What terms do we use to define and describe

characters?Romance Unit

Understanding Vocabulary…

Round vs. Flat• Round characters: So fully developed that the

reader can visualize him/her, do not lack details

• Flat characters: Lack so much detail that he/she falls into a stereotype; these characters are difficult to form a connection with.

Static vs. Dynamic

• Static characters stay the same throughout the entire text—they make no changes

• Dynamic characters make a change (in opinion, behavior, attitude, etc.) during the text

What do these characters have in

common?Romance Unit

Learning the vocabulary…

HEROES

VILLAINS

FOOLS

SAGES

LOVERS

Game Time!Directions: • There are several cookie cutter men who must

be grouped into the following categories: stereotypes and archetypes.

• As a class, you must figure out which cookie cutter people belong in each category.

Archetypes: Where are characters originated

Romance UnitUnderstanding Archetypes

Archetypes vs. Stereotypes• Archetypes: the “cookie cutters” from which

all other character types are created; they maintain the same basic qualities across all cultures and time

• Stereotypes: Can change based on the culture in which the exist, typically viewed negatively

Archetypes vs. Stereotypes• If the archetypes are the cookie cutters, then

the stereotypes are the cookies. • The cookie cutters never change, no matter

who is holding them.• The cookies, however, can be made from

different types of dough, decorated in a variety of ways, and change based on the person creating them

Archetypes Background

Carl Jung – Was a psychologist in the 1900s who noticed

that certain archetypes were apparent in all societies throughout time

– Determined that archetypes dictate what kind of person you will be. From the knowledge you are born with, you choose who to be.

Archetypes Criteriaa. Are innate and inborn (know it from birth)b. Are understood by everyone; there is a

collective unconsciousc. Are universal and shared by many different

cultures throughout historyd. Share the most typical characteristic in order

to create a personality typee. Can be themes or storylines – Boy meets girl, the quest, search for self

Archetypal Characters• Hero: tries to save the day• Sidekick: Accompanies the hero on his journey• Villain: tries to destroy the day• Sage: wise figure (usually old)• Fool: story’s “clown” or comic relief• Lovers: impenetrable bond regardless of physical

separation• Mother figure: Takes care of others, compassionate• Rebel: Goes against the gradient• Temptress: Tries to veer hero from his righteous path• Father: Source of protection• Dreamer: Head is always in the clouds

Archetypal Characters

• Some characters are a combination of different archetypes. –For example, Spiderman plays both the

hero and the villain in Spiderman 3

Romance as an Archetype• PLOT– Character sent on quest—leaves safety of home– Something gone wrong character must fix– Character faces many challenges on quest– Character overcomes challenges and saves home

• CHARACTERS– Character begins naïve or “green”– Character is usually superior to others and environment in

some way– Character’s actions are marvels, but they are still human– Character gains knowledge during quest, which is shared

with society

Romance as an Archetype

• SETTING– Natural settings, such as forests, are common– Ordinary laws of nature are suspended (allowing for

miracles)– Association with summer season (typically)

• THEME– Chivalrous character changes for the better– Character gains enlightenment– Character shares enlightenment to improve society

The Princess Bride Archetypes

Fezzik?Westley?Buttercup?Miracle Max?Prince Humperdinck?Buttercup & Westley?

What is Cinderella about?

Directions: As a class, we are going to retell the story of Cinderella.

Story time!Directions: While Miss Wojcik reads you a story,

you must look for the following:– Archetypal storylines/themes– Archetypal characters– How this story is similar to and different from the

Cinderella you know