Archetype An archetype is a character, symbol, story pattern, or other element that is common to human experience across cultures and that occurs frequently in literature, myth, and folklore. Ex: hero’s journey. character archetype: mentor, hero, outcast situational archetype: the task, the quest symbol archetypes: water, fire, desert, serpent The Hero's Journey The Hero's Journey typically has five parts (in this order): Separation Initiation Belly of the Beast Discovery Return Separation The hero is removed from his or her reality in some way (emotionally, mentally or physically). The hero does not "belong." How does "normal life" end for the hero? Initiation The series of events that teach the hero about his/her new world. How does the character learn the rules of his/her new world? Is this humorous or painful? Belly of the Beast An event happens to the hero to transform him or her, usually mentally or emotionally. "Rock bottom" What transformative event happens toward the end of the story? (It's often the EXACT thing that we were hoping would NOT happen.) Discovery After the transformation, the hero achieves something s/he thought was impossible before. What does the character discover about himself/herself? (The answer is usually deeper than you think.) Return The hero goes back home or back to "normal life." How does the character return? Sometimes it's a real return. Sometimes death = return. Separation The hero is removed from his or her reality in some way (emotionally, mentally or physically). The hero does not "belong." Initiation The series of events that teach the hero about his/her new world. Belly of the Beast An event happens to the hero to transform him or her, usually mentally or emotionally. "Rock bottom" Discovery After the transformation, the hero achieves something s/he thought was impossible before. Return The hero goes back home or back to "normal life." .