archetypes

English 2 hours

The innocent

A morally pure character (often a child) whose only intentions are good, often travels through a wicked world

The orphan

The Orphan has a backstory defined by trauma, abandonment, abuse, or neglect. They are typically positioned as an outsider, forced to grow up quickly and fend for themselves. Also known as the Realist

The seeker

• will improve their life in some way, but in doing so may not realize that they have much already inside themselves. 

The Herald

The Herald can be a person, an event, or a symbol, and their role is to push the protagonist out of their comfort zone and into the unknown.

The Everyman

• ust a normal person who must face extraordinary circumstances for some reason

The explorer

• A character naturally driven to push the boundaries of the status quo and explore the unknown. 

• Curious,

the creator

• A motivated visionary who creates art or structures during the narrative 

• Imaginative, inventive, authentic, and driven to build things of enduring meaning and value.

the sage

•  wise figure with knowledge for those who inquire. The mother figure or mentor is often based on this archetype.