Vogler 3

The third reading in Vogler included the archetypes: Herald, Shapshifter, Shadow, Ally, and Trickster. The herald is the one who give the challenge to the hero in the beginning of the story. The Herald is usually part of the story during a time of change. The shapshifters are characters who may not be what they seem. There nature can change throughout the story. The Shadow is usually the “dark side” or the enemy of the hero. The Ally is one of the easier archetypes to understand. He/she is usually the friend of the hero. The Ally is important because he helps create a more in depth personality of the hero.

I think it is interesting how each archetype interacts with the hero to create a story. The line “that a story is only as good as its villain” is very true. Without having an obstacle to face the hero would never be the hero that the reader sees. Shapshifters are another archetype that can really make a story more interesting. Those characters that a reader cannot figure out are always intriguing.

To create a stronger personality for the hero, the writer must know how to use all of the other characters. Each one plays a strong role in creating the hero’s personality. The Hero’s relationships with the other characters is important in determining how he is seen and related to by the readers.

1. In what ways can the Shadow be part of the hero and not a separate character at all?
2. How does the Ally help make the hero easier to relate too?
3. What are some examples of the Trickster in modern day movies?