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Hero as warrior (Odysseus)
a near god-like hero faces physical challenges and external enemies
Hero as lover (Prince Charming)
a pure love motivates the hero to complete his quest
Hero as scapegoat (Jesus)
hero suffers for the sake of others
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--Oedipus, Hamlet, Macbeth, etc.)
Romantic/gothic hero
hero/lover with a decidedly dark side (Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre)
Proto-feminist hero
female heroes (The Awakening by Kate Chopin)
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 (Heart of Darkness)
Unbalanced hero
the protagonist who has (or must pretend to have) mental or emotional deficiencies (Hamlet, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest)
The other-the denied hero
the protagonist whose status or essential otherness makes heroism possible (Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan)
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 who is nonetheless needed by society
The tyrant
the bullying despot, he wants power at any price. He ruthlessly conquers all he surveys, crushing his enemies beneath his feet. People are but pawns to him, and he holds all power pieces. Hesitate before getting in this man’s way--he’ll think nothing of destroying you
The bastard
the dispossessed son, he burns with resentment. He can’t have what he wants, so he lashes out to hurt those around him. His deeds are often for effect--he wants to provoke action in others. He proudly announces his rebellious dealings. Don’t be fooled by his boyish demeanor--he’s a bundle of hate
The devil
the charming fiend, he gives people what he thinks they deserve. Charisma allows him to lure his victims to their own destruction His ability to discover the moral weaknesses in others serves him well. Close your eyes to his cajolery--he’ll tempt you to disaster
The traitor
the double agent, he betrays those who trust him most. No one suspects the evil that lurks in his heart. Despite supportive smiles and sympathetic ears, he plots the destruction of his friends. Never turn your back on him--he means you harm
The outcast
the lonely outsider, he desperately wants to belong. Tortured and unforgiving, he has been set off from others, and usually for good cause. He craves redemption, but is willing to gain it by sacrificing others. Waste no sympathy on him--he’ll have none for you
The evil genius
the malevolent mastermind, he loves to show off his superior intelligence. Intellectual inferiority is contemptible to him and that includes just about everyone. Elaborate puzzles and experiments are his trademark. Don’t let him pull your strings--the game is always rigged in his favor
The sadist
the savage predator, he enjoys cruelty for its own sake. Violence and psychological brutality are games to this man; and he plays those games with daring and skill. Run, don’t walk, away from this man--he’ll tear out your heart, and laugh while doing it
The terrorist
the dark knight, he serves a warped code of honor. Self-righteous, he believes in his own virtue, and judges all around him by a strict set of laws. The end will always justify his nefarious means, and no conventional morality will give him pause. Don’t try to appeal to his sense of justice--his does not resemble yours.
The bitch
the abusive autocrat, she lies, cheats, and steals her way to the top. Her climb to success has left many a heel mark on the backs of others. She doesn’t care about the peons around her--only the achievement of her dreams matters. Forget expecting a helping hand from her-she doesn’t help anyone but herself
The black widow
the beguiling siren, she lures victims into her web. She goes after anyone who has something she wants, and she wants a lot. But she does her best to make the victim want to be deceived. An expert at seduction of every variety, she uses her charms to get her way. Don’t be fooled by her claims of love--it’s all a lie.
The backstabber
the two-faced friend, she delights in duping the unsuspecting. Her sympathetic smiles enable her to learn her victims’ secrets, which she then uses to feather her nest. Her seemingly helpful advice is just the thing to hinder. Put no faith in her-she’ll betray you every time
The lunatic
the unbalanced madwoman, she draws others into her crazy environment. The drum to which she marches misses many a beat, but to her, it is the rest of the world that is out of step. Don’t even try to understand her logic-she is unfathomable.
The parasite
the poisonous vine, she collaborates for her own comfort. She goes along with any atrocity, so long as her own security is assured. She sees herself as a victim who had no choice, and blames others for her crimes. Expect no mercy from her--she won’t lift a finger to save anyone but herself.
The schemer
the lethal plotter, she devises the ruin of others. Like a cat with a mouse, she plays with lives. Elaborate plans, intricate schemes; nothing pleases her more than to trap the unwary. Watch out for her complex designs–she means you no good.
The fanatic
the uncompromising extremist, she does wrong in the name of good. She justifies her actions by her intent, and merely shrugs her shoulders at collateral damage. Anyone not an ally is an enemy, and therefore, fair game. Give up any hope of showing her the error of her ways–she firmly believes you are wrong, wrong, wrong
The matriarch
the motherly oppressor, she smothers her loved ones. She knows what’s best and will do all in her power to control the lives of those who surround her–all for their own good. A classic enabler, she sees no fault with her darlings, unless they don’t follow her dictates. Don’t be lured into her family nest–you’ll never get out alive
The boss
a real go-getter, she climbs the ladder of success. This is a “take charge” female, who accepts nothing but respect. Reaching her goal post, the most important thing in life to her, she isn’t bothered by a few ruffled feathers along the way
The seductress
an enchantress, she gets her way. This is a lady who is long accustomed to sizing up everyone in a room the minute she enters. Mysterious and manipulative, she hides a streak of distrust a mile wide and ten miles deep. Cynicism guides her every action, and her tough sense of survival gives her the means to do whatever is necessary to come out ahead
The spunky kid
gutsy and true, she is loyal to the end. She is a favorite of many writers, and for good reason. You can’t help but root for her. She’s the girl with moxie. She’s not looking to be at the top of the heap; she just wants to be in her own little niche. She’s the team player, the one who is always ready to lend a hand.
The free spirit
eternal optimist, she dances to unheard tunes. Playful and fun-loving, she travels through life with a hop, a skip, and a jump, always stopping to smell the flowers and admire the pretty colors. She acts on a whim and follows her heart, not her head
The waif
a distressed damsel, she bends with the wind. She’s the original damsel in distress. Her child-like innocence evokes a protective urge in the beastliest of heroes. But don’t be fooled, because the waif has tremendous strength of will. She won’t fight back; she’ll endure
The librarian
controlled and clever, she holds back. She’s prim and proper, but underneath that tight bun lurks a passionate woman. Dressed to repress, she might be the know-it-all whose hand is always up in class, or maybe she is the shy mouse hiding in the library
The crusader
a dedicated fighter, she meets her commitments. No shrinking violet, no distressed damsel, here. This lady is on a mission, and she marches right over anyone in her way. Tenacious and headstrong, she brushes off any opposition to her goal
The nurturer
serene and capable, he nourishes the spirit. Not always Suzy Homemaker, this takes care of everyone. She’s serene, capable, and optimistic
Types of Archetypal Journeys
Types of Archetypal Journeys
The quest for identity
The epic journey to find the promised land/to find the good city
The quest for vengeance
The warrior’s journey to save his people
The search for love (to rescue the princess/damsel in distress)
The journey in search of knowledge
The tragic quest: penance or self-denial
The fool’s errand
The quest to rid the land of danger
The grail quest (the quest for human perfection)
Stages of a Hero’s Journey
Stages of a Hero’s Journey
Stage 1: Departure: the hero is called to adventure, although he is reluctant to accept
Stage 2: Initiation: the hero crosses a threshold into a new, more dangerous world, gaining a more mature perspective
Stage 3: The road of trials: the hero is given supernatural aid, endures tests of strength, resourcefulness, and endurance
Stage 4: The innermost cave: the hero descends into the innermost cave, an underworld, or some other place of great trial. Sometimes this place can be within the hero’s own mind. Because of this trial, the hero is reborn in some way–physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Through this experience, the hero changes internally
Stage 5: Return and reintegration with society: the hero uses his new wisdom to restore fertility and order to the land
Characteristics of the Hero’s Journey
Characteristics of the Hero’s Journey
The hero is naive and inexperienced
The hero meets monsters or monstrous men
The hero has a strange, wise being as a mentor
The hero yearns for the beautiful lady who is sometimes his guide or inspiration
The hero must go on a journey, learn a lesson, change in some way, and return home
The hero often crosses a body of water or travels on a bridge
The hero is born and raised in a rural setting away from cities
The origin of the hero is mysterious or the hero loses his/her parents at a young age, being raised by animals or a wise guardian
The hero returns to the land of his/her birth in disguise or as an unknown
The hero is special, one of a kind. he/she might represent a whole nation or culture
The hero struggles for something valuable and important
The hero has help from divine or supernatural forces
The hero has a guide or guides
The hero goes through a rite of passage or initiation, an event that marks a change from an immature to a more mature understanding of the world
The hero undergoes some type of ritual or ceremony after his/her initiation
The hero has a loyal band of companions
The hero makes a stirring speech to his/her companions
The hero engages in tests or contests of strength (physical and/or mental) and shows pride in his/her excellence
The hero suffers an unhealable wound, sometimes an emotional or spiritual wound from which the hero never completely recovers
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
the nearly superhuman feat(s) the hero must perform in order to accomplish his quest
The journey
the journey sends the hero 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 initiation 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 the loss of innocence
Death and rebirth
the most common of all situational archetypes, this motif grows out of a parallel between the cycle of nature and the cycle of life. Thus morning and springtime represent birth, youth, or rebirth, while evening and winter suggest old age or death
The battle between good and evil
obviously, a battle between two primal forces. Mankind shows eternal optimism in the continual portrayal of good triumphing over evil despite great odds
The unhealable wound
either a physical or psychological wound that cannot be fully healed. The wound symbolizes a loss of innocence
Light vs darkness
light usually suggests hope, renewal, or intellectual illumination; darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair
Innate wisdom vs educated stupidity
some characters exhibit wisdom and understanding of situations instinctively as opposed to those supposedly in charge. Loyal retainers often exhibit this wisdom as they accompany the hero on the journey
Supernatural intervention
spiritual beings intervene on the side of the hero or sometimes against him\
Fire and ice
fire represents knowledge, light, life, and rebirth, while ice, like the desert, represents ignorance, darkness, sterility, and death
Nature vs mechanistic word
nature is good while technology is evil
The threshold
gateway to a new world which the hero must enter to change and grow
The underworld
a place of death or metaphorically an encounter with the dark side of the self. Entering an underworld is a form of facing a fear of death
Haven vs wilderness
places of safety contrast sharply against a dangerous wilderness. Heroes are often sheltered for a time to regain health and resources
Water vs desert
because water is necessary to life and growth, it commonly appears as a birth symbol, as baptism symbolizes a spiritual birth. Rain, rivers, oceans, etc. also function in the same way. The Desert suggests the opposite
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 guest
The whirlpool
symbolizes the destructive power of nature or fate
Fog
symbolizes uncertainty
Red
blood, sacrifice, passion, disorder
Green
growth, hope, fertility
Blue
highly positive, security, tranquility, spiritual purity
Black
darkness, chaos, mystery, the unknown, death, wisdom, evil, melancholy
White
light, purity, innocence, timelessness (negatives: death, horror, supernatural)
Yellow
enlightenment, wisdom
3
light, spiritual awareness, unity (holy trinity), male principle
4
associated with the circle, life cycle, four seasons, female principle, earth, nature, elements
7
the most potent of all symbolic numbers signifying the union of three and four, the completion of a cycle, perfect order, perfect number, religious symbol
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, and 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 or a hero’s confidante
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 must 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 an ultimately good heart
a devil figure with the potential to be good. This person is usually saved by the love of the hero