IDENTIFYING ARCHETYPES

AND CHARACTERS IN
LITERATURE

DO NOW

Although this may be review for some of

you, take a few minutes to define
archetype and give examples of various
archetypes

OBJECTIVES

Understand the concept of archetypes

Learn to recognize types of characters and

the role they play while reading a given text
character types exist besides the
protagonist and antagonist

Apply this knowledge to enhance the

effectiveness of your writing

HOMEWORK

Begin reading Everything That Rises Must

Converge by Flannery OConnor, pages 1116
1120, and create a chart tracking characters

WHAT ARE ARCHETYPES

ar-che-type
Noun
1.

2.

The original pattern or model from which all

things of the same kind are copied or on
which they are based; a model or first form;
prototype
(in Jungian psychology) a collectively
inherited unconscious idea, patter of
though, image, etc., universally present in
individual psyches

WHAT ARE ARCHETYPES

The Hero
Think of the classic hero and qualities of a hero
The main character leaves his or her
community to go on an adventure,
performing deeds that bring honor to the
community
The Villain/Monster
An antagonist, especially in opposition
to the hero

WHAT ARE ARCHETYPES

The Sidekick
Provides a service, symbolically
speaking, to a personality that
often
has a stronger
nature or a role in life
that carries more authority
The
Underdog
Characters who
are always
in the wrong place at
the
wrong time, but who
usually win
something of
value in the end

TYPES OF CHARACTERS IN
LITERATURE
Flat Character
Embodies one or two qualities, ideas, or
traits that can be readily described in a brief
summary
They are not psychologically complex
characters and therefore are readily
accessible to readers
Some flat characters are recognized as stock
characters they embody stereotypes such
as the "dumb blonde" or the "mean
stepfather"
o

They become types rather than individuals

TYPES OF CHARACTERS IN
LITERATURE
Round Character
Complex than flat characters, and often
display the inconsistencies and internal
conflicts found in most real people
They are more fully developed, and therefore
are harder to summarize

TYPES OF CHARACTERS IN
LITERATURE
Dynamic Character
Undergoes some kind of change because of
the action in the plot
Static Character
Does not change throughout the work, and
the readers knowledge of that character
does not grow

TYPES OF CHARACTERS IN
LITERATURE
Confidant Character
Someone in whom the central character
confides, thus revealing the main characters
personality, thoughts and intentions (does
not need to be a person)
Foil Character
A character that is used to enhance another
character through contrast