AP Lit Archetypes

Hero as a warrior

A near god-like hero faces physical challenges and external enemies (Odysseus)

Hero as a lover

A pure love motivates hero to complete his quest (Prince Charming)

Hero as a scapegoat

Hero suffers for the sake of others (Jesus)

Transcendent hero

The hero of tragedy whose fatal flaw brings about his downfall, but not without achieving some kind of transforming realization or wisdom (Greek and Shakespearean tragedies)

Romantic/gothic hero

Hero/lover with a decidedly dark side (Mr. Rochester)

Proto-feminist hero

Female heroes

Apocalyptic hero

Hero who faces the possible destruction of society

Anti-hero

A non-hero, given the vocation of failure, frequently humorous (Homer Simpson)

Defiant anti-hero

Opposer of society’s definition of heroism/goodness

Unbalanced Hero

Hero who has or pretends to have mental or emotional deficiencies

The Other - the Denied Hero

The protagonist whose status or essential otherness makes heroism possible (Invisible man)

The superheroic

Exaggerates the normal proportions of humanity; frequently has divine or supernatural origins. In some sense, the superhero is one apart, someone who does not quite belong but is nonetheless needed by society (Superman)

The tyrant

the bullying despot, wants power at any price.

The bastard

Dispossessed son who burns with resentment, lashes out to hurt those around him, does deeds for effect and to provoke action, loudly announces deeds

The devil

A charming fiend, gives people what he thinks they deserve. Charisma allows him to lure his victims to their own destruction. Can find the moral destruction in others

The outcast

The lonely outsider, wants desperately to belong, tortured and unforgiving and set apart from others, craves redemption but wont take steps to get it

The evil genius

Malevolent mastermind, loves to show off his superior intelligence, puzzles and experiments

Sadist

Savage predator, enjoys cruelty for its own sake

Terrorist

Dark knight, serves a warped code of honor, believes in his own virtue

The bitch

Abusive autocrat, lies/cheats/steals way to the top, only cares about herself

Black Widow

Siren Seductress, goes after people with things hse wants, makes victims want to be deceived

The Backstabber

Two-faced friend, delights in duping the unsuspecting, learns victims secrets and hinders with seemingly helpful advice

Lunatic

Unbalanced madwoman, draws others into her crazy environment

Parasite

Collaborates for her own comfort, things do not matter as long as her own security is assured, sees herself as a victim and blames others for her crimes

Schemer

Devises the ruin of others, elaborate plans and intricate schemes

Fanatic

Uncompromising extremist, does wrong in the name of good, justifies actions by her intent and does not care about collateral damage, anyone not an ally is an enemy

Matriarch

Motherly oppressor who smothers her loved ones, controls the lives of those who surround her

Boss

Go-getter who climbs the ladder of success, this is the take charge demale

Seductress

Enchantress who gets her way, mysterious and manipulative and distrustful

Spunky kid

Gutsy, loyal, and true, cannot help but root for her, wants to be in her own niche

Free Spirit

Eternal optimist, dances to unheard tunes, follows heart instead of head

The Waif

Damsel in distress, child-like innocence, does not fight back, endures

Librarian

Controlled and clever who holds back, passionate but also prim and proper

Crusader

Dedicated fighter who meets her commitments, on a mission

Nurturer

Nourishes the spirit and cares for everyone

Journeys

Quest for identity

Journeys

Epic journey to find the promised land/good city

Journeys

Quest for vengeance

Journeys

journey to save people

Journeys

Search for love

Journeys

Search on knowledge

Journeys

tragic quest in self-denial

Journeys

Fool’s errand

Journeys

Quest to rid the land of danger

Journeys

Grail quest for human perfection

Stage 1 of hero journey

Departure: Hero is reluctantly called to adventure

Stage 2 of journey

Initiation - hero crosses threshold into a new, more dangerous world, gaining a more mature perspective

Stage 3 of journey

Road of Trials: Hero is given supernatural aid, endures tests of strength, resourcefulness, and endurance

Stage 4 of journey

Innermost Cave: Hero descends to some place of great trial, reborn here

Stage 5 of journey

Return and integration of society: Hero uses his new sidom to restore fertility and order to the land

The quest

What the hero must accomplish in order to bring fertility back to the wasteland, usually a search for some talisman, which will restore peace, order, and normalcy to a troubled land

The Task

Nearly superhuman feat to be completed to accomplish the quest

The Journey

In search of some truth that will help save his kingdom

The initiation

The adolescent comes into his maturity with new awareness and problems

The ritual

The actual ceremonies the initiate experiences that will mark his rite of passage into another state. A clear sign of the character’s role in society

The fall

The descent from a higher to a lower state of being usually as a punishment for transgression, It also involves loss of innocence

The Hero

The Hero is a protagonist whose life is a series of well-marked adventures. The circumstances of his birth are unusual, and he is raised by a guardian. He will have to leave his kingdom, only to return to it upon reaching manhood. Characterized by courage, strength, and honor, the hero will endure hardship, even risk his life for the good of all. Leaves the familiar to enter an unfamiliar and challenging world.

Young Man from the Provinces

The Hero returns to his home and heritage where he is a stranger who can see new problems and new solutions.

The Initiates

The Initiates are young heroes or heroines who must go through some training and ceremony before undertaking their quest.

Mentor

The Mentor is an older, wiser teacher to the initiates. He often serves as a father or mother figure. He gives the hero gifts (weapons, food, magic, information), serves as a role model or as hero’s conscience.

Mentor – Pupil Relationship

In this relationship, the Mentor teaches the Hero/pupil the necessary skills for surviving the quest.

The Threshold Guardian

Tests the hero’s courage and worthiness to begin the journey.

Father – Son Conflict

In this relationship, the tension is built due to separation from childhood or some other source when the two meet as men.

Hunting Group of Companions

These are loyal companions willing to face hardship and ordeal in order to stay together.

Loyal Retainers

The Retainer’s duty is to reflect the nobility and power of the hero.

Friendly Beast

An animal companion showing that nature is on the side of the hero.

The Shadow

A worthy opponent with whom the hero must struggle in a fight to the end. Must be destroyed or neutralized. Psychologically can represent the darker side of the hero’s own psyche.

The Devil Figure

This character is evil incarnate.

The Evil Figure with Ultimately Good Heart

A devil figure with the potential to be good. This person is usually saved by the love of the hero.

Heaven vs. Hell

Man has traditionally associated parts of the universe not accessible to him with the dwelling places of the primordial forces that govern his world. The skies and mountaintops house his gods, the bowels of the earth contain diabolic forces.

The Crossroads

A place or time of decision when a realization is made and change or penance results.

The Maze

A puzzling dilemma or great uncertainty, search for the dangerous monster inside of oneself, or a journey into the heart of darkness.

The Castle

A strong place of safety which holds treasure or princess, may be enchanted or bewitched.

The Tower

A strong place of evil, represents the isolation of self.

The Magic Weapon

The weapon the hero needs in order to complete his quest.

The Whirlpool

Symbolizes the destructive power of nature or fate.

Fog

Symbolizes uncertainty.

Colors – Red

blood, sacrifice, passion, disorder.

Colors – Green

growth, hope, fertility.