Major Literary Archetypes to Know for Human Storyteller

Literary archetypes shape stories by defining roles that characters play. These archetypes, like the Hero, Mentor, and Villain, help us understand human experiences and emotions. They connect deeply with the Human Storyteller, revealing timeless themes in our narratives.

1. The Hero

   • Embarks on a journey or quest, often facing challenges and adversities.
   • Represents the values and ideals of the society or culture they belong to.
   • Experiences personal growth and transformation throughout the story.

2. The Mentor

   • Provides guidance, wisdom, and support to the hero.
   • Often has experience or knowledge that the hero lacks.
   • May sacrifice themselves or step aside to allow the hero to grow.

3. The Villain/Antagonist

   • Opposes the hero and creates conflict within the story.
   • Often embodies traits that are in direct contrast to the hero's values.
   • Can be complex, with motivations that reveal deeper themes.

4. The Sidekick

   • Supports the hero, often providing comic relief or loyalty.
   • May have skills or traits that complement the hero's abilities.
   • Often represents the everyman, making the hero's journey relatable.

5. The Love Interest

   • Serves as a source of motivation or conflict for the hero.
   • Often represents the hero's emotional growth and personal stakes.
   • Can challenge the hero's values or beliefs, leading to character development.

6. The Trickster

   • Disrupts the status quo, often using humor or cunning.
   • Challenges authority and societal norms, providing a different perspective.
   • Can serve as a catalyst for change in the hero's journey.

7. The Wise Old Man/Woman

   • Offers profound insights and knowledge to the hero.
   • Often serves as a symbol of experience and tradition.
   • May have a mysterious or enigmatic quality that adds depth to their wisdom.

8. The Mother Figure

   • Provides nurturing, care, and emotional support to the hero.
   • Often embodies themes of sacrifice, love, and protection.
   • Can represent the hero's connection to home and family.

9. The Father Figure

   • Represents authority, guidance, and protection in the hero's life.
   • May embody ideals of strength, responsibility, and moral integrity.
   • Can also present challenges or conflicts that the hero must overcome.

10. The Outcast/Outsider

    • Exists on the fringes of society, often misunderstood or marginalized.
    • Can provide unique perspectives and challenge societal norms.
    • Often seeks acceptance or belonging, mirroring the hero's journey.

11. The Shapeshifter

    • Represents change and ambiguity, often altering their role in the story.
    • Can create tension and uncertainty, challenging the hero's perceptions.
    • May embody duality, reflecting the complexities of human nature.

12. The Threshold Guardian

    • Tests the hero's resolve and readiness to embark on their journey.
    • Often represents obstacles that must be overcome for growth.
    • Can serve as a mentor or adversary, depending on the context.

13. The Herald

    • Announces the call to adventure, prompting the hero's journey.
    • Often represents change and the potential for new beginnings.
    • Can be a literal character or a symbolic event that triggers the plot.

14. The Shadow

    • Represents the darker aspects of the hero's personality or society.
    • Often embodies fear, guilt, or repressed desires that the hero must confront.
    • Can serve as a powerful antagonist, reflecting the hero's internal struggles.

15. The Fool

    • Provides humor and levity, often revealing truths through their antics.
    • Challenges the hero and other characters to see beyond their assumptions.
    • Can serve as a catalyst for change, prompting reflection and growth.