The Eight Hero Archetypes
The Definition of Hero:
From Shrek to Wolverine
and everyone else in between
What is an archetype?
• The term “archetype” 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 the 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
OK, Let’s review!
• The Chief• The Bad Boy• The Best Friend• The Charmer
• The Lost Soul• The Professor• The Swashbuckler• The Warrior
Can you give me an original example?
Tonight’s Homework
• Write one page about a book, movie, or television series that uses archetypes.
• Which characters could be considered heroes?• With which heroic archetype(s) are they most
closely aligned? Why?• Support your statements with direct and particular
evidence.• Some suggestions: 24, Lost, The O.C., Lord of
the Rings, X-Men, any of Shakespeare’s works.