The Definition of the Hero: From Shrek to Wolverine and Everyone Else in Between What is an archetype?

•The term “archetypes” signifies ancient patterns of personality and relationships that appear across the world’s myths, legends, and folk tales.

•Archetypes and stereotypes are not the same thing.

•The term was first employed heavily by psychologist Carl Jung. The Chief

•A dynamic leader •Has time for nothing but work •Tough, decisive, goal-oriented •Can be overbearing or inflexible The Bad Boy

•Dangerous to know •Walks on the wild side •The rebel •Bitter and volatile •Charismatic •Street Smart The Best Friend

•Sweet and safe

•Never lets anyone down

•Mr. Nice Guy

•He’ll always be there The Charmer

•Fun

•Irresistible

•Not too responsible or dependable The Lost Soul

•A sensitive, understanding guy

•Secretive, brooding and unforgiving

•Vulnerable

•Might be a wanderer or an outcast The Professor

•Coolly analytical

•He knows every answer

•Logical, introverted, and inflexible

•Honest and faithful The Swashbuckler

•Mr. Excitement

•Action, action, action

•Needs thrills to keep him happy The Warrior

•A noble champion

•Acts with honor

•The knight in shining armor

•The protector

•Sticks up for the underdog ARCHETYPES BIG PAPER

 The Chief  On a large piece of  The Bad Boy newsprint, list as many  The Best Friend examples as you can of  The Charmer each heroic archetype.  The Lost Soul  Explain why you think each  The Professor character would fall into  The Swashbuckler that particular category.  The Warrior  Write one page about a book, movie, or television series that employs these heroic archetypes.  Identify the heroic characters in the program, define which archetype they represent, and use particular examples to explain why they fit into the category you chose for them.  Some suggestions: 24, X-Men, Lost, One Tree Hill, Lord of the Rings, House.