Stories always tend to have the same recurring characters. Even if you don't see them at first, if you look hard enough you will find them. Swiss psychologist Carl G. Jung uses the term archetypes to describe common character types and their relationships. Jung suggests that archetypes are "ancient patterns of personality that are the shared heritage of the human race." Joseph Campbell goes a step further by stating that archetypes are not just psychological, but also biological. The archetypes are part of every human being that enables us to share the experience of of story, to help us relate to the characters and see the story through their eyes. The archetypes mentioned in the reading are the Hero, Mentor, Threshold Guardian, Herald, Shapeshifter, Shadow, Ally, and Trickster. Writers use these archetypes to help create characters for stories, and to help develop a relationship withthe reader.
I don't know whether archetypes are a biological or physiological thing. I do know that they exist. I see them in every story i have ever read, every play i have ever seen, and movie i have ever watched. It is interesting aspect of movies and books that i had never really given much attention to before. It is interesting to see how characters demonstrate several archetypes within one story, and how most people can relate in some way to most characters. I feel that most important part of these archetypes is how the hero experiences the other archetypes, and how it impacts the hero, and ultimately shapes the outcome of the story.
The archetypes are obviously greatly important to every story. Whether it is a novel, movie, tv show, or play. Whatever the format, archetypes are necessary. Every story you come into contact you can assign each character to at least an archetype. These characters represent qualities which the hero may aquire to complete their journey.
Do you find yourself agreeing more with either Jung or Campell?
In what ways do you think character impacts the hero? how do you think the aquire the traits nesessary to completer theri journey?
Can you see any examples of archetypes in your life?
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