Archetype in Literature
Archetype is a recurring theme in literature, often used to help readers connect with a story. It's also a useful tool for writers and actors to use to create memorable characters and stories.
A literary archetype is a character that appears to be universal, which gives readers a sense of recognition and familiarity. This is helpful because it alleviates the burden of excessive description, explanation, and exposition on the part of the writer.
The Hero Archetype
The hero is the protagonist in most novels and films. This type of character is often portrayed as a morally upright person who is driven by his or her desire to achieve something. This is an important characteristic of the hero because it sets up expectations for how he or she will behave throughout the book.
Another important aspect of the hero is his or her ability to overcome adversity. This is often demonstrated through the hero's strength and resilience, and sometimes through a physical transformation or change of appearance that shows they are stronger than their circumstances suggest.
This is particularly common in wars and epic stories, such as the saga of Homer's Odysseus. In his journey back from the Trojan War, Odysseus receives mentorship from numerous people, including Athena, who helps him to return to his kingdom and reestablish justice.
The Mentor Archetype
The mentor is an important part of any hero's journey, as it helps them to develop their skills and knowledge through trial and error. They can teach their hero to fight or guide them in other aspects of their life such as love and friendship.
A mentor is often a family member or friend who helps their hero through difficult times and hardships. These can include a parent, spouse, or sibling.
These characters are a great way to give your characters strength and confidence that can be vital in the fight against the enemy. They're also a great way to create strong relationships and build a team of supporting characters that can stand together against adversity.
Count Dracula is an example of this. This is a character that is incredibly fearful but who has a special power that allows him or her to control the lives of others.
This type of character is a great way to add realism to your story and help the reader connect with the underlying conflict. It's also a good way to create empathy for your readers, which is a key element of any narrative.
The Mentor and the Hero Archetypes
The heroes in a story are usually young men or women who have experienced a great deal of hardship. These heroes often have an innate ability to fight back against the evil or adversity that they encounter, and they are usually accompanied by a mentor who guides them through their struggles.
The hero and the mentor are both common archetypes found in a wide range of literary works and are essential for any successful novel or film. These archetypes are a great way to create compelling stories and are especially effective when they are well-rounded, full of life, and have strong plots.
