Final Review Character Archetypes Flashcards
Central figure in story; represents the who’s search for identity and wholeness
Hero
What are the eight character archetypes
Hero Shadow Mentor Herald Threshold guardian Shapeshifter Ally Trickster
Villains, enemies, or enemy within; could be the repressed possibilities of the hero, his or her potential for evil
Shadow
Usually a positive figure who is the Hero’s guide or guiding principles
Mentor
Person or event who brings the Call to Adventure
Herald
Forces that stand in the way at important turning points, including jealous enemies, professional gatekeepers, or even the Hero’s own fear and doubts
Threshold guardian
Character who appears to change constantly
Shapeshifter
Characters who help hero throughout the quest
Allies
Clowns and mischief makers
Trickster
Function is a call for change; provide motivation, offer the hero a challenge, and get the story rolling
Herald
Function is To teach the hero and Bestow upon him or her gifts he or she will need to complete the journey and motivate the heroes on the journey
Mentor
Function is to create conflict, offer the hero a challenge; brings out the best in the hero
Shadow
Function is to give the reader or audience a window into the story; it drives the action of the story
Hero
Function is a test the hero must pass before he can move onto the next step of his journey
Threshold Guardian
Function is to express energy of the animas or anima
Shape shifter
Animus
Masculine qualities present in the female unconscious
Anima
Female elements in the male unconscious
Function is to sometimes be a audience character - sees the story from the audience’s point of view and asks the questions the reader, listener, or viewer would have
Ally
Function is to provide comic relief necessary to ease dramatic tension that builds up in the story and cut egos down to size and poke fun at absurd or stagnant situations
Trickster
Represents ordinary obstacles any individual my face and internal demons of the hero
Threshold Guardian
Represents the hero’s highest aspirations, a combination of parent, teacher, guide and conscience
Mentor
This character experiences growth, overcomes obstacles, gains knowledge, and make sacrifices for others
Hero
May represent powerful internal forces that can come to ones aid in a crisis
Ally
Often catalyst heroes and embodies the energies of mischief and desire for change
Trickster
What is a catalyst hero
Character who can affect other characters but remain unchanged or unaffected
Catalyst for change and often the opposite sex of the hero
Shape shifter
May be positive, negative, or neutral; issues challenges and announces the coming of significant change
Herald
May appear as monsters, demons, or vampires, etc.; can be a character or force to the hero or a deeply repressed part of the hero
Shadow
