Bellringer• If you had to cast yourself as an archetypal character, which type would you be and why?

Archetypes

Definition• In literature, readers encounter

many of the same basic character types.

• Stories and situations are apt to be repeated.

• These predictable and universally understood patterns are called archetypes.

The Innocent• “Free To Be You and Me”• The Innocent wants to be

happy • Fears punishment • Optimistic (positive

outlook)• Often naïve, romantic, and

a dreamer

The Orphan• “All men and women are

created equal”• Wants to belong to the

group• Fears being left out or

being different• Typically a “good ole boy”

type or the “girl next door”

The Hero• “Where There’s a Will,

There’s a Way”• Want to prove worth

through courageous acts

• Fear being called “chicken”

• Often a winner or a team player

The Caregiver• “Love your neighbor as

yourself”• Want to protect others• Often exploited because

of their selflessness and generosity

• Often a parent, grandparent, or other guardian

The Explorer• “Don’t fence me in”• Want to learn about

themselves through exploring their world

• Fear being trapped and fear commitment

• Often aimless wanderers and sometimes misfits

The Rebel• “Rules were made to

be broken”• Fear being powerless

and ineffectual• Often “cross over to

the dark side”• Often are motivated by

revenge

The Lover• “You’re the only one for

me”• They want to be loved

and to belong• They fear being alone,

unwanted, unloved, being a wallflower

The Creator• “If you can dream it,

you can be it”• Fear being mediocre• Known for creativity

and imagination• Often inventors,

musicians, writers or dreamers

The Jester• “YOLO”• Want to live in the moment

and have a good time• Fear being bored or being

boring to others• Also can be seen as

practical jokers, comedians and tricksters

The Sage• “The truth will set you

free”• Want to find and show

others the truth through wisdom

• Fear being “duped” or mislead

• Researchers, planners, scholars, thoughtful people

The Magician• “I can make things

happen”• Want to make dreams

come true• Fear negative

consequences• Often charismatic

leaders

The Ruler• “Power isn’t everything,

it’s the only thing”• Fear chaos and being

overthrown• Want control and

prosperity• Often royalty (kings and

queens, princes, princesses), leaders, bosses, administrators