Name: ______English 9
Common Archetypes - Characters Character Description Example The Hero A larger-than-life character King Arthur that often goes on some kind of journey or quest Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
In the course of his journey, Frodo (The Lord of the the hero demonstrates the Rings) qualities and abilities valued by his culture Harry Potter Helpers (Wise Old Woman, Characters that assist or • Merlin (King Arthur) Man, or Animal; Teacher or guide the protagonist • Yoda (Star Wars) Mentor) The Trickster/The Fool Characters who trick others • Fred and George to get them to do what Weasely (Harry he/she wants—they can be Potter) both virtuous or evil • Road Runner The Underdog Characters who are always in • The Ugly Duckling the wrong place at the wrong • Neville Longbottom time, but who usually win (Harry Potter) something of value in the end The Father Figure The protector and leader Mufasa (The Lion King) The Mother Figure The protective nurturer and Mrs. Weasely (Harry Potter) gentle provider Fairy Godmother (Cinderella) The Temptress A woman who uses her The White Witch (The Lion, power (intellect, magic, the Witch, and the beauty) to make men weak Wardrobe) Monster/Villain The antagonist (opposes the The Giant (Jack and the protagonist) Beanstalk) The Innocent An inexperienced character Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz) that is exposed to the evils in the world The Damsel in Distress Woman who needs to be Rapunzel rescued Sleeping Beauty
Name: ______English 9
Archetypal Images Image Description Boats/Rafts safe passage Shadow our dark side, evil, devil Snake evil, corruption, sensuality, destruction, wisdom, temptation Dark-colored bird death, hate, corruption (raven, hawk)
Light-colored bird Peace, love, life (dove) Earth passive, feminine, receptive, solid Fire the ability to transform, love, life, health, control, sun, God, passion, spiritual energy, regeneration River life force, life cycle, journey Tree where we learn, tree of life, tree of knowledge Stars Guidance
Archetypal Events Death and Rebirth The heroic quest Climbing mountains Descent into abyss Creation Ritual bathing Changing clothes Journey
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Common Literary Themes Abuse of power Good vs Evil Nature Arrogance Government Necessity Autonomy Greed Optimism Beating the odds Growing Up Neglect Beauty Happiness Normality Betrayal Hate Opportunity Bravery Heritage Optimism Celebration Heroism Overcoming Chance Hope Passion Change Humor Patience Chaos and order Human Nature Patriotism Children Identity Peace Circle of life Ignorance Perfection Coming of age Illusion of power Peer pressure Common sense Individuality Perseverance Conservation Inner peace Power and corruption Conspiracy Innocence Prejudice Creation Isolation Pride Crime Jealousy Progress Courage Justice Purpose Darkness and lightness Kindness Quests Death Knowledge Race Dedication Law Reality Democracy Leadership Redemption Desire to escape Liberty Regret Despair Life Religion Disillusionment Losing hope Resistance Economics Loss of innocence Reunion Effects from the past Lost love Revolution Empowerment Love and sacrifice Revenge Everlasting love Loyalty Sanity Evils by humanity Man vs nature Secrecy Failure Man vs man Segregation Family Man vs self Self-awareness Fate Man vs machine Self-discipline Fear Mankind Simplicity Feminism Maturity Society Freedom Medicine Solitude Friendship Mercy Soul Future Morality Suicide God Nationalism Survival Name: ______English 9
Temptation Time Tolerance Trust Truth Universe Unselfishness Valor Vices Violence Virtue War Waste Wealth Wisdom Willpower Winning and losing Youth