archetypes

(hero archetypes) Hero as warrior (Odysseus)

A near god like hero faces physical challenges and external enemies

(hero archetypes) Hero as lover (prince charming)

a pure love motivates the hero to complete his quest

(hero archetypes) Hero as scapegoat (Jesus)

Hero suffers for the sake of others

(hero archetypes) Transcendent Hero

The hero of tragedy whose fatal flaw brings about his downfall, but not without achieveing some kind of transforming realization or wisdom

(hero archetypes) Romantic/Gothic hero

Hero/lover with a decidedly dark side

(hero archetypes) Proto-feminist Hero

female heroes

(hero archetypes) Apocalyptic Hero

Hero who faces the possible destruction of society

(hero archetypes) Anti-hero

a non hero, given the vocation of failure, frequently humorous

(hero archetypes) Defiant anti hero

opposer of society’s definition of heroism/goodness

(hero archetypes) Unbalanced hero

the protagonist who has (or must pretend to have) mental or emotional deficiencies

(hero archetypes) The other-the denied hero

the protagonist whose status or essential otherness makes heroism possible despite their denied acceptance within society

(hero archetypes) The superheroic

exaggerates the normal properties 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 nontheless needed by society (superman/Caio)

(Villain archetypes) The tyrant

the bullying despot, he wants power at any price. he ruthlessly conquers all he surveys, crushing his enemies beneath his feat. people are but pawns to him, and he holds all the power pieces. Hesitate before getting in this man’s way - he’ll think nothing of destroying you

(Villain archetypes) The bastard

the dispossessed son, he burns with resentment. He cant 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

(Villain archetypes) 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 ears to his cajolery - he’ll tempt you to disaster

(Villain archetypes) The traitor

The double agent, he etrays 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

(Villain archetypes) The outcast

the lonely outsider, he wants desperately 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

(Villain archetypes) The evil genius

The malevolent mastermind, he loves to show off his superior intelligence. Intellectual inferiors are contemptible to him and that includes just about everyone. Elaborate puzzles and experiments are his trademark. Dont let him pull your strings - the game is always rigged in his favor

(Villain archetypes) 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, dont walk, awaty from this man - he’ll tear out your heart, and laugh while doing it

(Villain archetypes) 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

(Villain archetypes) 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 doesnt care about the peons around her - only the achievement of her dreams matters. Forget expecting a helping hand from her - she doesnt help anyone but herself

(Villain archetypes) 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. Dont be fooled by her claims of love - its all a lie

(Villain archetypes) 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 - shell betray you every time

(Villain archetypes) 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. Dont even try to understand her logic - she is unfathomable

(Villain archetypes) 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 has no choice, and blames others for her crimes. Expect no mercy from her - sjhe ownt lift a finger to save anyone but herself.

(Villain archetypes) The Schemer

The lethal plotter, she divises the ruin of others. Like a cat with a mouse she plays with lives. Elaborate plans, intricate schemes; nothing pleases her more thant to trap the unwary. Watch out for her complex designs - she means you no good

(Villain archetypes) The fanatic

the uncompromising extremist, she does wrong in the name 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

(Villain archetypes) The Matriarch

The motherly oppressor, she smothers her loved ones. She knows whats 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 dont follow her dictates. Dont be lurin into her family nest - you’ll never get out alive

(Heroine archetypes) 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 isnt bothered by a few ruffled feathers along the way

(Heroine archetypes) 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 wahtever is necessary to come out ahead

(Heroine archetypes) the spunky kid

gutsy and true, she is loyal to the end. She is a favorite of many writers and for good reason. you cant help but root for her. shes the girl with moxie. shes not looking to be at the top of the heap; she just wants to be in her own little niche. Shes the team player, the one who is always ready to lend a hand

(Heroine archetypes) The free spirit

eternal optimist, she dances to unheard tunes. playful and fun loving she travels through life with a hop, 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

(Heroine archetypes) The waif

a distressed damsel, she bends with the wind. shes the original damsel in distress. Her child like innocence evokes a protective urge in the beastliest of heroes. But dont be fooled, because the waif has tremendous strength of will. she wont fight back; she’ll endure

(Heroine archetypes) the librarian

controlled and clever, she holds back. Shes 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

(Heroine archetypes) 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

(Heroine archetypes) The nurturer

serene and capable, she nourishes the spirit. not always Suzy Homemaker, this lady takes care of everyone. She is a wonderul listener, and a joy to have around, this heroine takes care of everyone. shes serene capable and optomistic

Archetpyal Journey #1

the quest for identity

Archetpyal Journey #2

the epic journey to find the promised land/to found the good city

Archetpyal Journey #3

the quest for vengeance

Archetpyal Journey #4

the warriors journey to save his people

Archetpyal Journey #5

the search for love (to rescue the princess/damsel in distress)

Archetpyal Journey #6

the journey in search of knowledge

Archetpyal Journey #7

the tragic quest: penance or self-denial

Archetpyal Journey #8

the fool’s errand

Archetpyal Journey #9

the quest to rid the land of danger

Archetpyal Journey #10

the grail quest (the quest for human perfection)

(stages of heroes journey) Departure

the hero is called to adventure, although he is reluctant to accept

(stages of heroes journey) initiation

the hero crosses a threshold into a new more dangerous world gaining a more mature perspective

(stages of heroes journey) the road of trials

the hero is given supernatural aid endures tests of strength resourcefulness and endurance

(stages of heroes journey) 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. Becaues of this trial, the hero is reborn in some way—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. through this experience the hero changes internally

(stages of heroes journey) return and reintegration with society

the hero uses his new wisdom to restore fertility and order to the land

Characteristics of the heros journey #1 (dont need to know by number)

the hero is naive and inexperienced

Characteristics of the heros journey #2

the hero meets monsters or monstrous men

Characteristics of the heros journey #3

the hero has a strange, wise being as a mentor

Characteristics of the heros journey #4

The hero yearns for the beautiful lady who is sometimes his guide or inspiration

Characteristics of the heros journey #5

the hero must go on a journey, learn a lesson, change in some way, and return home

Characteristics of the heros journey #6

the hero often crosses a body of water or travels a bridge

Characteristics of the heros journey #7

The hero is born and raised in a rural setting away from cities

Characteristics of the heros journey #8

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

Characteristics of the heros journey #9

the hero returns to the land of his/her birth in disguise or as an unknown

Characteristics of the heros journey #10

the hero is special, one of a kind, he/she might represent a whole nation or culture

Characteristics of the heros journey #11

the hero struggles for something valuable and important

Characteristics of the heros journey #12

the hero has help from divine or supernatural forces

Characteristics of the heros journey #13

the hero has a guide or guides

Characteristics of the heros journey #14

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

Characteristics of the heros journey #15

the hero undergoes some type of ritual or ceremony after his/her initiation

Characteristics of the heros journey #16

the hero has a loyal band of companions

Characteristics of the heros journey #17

the hero makes a stirring speech to his/her companions

Characteristics of the heros journey #18

the hero engages in tests or contests of strength (physical and/or mental) and shows pride in his/her excellence

Characteristics of the heros journey #19

the hero suffers an unhealable wound, sometimes an emotional or spiritual wound from which the hero never completely recovers

(situational archetypes) The quest

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

(situational archetypes) the task

the nearly superhuman feat(s) the hero must perform in order to accomplish his quest

(situational archetypes) the journey

the journey sneds the hero in search of some truth that will help save his kingdom

(situational archetypes) the initiation

the adolescent comes into his maturity with nre awareness and problems

(situational archetypes) the ritual

the actual ceremonies the initiate experiences that will mark his rite of passage into another state. a clear sign of the characters role in his society

(situational archetypes) 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

(situational archetypes) 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

(situational archetypes) battle between good and evil

obviously a battle between 2 primal forces. mankind shows eternal optimism in the continual portrayal of good triumphing over evil despite great odds

(situational archetypes) the unhealable wound

either a physical or psychological wound that cannot be fully healed. the wound symbolizes a loss of innocence

(symbolic archetypes) light vs darkness

light usually sugessts hope, renewal, or intellectual illumination; darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair

(symbolic archetypes) 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

(symbolic archetypes) supernatural intervention

spiritual beings intervene on the side of the hero or sometimes against him

(symbolic archetypes) fire and ice

fire represents knowledge, light, life, and rebirth, while ice, like the desert, represents ignorance, darkness, sterility, and death

(symbolic archetypes) nature vs mechanistic world

nature is good while technology is evil

(symbolic archetypes) the threshold

gateway to a new world which the hero must enter to change and grow

(symbolic archetypes) 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

(symbolic archetypes) Haven vs wilderness

Places of safety contrast sharply against a dangerous wilderness. Heroes are often sheltered for a time to regain health and resources

(symbolic archetypes) 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. Desert suggests the opposite

(symbolic archetypes) Heaven vs hell

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

(symbolic archetypes) The crossroads

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

(symbolic archetypes) The maze

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

(symbolic archetypes) the castle

a strong place of safety which holds treasure or princess, may be enchanted or bewitchedth

(symbolic archetypes) the tower

a strong place of evil, represents isolation of self

(symbolic archetypes) the magic weapon

the weapon the hero needs in order to complete his quest

(symbolic archetypes) the whirlpool

symbolizes the destructive power of nature or fate

(symbolic archetypes) fog

symbolizes uncertainty

(symbolic archetypes) red

blood, sacrifce, passion, disorder

(symbolic archetypes) green

growth, hope, fertility

(symbolic archetypes) blue

highly positive, security, tranquility, spiritual purity

(symbolic archetypes) black

darkness, chaos, mystery, the unknown, death, wisdom, evil, melancholy