Tuesday, June 29, 2010

HTI2 Seminar 2 - De-constructing & Re-constructing the Hero Archetypes

Archetypes:
Altruist – Self-sacrificing
Warrior – Willing to excel
Wanderer – Adventurous but is a loner
Innocent – Has faith & is creative
Orphan – Realistic & practical
Magician – Innovative & charismatic


What would a hero archetype be? Although heroes are portrayed as great & powerful, they share the same weaknesses/reality as normal people. The archetype of the hero (based on the top examples) is shown via the actions & deeds performed by the hero. The archetype of the hero also shows that he or she definitely has weaknesses. E.g. The hero fails to stop a villain on multiple occasions, his pride is shattered & goes into a state of depression. Hence, the hero is weak emotionally, & is afraid to fail.

The weaknesses of the hero play an important part in both character & story telling. E.g. How the hero overcomes his/her fears. “Facing ones demons!”. Also, a hero can have more than one archetype.

The archetype gives character & traits (strengths & weaknesses) of an average Joe to a hero, to make him/her more appealing. Another meaning for this is making something so powerful more human for us to understand. Archetypes show that even heroes are not perfect. They too face incredible hardships & problems just like us, & have to find their own way of solving the problems.

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