Why do we love superheroes? Is it because we fantasize about having powers that make us greater than what we are? Or maybe it’s because we long for justice in an unjust world? Is it because we’re bored and there’s nothing better to watch? Yes, but there is more to our fondness of the superhero… Continue reading What is a Superhero — Definition, Types and Characteristics
Many stock characters have been established in fiction for centuries, from the heroes to the villains to the side characters. Among those that have managed to continue having a presence is the “damsel in distress.” The name gives you the basic gist of a woman in peril. But there’s a lot more to this stock… Continue reading What is a Damsel in Distress — Definition and Examples in Film
A woman walks into your detective’s office. She might be wearing a hat or let her hair down. She lets her classy dress show off her legs as she sits down and lights a cigarette. She has an air of danger and mystery about her, so much so that, while you think you should stay… Continue reading What is a Femme Fatale — Definition, Characteristics, Examples
He’s got his lab coat on at all times, his hair is a mess, he’s not paying attention to anything or anyone but his work, and he might possibly have murderous tendencies. He is the mad scientist, a character trope that has shown up in fiction so much that he’s become ubiquitous to pop culture… Continue reading What is a Mad Scientist — Definition, Characteristics & Examples
Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung changed the conversation on psychology forever when he proposed his theory on archetypes and the collective unconscious. But Carl Jung’s proposed archetypes, otherwise known as Jungian archetypes, aren’t just pertinent for psychologists – they’re applicable for storytellers too. So, what are the Jungian archetypes? We’re going to look at these to… Continue reading What are the Jungian Archetypes — Writer’s Guide to Archetypes
What is an archetype? Archetypes play an integral role in how people understand each other – but what are they? We’re going to answer that question as we define archetype, then we’ll look at some archetype examples from classic literature and film. By the end, you’ll know why archetypes are so important for storytellers –… Continue reading What is an Archetype — Definition & Examples in Storytelling
Continue reading 8 Character Archetypes — Examples in Literature & Movies
