Basic Plot Types and Archetypes

1. Basic Plot TypesandArchetypes

2. Plot StructureBased Upon Conflict (wo)man v. (wo)man (wo)man v. nature (wo)man v. self (wo)man v. the environment/society (wo)man v. machine/technology (wo)man v. the supernatural (wo)man v. god/religion

3. Basic Story TypesBased Upon Situation Quest Adventure Pursuit Rescue Escape Revenge Riddle Rivalry Underdog Temptation Metamorphosis Transformation Maturation Love Forbidden Love Sacrifice Discovery Wretched Excess Ascension Descension

4. Archetype Symbolic Figures The original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based. A collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., that has universal relevance.

5. Synonyms for Archetype Classic exemplar Form Ideal Model Original Paradigm Pattern Perfect Specimen Prime example Prototype Standard

6. Traditional Archetypes in Literature The Hero The Father/Mother Figure The Fatal Woman/Temptress The Witch Monster/Villain The Innocent The Alter Ego/Double Wise Old (Wo)Man/Animal The Trickster/Fool The Underdog

7. The Hero A larger-than-life character that often goes on some kind of journey or quest. In the course of his journey, the hero demonstrates the qualities and abilities valued by his culture

8. The Mother/Father Figure Father - The protector and leader Mother - The protective nurturer and gentle provider

9. The Fatal Woman/Temptress A woman who uses her power (intellect, magic, or most of all, beauty) to make men, especially the Hero, weak

10. The Witch A woman, often a hag (though she may be disguised as a beautiful young woman), who attempts to trap and destroy the protagonist

11. Monster/Villain The antagonist, especially in opposition to the hero

12. The Innocent An inexperienced male or female character that is exposed to the evils in the world

13. The Alter Ego/Double Reveals the dual nature of man

14. The Wise Old (Wo)Man/Animal Characters that assist or guide the protagonist

15. The Trickster/Fool Characters who trick others to get them to do what s/he wants – they can be both virtuous and nefarious

16. The Underdog Characters who are always in the wrong place at the wrong time, but who usually win something of value in the end

17. Traditional Archetypes in Literature The Hero The Father/Mother Figure The Fatal Woman/Temptress The Witch Monster/Villain The Innocent The Alter Ego/Double Wise Old (Wo)Man/Animal The Trickster/Fool The Underdog

18. Traditional Archetypes in Literature and Stories Situational Archetypes Character Archetypes Symbolic Archetypes

19. Traditional Archetypes in Literature and Stories Most stories utilize a combination of situational, character, and symbolic archetypes… this is what makes a story rich and complete. When you like a story, you are most likely, whether you realize it or not, tapping into the archetypes present in the story.