​What is an Archetype?

​An archetype (ARK-uh-type) is an idea, symbol, pattern, or character-type, in a story.

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It’s any story element that appears again and again in stories from cultures around the world and symbolizes something universal in the human experience.

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• ​Represent something we encounter in life.

• Can be things, settings, ​situations, pesonalities.​

Archetypes

• ​Serve to send a message on how to act.

• You probably already know a lot of them.

Character Archetypes

• ​This character is inexperienced and has many weaknesses.

• ​People like this character because of the trust he shows in others.

• They usually come of age and gain experience as the story progresses. ​

​THE INNOCENT YOUTH

​Doppelganger

• ​A duplicate or shadow character.

• It represents the evil side of the character's personality.​

​THE DOPPELGANGER

Situational Archetypes

• ​The character goes on a journey, physically or emotionally, to better understand himself and/or the world around him.

• The character is not the same at the end​

• ​Kuzco from the Emperor's New Groove takes a journey and returns with a change of heart and perspective.

​The Journey

• ​The hero/character must perform some superhuman task to save the kingdom, and sometimes assume a position

• ​Mulan is a great example of this archetype because she had to go to great lengths to save her country.

​The Task

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• ​A character who comes from unfortunate circumstances and rises up from poverty to wealth or a better life station.

• ​The opposite go from riches to rags.

​Rags to Riches

• ​Characters having to make tough decisions and encounter other characters or situations that gets in the way.

• ​An essential crisis the character has to go through in which he must decide which way to go.

• Good side versus Bad side.​

​Battle of Good vs. Evil