Language Arts 9 Module 4

Module 4: Section 3

Introduction to Literary Elements: Character Development

As you grow as a reader, you may notice that some characters have similar qualities, even across diverse types of stories! The heroes from ancient literature are not particularly different from those found in their modern counterparts. One reason for this is that authors frequently use archetypes when crafting their characters, plots, and settings.

Archetypes are a typical example of a certain person or thing. When an author uses an archetype as the basis of a character, it allows them to use a sort of writing “shorthand.” Archetypes tend to have the same characteristics, regardless of the type of genre or time period. It allows the reader to know certain things about a character without having to go into endless detail.

For example, an archetypical “hero” is usually strong: physically strong or athletic, exceptionally smart, witty, or charismatic. Heroes typically have a strong moral compass or conviction. They may have a desire to uphold the values of justice or fairness and show loyalty to their family and friends. Examples of archetypical heroes from literature are the warriors Odysseus, Hercules, Beowulf, Achilles, and Agatha Christie’s detective Hercule Poirot. Captain America would be a modern Hero: completely committed to his cause and fiercely loyal. 

However, creating a character that is too like an archetype can be boring for the reader! Writers frequently create interesting characters by bending or blurring the boundaries of archetypes to create a character who doesn’t always follow the rules. They combine characteristics from multiple archetypes to create a rich, complex character who sometimes acts in ways that are unexpected. 

Read the examples below to learn more about the different archetypes that you may encounter across literature. Can you see these archetypes in your favorite stories?

The Hero

The hero is strong in one or more areas: athletic, smart, special talent. The hero has a moral compass and sense of justice and fairness. They are loyal to friends, family, or their leader. Heroes defen the weak and those who cannot defend themselves.

The Innocent

The innocent may be a child or someone young. They may be the center of the main quest or conflict. They are usully in need of protection, but they may have special abilities, power, or significance, such as being the chosen one.

The Everyman

The everyman can be any gender. They may appear average but have hidden strength or abilities. They have characteristics that appeal to a wide variety of readers. The may have a regular job or vocation.

The Antihero

The antihero may be associated with the antagonist or villain. They may work with or againt the hero or both. They may work outside of the law to accoplish good. They fight their nature and do something good in the end. The antihero may sacrifice themselves for the greater good but not without a struggle or fight.

The Love Interest

The love interest is usually the paramour or love of the hero. They may be a forbidden love, or there is something that keeps the two apart. The love interest supports the hero on their quest in some way. They may be a helpless love interest, or equally as strong as the hero. They may have an underlying conflict or history that might be the love of family or friends as opposed to romantic.

The Healer

The healer helps the hero in their timeof need, when wounded, or ill. They may be associated with a religion or deity. They have knowledge of medicine, healling herbs or plants, or spells.

The Villain

The villain may be a single person or a group. They work against the hero directly or indirectly and may oppress or attack those less owerful. The villain is generally the primary cause of the main conflict. They may have special abilities or powers, similar to the hero.

The Ruler

The ruler tends towards a stereotype such as youthful and inexperienced, old and cranky, or old and wise, and so forth. They hold power and or wealth such as a king, queen, or emperor, the CEO or boss, and so forth. They may help or hinder the hero on their quest, they may need to be convinced of why they should help. They may be the originator of the hero's task or quest.

The Sage

The sage advises the hero in some way and shows wisdom and depth, and perceives things. They may be a wizard or magician, with special or supernatural knowledge or powers. they may be otherworldly, a spirit or being not of this world. They may accompany the her on part or all of their quest.

The Adventurer

The adventurer assists or accoompanies the hero on their quest. They have a complementary skill or ability to the hero, such as archery, magic, cunning, or access to tools, supplies, or money. They have similar character traits a the hero, such as loyalty, bravery, being smart and strong. They remain with the hero for part or all of their quest.