Heroes and VillainsCharacter types in Super Hero Action Adventure Films

Vladimir Propp The Villian The Hero The Donor (who provides the hero with essential

objects) The Helper (someone who will aid the hero) The Princess (prize for the hero, or kidnapped by

the villian) ‘Father’ of the Princess (rewards the hero) Dispatcher (set the hero a task) False hero (deceptive character)

Activity Test Vladimir Propp’s theory on

Super heroe Action Adventure films you know (Start with the Dark Knight and Batman 1989)

Try to come up with examples of the character types. Write them down in your books.

Remember that some of the types may over lap.

AnswersVillian Hero Donor Helper

Princess

Father Dispatcher

FalseHero

Jung and CampbellCarl Jung and Joseph

Campbell developed the idea of the archetype Archetype: A recurring

pattern of images, situations, or symbols found in the mythology, religion, art, and dreams of cultures around the world

Joseph Campbell

Carl Jung

Heroic Archetypes Hero as warrior (Odysseus): A near god-like hero faces

physical challenges and external enemies Hero as Scapegoat (Jesus): Hero suffers for the sake of

others Transcendent Hero: (Hamlet) The hero of tragedy whose

fatal flaw brings about his downfall, but not without achieving some kind of transforming realization or wisdom

Proto-Feminist Hero: Female heroes Defiant Anti-hero: Opposer of society’s definition of

heroism/goodness.) The Other—the Denied Hero: The protagonist whose

status or essential otherness makes heroism possible (Invisible Man)

The Superheroic: Exaggerates the normal proportions of humanity; frequently has divine or supernatural origins. In some sense, the superhero is one apart, someone who does not quite belong, but who is nonetheless needed.

What qualities/ character traits do all super heroes have?

Villain Archetypes Which ones apply and why (evidence from the films)

What qualities/ character traits do all super villains have?

Other Archetypes The Mentor The Mentor is an older, wiser teacher to the initiates. He often

serves as a father or mother figure. He gives the hero gifts (weapons, food, magic, information), serves as a role model or as hero’s conscience.

The Devil Figure This character is evil incarnate. Sometimes the devil figure has the potential to be good. This person is usually saved by the love of the hero.

The Platonic Ideal

A woman who is a source of inspiration to the hero, who has an intellectual rather than just a physical attraction to her

Damsel in Distress A vulnerable woman who needs to be rescued by the hero. She is often used as a trap to ensnare the unsuspecting hero.

The Temptress or Black Goddess

Characterized by sensuous beauty, this woman is one to whom the protagonist is physically attracted and who ultimately brings about his downfall. May appear as a witch or vampire

Star-Crossed Lovers Two characters engaged in a love affair fated to end tragically for one or both due to the disapproval of society, friends, family, or some tragic situation.

How do these archetypes fit with our case study films?

Homework Task In what ways do the films you have

studied challenge and/or reinforce conventions of narrative and character.

Refer to specific scenes At least 500 words. Due in one weeks time