ARCHETYPES

ARCHETYPE (N)

the original pattern or model from which all things o

f the same kind are copied

or on which they are based; a model or first form; 

prototype

Examples of plot

archetypes…

Cinderella Story (Rags-to-Riches)

•  In this “Rags-to-Riches” narrative, a character who

is often overlooked or under-appreciated, suddenly

does something to gain notice and respect from a

more powerful character.

David and Goliath

•Here, the underdog is faced with a character much

more powerful than he, but because of his innate

underdog-awesomeness , the protagonist

manages to vanquish the more powerful character.

Come-Back Story

The protagonist suffers some set-back but turns

around and is able to achieve a position of power. 

Revenge stories fall under this category; in this case,

the character achieves power by exacting revenge

“Golem” Story

A powerful character “creates” a less-powerful one,

intending to use him or her.  Eventually, the

“creation” develops enough power to cause

trouble.  Think Frankenstein or Pygmalion.

Knight in Shining Armor Story

•There is an antagonist—a great force/opponent or a

big problem—and the protagonist is determined to

stop it.  Often the protagonist is not a powerful knight

but develops the skills to save the world throughout

the story.  Many dystopian stories fit this category.

Star-Crossed Lovers

Two characters fall in love but some huge external

obstacle stands in the way of their being together

Long-Lost Twin

• Two characters–can be friends or even enemies–

discover a hidden kinship or likeness between them.

The long-lost twin narrative also includes tropes like

“switched at birth” or “switching places” stories

where two opposite characters discover what they

have in common when they’re forced to walk in each

others’ shoes.

Boy Hates Girl

We often see this formula in romance stories (boy

meets girl; boy loses girl; boy gets girl).  Characters

who start off hating each other eventually come to

realize their similarities and end up together.

Think: When Harry Met Sally