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The Monomyth’s Major Archetypal Characters

The Monomyth’s Major Archetypal Characters. The one story that rules them all comprised of the various character types that keep showing up. The Great 8 Characters…. Hero Mentor Threshold Guardian Herald Shapeshifter Shadow Trickster Allies (sidekicks).

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The Monomyth’s Major Archetypal Characters

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  1. The Monomyth’s Major Archetypal Characters • The one story that rules them all comprised of the various character types that keep showing up.

  2. The Great 8 Characters… • Hero • Mentor • Threshold Guardian • Herald • Shapeshifter • Shadow • Trickster • Allies (sidekicks) Think of these as various jobs at McDonalds

  3. McDonalds needs various types of workers to make everything work. • All 8 “jobs” work together to make a great thing happen. • Yummy…french fries! Get in my belly! • Wait…there’s no one operating the fryer to create that golden brown stick of potatoey goodness? • This is no good! Someone fill that dude’s shoes! NOW!!!!!

  4. Archetype 1: HERO • The protagonist that answers the call of duty and separates himself/herself from the normal world. • Sacrifices self for the sake of the journey and its potential to help others. • S/he accepts the challenge, goes on a quest, and restores a balance. • We experience the journey through the eyes of the HERO.

  5. Name these heroes and others…

  6. Archetype 2: MENTOR

  7. They are all the same. Can you name more? • They provide: • Insight (understanding and knowledge) • Training (preparation for success) • Motivation (you can do it)

  8. Archetype 3: THRESHOLD GUARDIAN • Protects the special world and the secrets it contains • Tests the hero and makes him/her pass tests to prove worth, ability and dedication • The mentor can act as a threshold guardian. • The guardian is not necessarily an antagonist or “bad guy.” • It will be me when some punk tries to date my daughter. He’ll have to get through me! • You may pass me when you give me vocab!

  9. Can you name others?

  10. Archetype 4: HERALD

  11. Announces coming change and issues challenges (go on a journey (Gandalf) or discover the truth (Morpheus) • Could be a person (Gandalf to Bilbo/Frodo) or an event or force (a dark cloud or storm looming over a hero’s village) • The herald is like the match that starts the fire. • The herald ignites the hero’s journey.

  12. Archetype 5: Shapeshifter • A character’s who assistance is not quite clear • Could be a “shady” character that might help or might hurt (Shay or Han Solo or Gollum) • Keeps you on edge wondering what will happen • Doesn’t have to physically change shape (like Jacob does in Twilight series) • Could mislead or deceive; is cynical and sarcastic • Keeps hero on guard

  13. Archetype 6: Shadow • Not always “bad” or “evil”—just the opposite of the hero(ine) • Creates conflict and brings two different worlds together • May represent the protagonist’s fears or desires (that stuff of the unconscious) • Hero’s enemies or villains often wear the shadow mask to destroy the hero and/or his cause

  14. Archetype 7: Trickster • Could be funny and make us laugh • This character shows the absurdity of the situation the hero is in • Enjoys watching the status quo being altered • Shows how things are spinning out of control

  15. Archetype 8: Allies (sidekicks) • Fills in gaps where hero is deficient (skills or knowledge) • Represents virtues of hero (could be one sidekick or a team) • Support system (the mentor is more of a teacher) • Allows hero to complete journey

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