The Definition of the Hero: From Shrek to Wolverine and Everyone Else in Between

What is an archetype?

•The term “archetypes” signifies ancient patterns of personality and relationships that appear across the world’s myths, legends, and folk tales. •Archetypes and stereotypes are not the same thing. •The term was first employed heavily by psychologist Carl Jung.

The Chief

•A dynamic leader •Has time for nothing but work •Tough, decisive, goal-oriented •Can be overbearing or inflexible

The Bad Boy

•Dangerous to know •Walks on the wild side •The rebel •Bitter and volatile •Charismatic •Street Smart

The Best Friend

•Sweet and safe •Never lets anyone down •Mr. Nice Guy •He’ll always be there

The Charmer

•Fun •Irresistible •Not too responsible or dependable

The Lost Soul

•A sensitive, understanding guy •Secretive, brooding and unforgiving •Vulnerable •Might be a wanderer or an outcast

The Professor

•Coolly analytical •He knows every answer •Logical, introverted, and inflexible •Honest and faithful

The Swashbuckler

•Mr. Excitement •Action, action, action •Needs thrills to keep him happy

The Warrior

•A noble champion •Acts with honor •The knight in shining armor •The protector •Sticks up for the underdog

ARCHETYPES

The Chief The Bad Boy The Best Friend The Charmer The Lost Soul The Professor The Swashbuckler The Warrior

BIG PAPER

On a large piece of newsprint, list as many examples as you can of each heroic archetype.

Explain why you think each character would fall into that particular category.

Write one page about a book, movie, or television series that employs these heroic archetypes.

Identify the heroic characters in the program, define which archetype they represent, and use particular examples to explain why they fit into the category you chose for them.

Some suggestions: 24, X-Men, Lost, One Tree Hill, Lord of the Rings, House.