This is the handout for the workshop on Using Mythology and Psychology to Create Fascinating Characters from Conestoga 2008. It probably won't make much sense if you weren't at the workshop and is primarily intended for attendees who didn't get a handout. However, this handout also supports all the posts on archetypes that are archived here.

Mythology

Functional archetypes

Hero

Psychological ­ representation of the ego, the part of the psyche that considers itself separate from the human race

Dramatic ­ audience identification, mix of universal and unique characteristics

 

Mentor ­ the wise old man or woman who aids or trains the hero

Psychological ­ represents the higher self, the god within

Dramatic ­ teaching or gift giving, conscience, sometimes sexual initiation

 

Threshold guardian ­ keeps unworthy from entering “magical” world of the story

Psychological ­ neuroses, internal demons, emotional scars, self-limitations that hinder growth

Dramatic ­ testing of the hero

 

Herald ­ issues challenge to hero, signal of change

Psychological ­ call for change

Dramatic ­ motivation

 

Shapeshifter

Psychological ­ animus and anima ­ male element in female unconscious/female element in male unconscious ­ ideally balanced, but when repressed, can cause emotional problems. Also, projection ­ make partner match your ideal. Regarding of opposite sex as mysterious

Dramatic ­ brings doubt and suspense into a story, femme fatale

 

Shadow ­ the dark side

Psychological ­ power of repressed feelings, psychoses, bad habits and fears

Dramatic ­ challenge hero, worthy opponent

 

Trickster ­ mischief and desire for change

Psychological ­ cut ego down to size, show common bonds of humanity, point out folly and hypocrisy. Also represents healthy change by drawing attention to absurdity of stagnant psychological situations. Enemy of the status quo

Dramatic ­ comic relief

Resources:

Hero With a Thousand Faces ­ Joseph Campbell

The Writer’s Journey ­ Christopher Vogler

Character Archetypes

Source: The Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes and Heroines ­ Tami D. Cowen, Caro LaFever, Sue Viders

Heroes

Chief ­ pride, control, power

Bad boy ­ rebellion

Best friend ­ team effort, obligations

Charmer ­ seduction, fantasy

Lost soul ­ acceptance, belonging

Professor ­ analysis, solving the puzzle, knowledge

Swashbuckler ­ fun, thrills, chills, freedom, the rush

Warrior ­ serve and protect, mission

Heroines

Boss ­ ambition, control

Seductress ­ personal security

Spunky kid ­ find her niche

Free spirit ­ be accepted as she is

Waif ­ endurance, survival (getting by)

Librarian ­ being right, figuring out how things work

Crusader ­ mission or cause

Nurturer ­ love, taking care of others

Astrology/The Zodiac

References:

Linda Goodman’s Love Signs ­ Linda Goodman

Sun Sign Personality Guide ­ Robin MacNaughton

There are a lot of astrology books, as well as numerology

Centers of Motiation

Source: Inner Drives ­ Pamela Jaye Smith

Root Center ­ survival

Sacral Center ­ sex, fear, money

Lower Solar Plexus Center ­ personal power, greed, individuality

Higher Solar Plexus Center ­ aspiration, brotherhood

Heart Center ­ unconditional love

Throat Center ­creativity, communication

Ajna Center ­ balance and integration of all centers

Crown Center ­ connection with higher realms of energy

Psychology

Resources (these are just some suggestions and examples):

Life Strategies and Self Matters ­ Dr. Phil McGraw

Emotional Vampires: Dealing With People Who Drain You Dry ­ Dr. Albert J. Bernstein

The Writer’s Guide to Character Traits ­ Dr. Linda N. Edelstein

Online personality assessments and type information:

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

http://typelogic.com/

http://www.keirsey.com

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