Annotated Bibliography Pages 23-47

Vogler, Christopher, and Michele Montez. "The Archtypes." The Writer's Journey : Mythic Structure for Writers. Boston: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. 23-47.


Summery;

For this weeks reading we read the section of the book entitled “The Archetypes”. Basically what the archetype is is a tool for understanding the purpose of function of the characters within the story. The Book then tells us about the role of archetypes within the hero. This does mean that the archetype has to be one specific character but can in fact take many different roles as “The Hero”, such as; Higher Self Shape Shifter, Threshold Guardian, Trickster, Shadow, Herald, Allies and Mentor.
The section then goes on to talk about the hero and the things we should expect to see within a hero, such as; Growth, Action, Sacrifice and Character Flaws. Whilst also explaining that there are several types of Hero, such as group orientated, loner and catalyst Hero’s. The part of this section is similar to that of the hero but focuses on the mentor and the perception of the Archetypes within the mentor as opposed to the hero. We are also informed of different types of mentor, such as; Dark, Fallen, Continuing, Multiple, and Comic Mentors.


Reaction;

At first I found it quite hard to understand what was meant by the definition of “The Archetypes”. However after reading the first section over again and then witnessing how it could be applied to both the mentor and the hero, I could visualise more clearly what was being explained.
This section of the book gave me a valuable insight as to the different variations and appearances a single character can embody. Leading to me thinking about my own story and how I was going to bring out the specific characteristics that are looked for within a role. It also showed me that there is far more flexibility to a character type than I had first imagined.

Questions;
Based on the definition in the book which mentor types have you witnessed within your life? and personal contact with?
Which mentor type have you been yourself?
Have you ever had anyone describe you as a hero and why?