Using Archetypes to Write Meaningful Characters

Archetypes are Important Tools in Universal Storytelling

Jan 28, 2009

When you assign an archetype to a character you clarify that character's role in the story, as well as help determine the overall theme of the story itself.

While myths supply symbols in storytelling, archetypes describe symbolic roles of various characters in a story’s plot and theme.

In his 1998 book, The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Michael Weise Productions, Studio City, California, Christopher Vogler listed seven useful archetypes. These include: hero; mentor; herald; threshold guardian; shapeshifter; shadow; and trickster.

The Hero

The hero is usually the principal character and has qualities most readers can (or want to) identify with. Vogler describes the hero archetype as “the ego’s search for identity and wholeness.” The function of the hero is to grow and change through her journey as she encounters other archetypes. A hero is on a quest, mission or journey. “The true mark of a hero,” says Vogler, is in the act of sacrifice, “the hero’s willingness to give up something of value, perhaps even her own life, on behalf of an ideal or group,” and ultimately for the greater good.

The Herald

This archetype usually enters the story early on to announce the coming of significant change, often to a reluctant hero. The herald delivers a call to adventure in the hero’s journey and needn’t be a traditional character; rather, this archetype may represented an event, a condition or just information that shifts the hero’s equilibrium and changes her world. Once the herald arrives, the hero’s world is never the same. In Star Wars, the role of the herald was played by Ben Kenobi.

The Mentor

The mentor is usually a positive character who aids or trains the hero. She often possesses great wisdom, has faith in the hero and shows a great deal of enthusiasm for the hero’s quest. The mentor often gives the hero a gift such as a weapon or talisman to help guide or teach them in their quest. A good example of this is when Obi Wan Kenobi gives Luke Skywalker his father’s lightsaber.

The Threshold Guardian

This archetype guards the threshold of the hero’s separation from his ordinary world. The guardian challenges the hero on his mission to attain his prize and achieve his destiny. Although the threshold guardian provides a worthy obstacle for the hero to overcome, the guardian is usually not the main antagonist. In the Harry Potter series this role is fulfilled by Snape or Malfoy. The threshold guardian in fact provides an opportunity for the hero to evolve and resolve his will.

The Shapeshifter

The shapeshifter may confuse and certainly challenges the hero with a puzzle to solve. The shapeshifter may serve as a catalyst for change and a motivation for the hero’s psychological transformation. Often mendacious and crafty, the shapeshifter casts doubt and suspense in a story. In Star Wars, the character of Palpatine appeared good but was really evil.

The Shadow

The shadow’s role of chief antagonist challenges the hero in ways far more powerful than the threshold guardian. This archetype strikes at the very core weakness in the hero and attacks what they fear the most and must overcome to prevail. They ultimately bring out the best in the hero and usually demand the ultimate in self-sacrifice (the hero’s destiny).

The Trickster

Tricksters provide comic relief while often providing cynical commentary on the story and the hero’s journey. Usually witty and clever, the trickster, like most comedians, touches upon the pulse of a culture by offering commentary that is often truism.

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