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Archetypes

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1656225372Archetype Applicationan image, a symbol, a character type, a theme, an idea, and a plot pattern0
1656225373Archetype Expressionmyths, literature, fantasies, dreams, religions, and folklore1
1656225374Hero as WarriorA near god-like hero faces physical challenges and external enemies. (i.e. Odysseus)2
1656225375Hero as LoverA pure love motivate hero to complete his quest. (i.e. Prince Charming)3
1656225376Hero as ScapegoatHero suffers for the sake of others. (i.e. Jesus)4
1656225377Transcendent HeroThe hero of tragedy whose fatal flaw brings about his downfall, but not without achieving some kind of transforming realization or wisdom. (i.e. Hamlet)5
1656225378Romantic/Gothic HeroHero/lover with a decidedly dark side. (i.e. Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre)6
1656225379Proto-Feminist HeroFemale heroes. (i.e. The Awakening by Kate Chopin)7
1656225380Apocalyptic HeroHero who faces the possible destruction of society8
1656225381Anti-HeroA non-hero, given the vocation of failure, frequently humorous (i.e. Homer Simpson)9
1656225382Defiant Anti-HeroOpposer of society's definition of heroism/goodness. (i.e. Heart of Darkness)10
1656225383Unbalanced HeroThe protagonist who has (or must pretend to have) mental or emotional deficiencies. (i.e. Hamlet)11
1656225384the Other- the Denied HeroThe protagonist whose status or essential otherness makes heroism possible. (i.e. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison)12
1656225385The SuperheroicExaggerates 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. (i.e. Superman)13
1656225386TYRANTThe 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 the power pieces. Hesitate before getting in this man's way- he'll think nothing of destroying you.14
1656225387BASTARDThe 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.15
1656225388DEVILThe 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.16
1656225389TRAITORThe 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, eh plots the destruction of his friends. Never turn your back on him- he means to harm.17
1656225390OUTCASTThe 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.18
1656225391EVIL GENIUSThe 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. Don't let him pull your strings- the game is always rigged in his favor.19
1656225392SADISTThe 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.20
1656225393TERRORISTThe 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.21
1656225394BITCHThe 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.22
1656225395BLACK WIDOWThe 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.23
1656225396BACKSTABBERThe 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 things to hinder. Put no faith in her- she'll betray you every time.24
1656225397LUNATICThe 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.25
1656225398PARASITEThe 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.26
1656225399SCHEMERThe 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.27
1656225400FANATICThe uncompromising extremist, she does wrong in the name of good. She justifies her action by her intent, and merely shrugs her shoulders at collateral damage. Anyone not an ally is an enemy, and therefore, fair game. Give up on any hope of showing her the error of her ways- she firmly believes you are wrong, wrong, wrong.28
1656225401MATRIARCHThe 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 seems no fault with her darlings, unless they don't follower her dictates. Don't be lured into her family nest- you'll never get out alive.29
1656225402BOSSA real go-getter, she climbs the ladder of success. This is a "take charge" female, who accepts nothing by respect. Reaching her goal post, the most important thing in her life to her, she isn't bothered by a few ruffled feathers along the way.30
1656225403SEDUCTRESSAn enchantress, she gets her way. This is is 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.31
1656225404SPUNKY KIDGutsy and true, she is loyal to the end. She is a favorite of many writers, and for good reason. You can't help but to 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.32
1656225405FREE SPIRITEternal 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.33
1656225406WAIFA 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 she has tremendous strength of will. She won't fight back; she'll endure.34
1656225407LIBRARIANControlled 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.35
1656225408CRUSADERA 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.36
1656225409NURTURERSerene and capable, she nourishes the spirit. Not always Suzy Homemaker, this lady takes care of everyone. She's serene, capable, and optimistic.37
1656225410Archetypal Journeys1. The quest for identity 2. The epic journey to find the promised land/to find the good city 3. The quest for vengeance 4. The warrior's journey to save his people 5. The search for love (rescue princess) 6. The journey in search of knowledge 7. The tragic quest: penance or self-denial 8. The fool's errand 9. The quest to rid the land of danger 10. The grail quest (the quest for human perfection)38
1656225411Hero's Journey: Stage 1Departure: The hero is called to adventure, although he is reluctant to accept.39
1656225412Hero's Journey: Stage 2Initiation: The hero crosses a threshold into a new, more dangerous world, gaining a more mature perspective.40
1656225413Hero's Journey: Stage 3The Road of Trials: The hero is given supernatural aid, endures tests of strength, resourcefulness, and endurance.41
1656225414Hero's Journey: Stage 4The 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.42
1656225415Hero's Journey: Stage 5Return and Reintegration with Society: The hero uses his new wisdom to restore fertility and order to the land.43
1656225416Hero's Journey Characteristics- the hero is naïve 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 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 even 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 recovers44
1656225417The QuestWhat 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 mind.45
1656225418The TaskThe nearly superhuman feat(s) the Hero must perform in order to accomplish his quest.46
1656225419The JourneyThe journey sends the Hero in search of some truth that will save his kingdom.47
1656225420The InitiationThe adolescent comes into his maturity with new awareness and problems.48
1656225421The RitualThe actual ceremonies the Initiate experiences that will mark his rite of passage into another state. A clear sign of the character's role in his society.49
1656225422The FallThe descent from a higher to a lower state of being usually as a punishment for transgression. It also involves the loss of innocence.50
1656225423Death and RebirthThe 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.51
1656225424Battle between Good and EvilObviously, a battle between two primal forces. Mankind shows eternal optimism in the continual portrayal of good triumphing over evil despite great odds.52
1656225425The Unhealable WoundEither a physical or psychological wound that cannot be fully healed. The wound symbolizes a loss of innocence.53
1656225426Light vs. DarknessLight usually suggests hope, renewal, or intellectual illumination; darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair.54
1656225427Innate Wisdom vs. Educated StupiditySome 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.55
1656225428Supernatural InterventionSpiritual beings intervene on the side of the hero or sometimes against him.56
1656225429Fire and IceFire represents knowledge, light, life, and rebirth, while ice, like the desert, represents ignorance, darkness, sterility, and death.57
1656225430Nature vs. Mechanistic WorldNature is good while technology is evil.58
1656225431The ThresholdGateway to a new world which the hero must enter to change and grow.59
1656225432The UnderworldA 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.60
1656225433Haven vs. WildernessPlaces of safety contrast sharply against a dangerous wilderness. Heroes are often sheltered for a time to regain health and resources.61
1656225434Water vs. DesertBecause 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 the same way. The Desert suggests the opposite.62
1656225435Heaven vs. HellMan 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.63
1656225436The CrossroadsA place or time of decision when a realization is made and change or penance results.64
1656225437The MazeA puzzling dilemma or great uncertainty, search for the dangerous monster inside of oneself, or a journey into the heart of darkness.65
1656225438The CastleA strong place of safety which holds treasure or princess, may be enchanted or bewitched.66
1656225439The TowerA strong place of evil, represents the isolation of self.67
1656225440The Magic WeaponThe weapon the hero needs in order to complete his quest.68
1656225441The WhirlpoolSymbolizes the destructive power of nature or fate.69
1656225442FogSymbolizes uncertainty.70
1656225443ColorsRed: 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, timlessness (negatives: death, horror, supernatural) Yellow: enlightenment, wisdom71
1656225444Numbers3- light, spiritual awareness, unity, 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 symbol72
1656225445The HeroThe 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.73
1656225446Young Man from the ProvincesThe Hero returns to his home and heritage where he is a stranger who can see new problems and new solutions.74
1656225447The InitiatesThe Initiates are young heroes or heroines who must go through some training and ceremony before undertaking their quest.75
1656225448MentorThe 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.76
1656225449Mentor- Pupil RelationshipIn this relationship, the Mentor teachers the Hero/pupil the necessary skills for surviving the quest.77
1656225450The Threshold GuardianTests the hero's courage and worthiness to begin the journey.78
1656225451Father- Son ConflictIn this relationship, the tension is built due to separation from childhood or some other source when the two meet as men.79
1656225452Hunting Group of CompanionsThese are loyal companions willing to face hardship and ordeal in order to stay together.80
1656225453Loyal RetainersThe Retainer's duty is to reflect the nobility and power of the hero.81
1656225454Friendly BeastAn animal companion showing that nature is on the side of the hero.82
1656225455The ShadowA 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.83
1656225456The Devil FigureThis character is evil incarnate.84
1656225457The Evil Figure with Ultimately Good HeartA devil figure with the potential to be good. This person is usually saved by the love of the hero.85

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