Story Structure, Archetypes, and Greek Mythology: Key Concepts and Leadership Theories

Exposition

Introduces setting, main characters, primary conflict.

Rising Action

Smaller problems arise. Tension builds towards the climax.

Climax

The primary conflict is addressed or resolved.

Falling Action

Smaller problems resolved and reader questions answered.

Resolution

The story reaches an end.

Archetype

A behavioral pattern and a reflection of that pattern in a story.

The Hero

Rises to meet a challenge or needs to complete a certain task or mission to save the day.

The Lover

Romantic lead character guided by the heart.

The Rebel/Outcast

Won't abide by societal norms or laws.

The Explorer/Wanderer

Figure driven to push boundaries or explore the unknown.

The Sage

Wise figure who often takes on the mentor role for the protagonist.

The Jester/Trickster

A funny character or trickster who provides comic relief but can also impart important truths.

The Magician

A powerful figure who has harnessed the ways of the universe to achieve key goals.

The Creator

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

The Ruler

A character with legal or emotional power over others.

The Caregiver

A character who continually supports others and makes sacrifices on their behalf.

The Everyman

A relatable character who feels recognizable from daily life.

The Innocent

A morally pure character, often a child, whose only intentions are good.

Monomyth

The idea that all stories across time and place follow one basic pattern.

Stage 1: Separation

Regular World/Ordinary Life, Call to adventure/Change, Refusal of the call/journey.

Stage 2: Initiation

Trials/tests, Approach, Crisis, Death and Rebirth/Transformation.

Stage 3: Return

Back to ordinary life, New Life/Resurrection, Resolution.

Characterization

Explicit: The author gives us information about a character; Implicit: Information inferred from the text.

Motif

Repeated image or idea in a story that appears frequently and hints at a larger theme.

Mythology

A genre of folklore that includes stories that explain natural phenomena, history, and have religious significance.

Myth

A traditional story with religious or cultural significance.

The Epic Cycle

A collection of Ancient Greek epic poems related to the story of the Trojan War.

Mythos

Greek word meaning 'story'

Functions of Greek mythology

To explain the mysteries of life and death, the natural world, and a relationship with the supernatural

Mount Olympus

Home to 13 of the mightiest gods, lived in a golden palace high in the clouds

The Underworld

Kingdom of the dead, ruled by the god Hades

Elysium

A type of heaven where heroes were believed to go

Tartarus

Place where the truly wicked might go in the afterlife

Festivals in Greek mythology

Held to honor the gods, could consist of music, drama, and athletic displays

Temples in Greek religion

Built in a sacred space, central act of worship was a ritual sacrifice

Athena

Goddess of Wisdom who protects Odysseus and respects his cleverness

Poseidon

God who hates Odysseus for blinding his son, Polyphemus

Zeus

King of gods, impartial mediator and upholder of the rules

Hermes

The Messenger, plays a diplomatic role and facilitates communication

Circe

The Enchantress who turns men into animals and holds Odysseus for a year

Calypso

The Nymph who holds Odysseus on her island for seven years

Situational Irony

When reality is the opposite of what you expect to happen

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows information that the characters do not

Action-centred leadership

Leaders are made; focuses on the balance between task, group, and individual

Great Man Theory

Leaders are born, not made; people have innate characteristics that make them natural leaders

Control and domination

Related to Great Man theory; leaders can force their will onto the group

Transactional Leadership

Rewards and punishments are used to manage followers

Transformational Leadership

Has a strong vision and inspires followers to believe in that vision

Situational Leadership Theory

Leader adapts to the specific needs of the group and the environment

Values-based Leadership

Emphasis on a leader with a strong moral compass and ethical decisions

Servant Leadership Theory

Focuses on serving others by raising up new leaders and sharing power

Authentic Leadership Theory

Characterized by the motivation behind leadership

Sonnet

A poem consisting of 14 lines that follow a rhyme scheme: (ABAB)(CDCD)(EFEF)(GG)

Iambic Pentameter

A line composed of 5 iambs, consisting of 10 syllables

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds

Imagery

Use of figurative language that evokes the five senses

Simile

Comparing two things with the use of 'like' or 'as'

Metaphor

Comparing things without 'like' or 'as'