Week 3

What are some archetypes (e.g. common character types)of fantasy fiction?

The fantasy Genre at first glance seems to stretch far and wide, but when studied it becomes clear that there are in fact many similarities between the great works of fantasy. But a factor about fantasy that is the most consistent is the character types. Each fantasy has its own version of the same characters slightly warped and changed, but they are there to achieve the same purpose in every story. For example, in the texts talked about by (Tax, 2002) he is talking about Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, the Wizard of Earthsea and the Narnia books. These great works of fantasy are all different and unique, but the character 'archetypes' are similar in many of them. For example, all these fantasy works have the main Hero, be it Frodo, Harry, those kids from Narnia, or Ged from the wizard of earthsea, who at the beginning of the book aren't that brave, powerful or strong. But after the tests and events throughout the story they grow and turn into a hero. They all have characters to give them advice and guide them throughout their quest, for example there's Dumbledor, Gandalf, The Lion Aslan? All these characters help the heros in their times of need, with advice or items to aid them. Then there's the villain, who are all different and have their own unique perks, but they are there for the same reasons. Example; Sauron, Voldemort, the Witch ect.

Not only that, but all these fantasies come out with a traditional happy ending where good vanquishes evil. There are great similarities, but the stories themselves are extremely different.

Tax, M (2002). In the Year of Harry Potter, Enter the Dragons Nest. The Nation.

Le Guinn, U. (1993; 1968). The Earthsea Quartet. London: Penguin.