The Hero Archetype Flashcards
From the Greek, meaning “To protect and serve.”
Hero
Threshold Guardians
Powerful figures that raise the banner of fear and doubt, questioning the Hero’s worthiness.
Used to make fear, doubts and stakes clear to the audience.
Raises doubts in the audience about the Hero’s commitment
To the journey.
The audiences window into the story.
The Hero
Sacrifice
The Hero’s willingness to give up something of value, including his life for an ideal or group.
What does the Hero represent in the story?
The ego’s search for identity and wholeness.
This archetype represents the ego. (Das Ich.)
The Hero.
True or false. When needed, a character can wear an archetype like a mask in a story.
True.
This archetype should be the most active character in a story.
The Hero
True or false. A character can learn from anyone, even the villain.
True
True or false. The Hero is the only character that can face death in a story.
False. Other characters can wear the Hero mask when facing death.
Why should a hero have flaws?
Flaws give a hero qualities to overcome as he grows and changes in the course of his character arc.
Name two types of Anti-Hero.
Cynical, or Wounded.
Tragic.
True or false. A Hero should have a mix of universal and unique characteristics.
True.
What is a good way to humanize characters?
Add interesting flaws.
What is an Anti-Hero?
A character that is an outlaw or villain to society, but is sympathetic to the audience.
