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.