CharacterArchetypes

=**The Hero** =  The Hero often has a problem that they must overcome during the journey. The Hero has some kind of special ability that they use to help humanity. Something or someone of value usually has been taken from the Hero in order for them to start the journey. The Hero feels that there is something missing from everyday life that causes them to be dissatisfied. Early Heroes often were of noble birth and had great role model potential to show the purity of good and how it will always defeat evil.

=The Herald= The Herald brings the Hero the news that they have to protect a person or protect humanity The Herald comes in the form of a person, event or an object. The Herald introduces the plot of the story by describing to the Hero what kind of disaster or tragedy is taking place. The Herald can be a Villain or another Hero but also sometimes not tethered to one faction. The Herald has the potential to destroy or save the world, usually if based on an object or event but sometimes a person applies also.

=The Threshold Guardian= The Threshold Guardian serves as the first obstacle for the Hero. The Hero matures in its understanding and strength of will after defeating the Threshold Guardian. The Threshold Guardian does not have to be a person. The Threshold Guardian is most likely to be a henchman of the shadow or antagonist. The Threshold Guardian’s purpose is to get The Hero to rethink whether they want to start the adventure or not.

=The Mentor= The Mentor is responsible for getting the hero to accept the call to adventure. The Mentor usually dies or leaves the Hero so that the Hero has to rely on themselves instead of clinging to the Mentor. The Mentor reveals the weakness of the Shadow. The Mentor often gives the hero a weapon to defeat the Shadow with. The Mentor strengthens the Hero when they are weak.

=The Trickster= The Trickster provides comic relief of the story. The Trickster often gets the Hero in trouble. The Trickster usually represents the force of cunning. The Trickster is usually pitted against opponents that are much stronger than they are. The Trickster is used as an equalizer to keep the mood and the audience in balance

=The Shapeshifter= It is difficult to determine the Shapeshifter’s alliance. The Shapeshifter adds to the dramatic tension. The Shapeshifter changes their role or personality physically and mentally. The Shapeshifter’s goal is to keep the hero off guard. The Shapeshifter forces the Hero to question their beliefs and assumptions.

=The Shadow= The Shadow is the antagonist of the story. The Shadow’s role is to provide a final challenge for the Hero to overcome. The Shadow is usually more powerful than the Hero. The Shadow may hold what ever the Hero seeks and uses it to force the Hero into submission. The Shadow is usually the cause for most of the challenges in the Hero’s journey.

=The Sidekick/Henchman= They are loyal servants to the Hero/Shadow. They can be other character archetypes like the Trickster or the Shapeshifter. They share the same beliefs as the Hero/Shadow. Both of them are subject to becoming the weakness of the Hero/Shadow. The sidekick is loved by the Hero as if the were the Hero’s own family. The henchman is typically used as a pawn by the Shadow.