (example for Jane Eyre)

The apothecary Mr. Lloyd, who recommends Jane leave Gateshead for education at Lowood.

Shapeshifter (definition)

The shapeshifter blurs the line between ally and enemy. They waver back and forth in their loyalty to the protagonist.

Shapeshifter (example for SGGK)

Both the lord and the lady waver, depending on the part of the plot, in their loyalty and assistance to Gawain.

Shapeshifter (example for Jane Eyre)

Mr. Rochester is the ultimate one in Jane Eyre. Serving as her boss and primary love interest, Rochester is both caring and manipulative/cunning with Jane.

Trickster (definition)

Adds fun and humor to the story. They also act as lampshades, revealing other parts of the plots or the actions of other characters.

Trickster (example for SGGK)

Not applicable, largely due to the chirvalric theme and short length of the story.

Trickster (example for Jane Eyre)

Adèle, for Jane Eyre. Her French accent and silly actions serve as a foil to Jane and add humor to the story, while lampshading Rochester's past.

Shadow (definition)

The ultimate, looming villain in the story. They exist to create threat and conflict for the hero, in addition to provide something to struggle against.

Shadow (example for SGGK)

The sorceress Morgan Le Fey is the ultimate perpetrator of the story's events, working together with Lord Bertilak to test the knights' valor.

Shadow (example for Jane Eyre)

Bertha Mason serves as a 'big one' during the Thornfield sub-plot, being responsible for the creepy laughs and fires at the mansion.

Threshold Guardian (definition)

These characters test the hero before they face great challenges, whether intellectually, physically, or morally. They warn the hero that great danger lies ahead.

Threshold Guardian (example for SGGK)

Several of Gawain's smaller challenges serve collectively as first challenges to Gawain. These include the weather, animals, and beasts.

Threshold Guardian (example for Jane Eyre)

Mrs. Reed and Mr. Brocklehurst are both major 'first hurdles' or Jane. They both keep her from achieving success in some way, and serve as smaller challenges.

Ordinary World (example for SGGK)

King Arthur's Court - the celebrations during Christmastide

Ordinary World (example for Jane Eyre)

Jane's time at Gateshead, where she is tormented by John Reed and unhappy

Call to Adventure (example for SGGK)

The arrival of the Green Knight, who proposes a Christmas beheading game

Call to Adventure (example for Jane Eyre)

Mr. Lloyd's convincing of Jane to leave Gateshead and go to school breaks her 'usual life' and creates a new world she enters

Refusal of the Call (example for SGGK)

No one, initially, is willing to heed the call of the Green Knight to strike him using his axe.

Refusal of the Call (example for Jane Eyre)

Not as illustrated since Jane's already pretty miserable at Gateshead, but seen through her initial hesitation to go

Meeting the Mentor and the Talisman (example for SGGK)

Arthur gives Gawain the pentangle and supplies for his journey

Meeting the Mentor and the Talisman (example for Jane Eyre)

Miss Temple assists Jane throughout her time at the Lowood School, and additionally gives her an important 'talisman' in giving her an education

Crossing Threshold Into Darkness (example for SGGK)

Sir Gawain leaves Camelot and sets off on his journey to find the Green Chapel

Crossing Threshold Into Darkness (example for Jane Eyre)

Jane leaves Lowood for a job as a private governess at Thornfield after recieving Mrs. Fairfax's letter

Tests, Allies, and Enemies (example for SGGK)

Gawain fighting off beasts and monsters, being forced to face hail and frigid weather, in addition to his trials at the Manor

Tests, Allies, and Enemies (example for Jane Eyre)

The entire Thornfield plot, involving Blanche Ingram's relationship, the fire at the manor, and the Romani woman's arrival

Innermost Cave (example for SGGK)

Gawain literally being at the Green Chapel mound and facing the Green Knight

Innermost Cave (example for Jane Eyre)

Involves Jane's increasing feelings for Mr. Rochester and the escalating events at the hall

Ordeal (example for SGGK)

The Green Knight non-lethally wounds Gawain's neck and reveals his ultimate intentions of testing his honor

Ordeal (example for Jane Eyre)

The revealing of Bertha Mason after the two's botched wedding

Reward (example for SGGK)

Gawain is morally changed and ashamed after his realization of how he gave into temptation through taking the girdle

Reward (example for Jane Eyre)

Jane's arrival at Moor House, where she discovers that she has surviving family in the Rivers' and has inherited a fortune

Road Back (example for SGGK)

Sir Gawain's literal road back to Camelot, where he grapples with shame and embarassment for his morality

Road Back (example for Jane Eyre)

Jane hears Mr. Rochester calling out from Thornfield and goes back to the hall, this time as an equal to him

Ressurection (example for SGGK)

Gawain is transformed from a proud and noble knight to a more humble, self-aware individual

Ressurection (example for Jane Eyre)

Jane's final test when she finds Thornfield burnt and Rochester maimed/blinded, involving their relationship being reborn

Return with the Elixir (example for SGGK)

Gawain brings back the girdle and his tales to Camelot, inspiring the other knights

Return with the Elixir (example for Jane Eyre)

Jane returns to a life with Mr. Rochester and legally marries him after Bertha's death - the two now live as equals