The Heroes Journey - 7 / 8 character types with images and examples from well known films.

1. THE MOST COMMON HEROES JOURNEY CHARACTERS
1. HERO The main character
Usuallyan average personthataudience canidentifywith
Gain wisdomtoovercome problems
WillingorUnwilling
Examplesfromfilm:
Luke SkywalkerfromStarWars
What does a HERO look
like?
2. HERALD Changesthe course of the story,getsthe story rolling
Offersthe heroa challenge
Examplesfromfilm:ProfessorDumbledore fromHarryPotter
What does a HERALD look
like?
3. MENTOR Wise oldman or woman
Teach,train and protectheroes
Give themgiftsandadvice
A heromay have a numberof mentors
Examplesfromfilm:
Gandalf fromLord of the Rings
What does a MENTOR
look like?
4. THRESHOLD GUARDIANS At eachgatewayto a newworldthe heroencountersguardians
Theystop the herofromenteringuntil he canprove hisworth
Examplesfromfilm:StormTroopersfromStarWars
What does a GUARDIAN
look like?

2. 5. TRICKSTER Displaymischief
Comicrelief andcomical side-kicks
Stirup trouble
Examplesfromfilm:
The Scarecrow fromThe Wizardof Oz
What does a TRICKSTER
look like?
6. SHAPESHIFTER Figureswhoappearto constantlychange fromthe hero’spointof view.
May misleadthe hero,keepthemguessing,theirloyaltyorsincerityis
ofteninquestion
Theyshiftintodifferentrolesatdifferenttimes
Examplesfromfilm:
CaptainJack SparrowfromPiratesof the Caribbean
What does a
SHAPESHIFTER look
like?
7. SHADOW The ultimate evil character
Monsters,villainsoraside of the hero themselvesthattheyhide or
struggle with
External shadowsmustbe vanquishedordestroyed
Internal onescanbe disempoweredbybringingthemoutintothe light
Some can be redeemedandturnedintopositive forces
Examplesfromfilm:VoldemortfromHarryPotter
What does a SHADOW
look like?