💜    作者基于荣格的原型理论和希腊神话，提炼出32个主角原型和13个配角原型，从他们关心和害怕的事物、动力以及他人看法等角度，对这些原型的内心世界进行淋漓尽致的剖析。写作自学，侵删。

PART III

CREATING MALE HEROES

AND VILLAINS

CHAPTER 11

APOLLO: THE BUSINESSMAN

AND THE TRAITOR

Underneath the brilliant shining Sun, strides the god Apollo along the beach. He surveys the ocean, preferring to look at the horizon instead of examining what lies beneath the waves. His mind is always set on events in the far distance. He carries with him a bow and arrows, which allow him to attack from a comforting distance. He glides through the night watching over innocent young children and seeking out a challenger to polish his skill as an expert archer. His logical mind makes him the dispenser of justice, and his strong willpower allows him to accomplish any goal he sets for himself.

THE BUSINESSMAN

The Businessman is a man on the go who constantly thinks about his work. His strong logical mind makes him great at being a team player and a trustworthy employee but doesn’t help him to be a great husband or father. He doesn’t know how to let loose and play with the kids, so he often takes work home to avoid family life.

It’s hard for him to go on vacation and have a good time with his family. Intimacy and sitting still for extended periods of time seem like a waste of time and effort to him. He’ll often invite business associates and their families to come along on such vacations to kill two birds with one stone.

He understands the nature of cause and effect and lives his life accordingly. He can set goals and reach them where other men fail. His focus is rock solid; his actions clear and precise. He loves to plan and set high standards for himself and others, but he often falls short of his ultimate goals because he lacks the ruthlessness to reach them. He does well in a large corporation or on the faculty of a large college.

What Does the Businessman Care About?

🟣 The Businessman cares about his career. He’s able to plan his career path and focus on his goals. Every project he undertakes and every contact he makes is done so with the knowledge of how it’ll further his career. He doesn’t waste time or effort and can’t understand other men who don’t share his enthusiasm.

🟣 He enjoys being the calm and centered man in the room to settle arguments and bring about order and peace. He would make a great judge because he also prefers not to fight or to get physically involved in sticky situations.

🟣 He enjoys strategic planning and wants to be a part of a team.

🟣 Competition is fun to him, with either men or women. He respects others who are after the same promotion he is. They’re planners just like him.

What Does the Businessman Fear?

🟣 He fears losing his career and having to get a job. He loves what he does for a living; it’s his identity and whole reason for being.

🟣 His emotions and any type of intimacy are foreign to him. He may have several girlfriends at once because he fears getting too close to any of them. They have to understand and support his workaholic lifestyle.

🟣 Chaos is his enemy; he isn’t equipped to handle anything spontaneous or random. He must know where things fit and why. He’s always thinking logically and striving for order in his life just as he strives for it in his work.

🟣 Rejection isn’t something he handles very well especially if it comes from a woman.

What Motivates the Businessman?

🟣 His motivators are self-esteem and self-respect. He wants to be looked up to and recognized for his efforts, but at the same time, he’s not looking to stand apart from the team. He would never want to be the sole responsible person for the company.

🟣 Competition can goad him into trying new things. Any chance to use his mental skills always grabs his attention.

🟣 Success is another motivator. He’ll do anything to move up the corporate ladder.

How Do Other Characters See the Businessman?

🟣 Some see him as phony as he seems to talk to only those who can help his company or further his career. He doesn’t care what they think. Success is more important than friendships. Friendships won’t pay for his retirement.

🟣 He’s a sharp dresser but not much more than his fellow workers. Sometimes he’ll wear a colorful tie that stands out, but that’s as far as he’ll go in being different. He wants to project the right image.

🟣 He has no passion or love for life and seems devoid of compassion at times. No one knows what he’s thinking behind his solid eyes.

Developing the Character Arc

Look at your character’s main goal in the story and then at the fears you’ve selected to use against him. What does he need to learn to help him overcome his fear? Does he need to learn how to be alone and happy with it? Does he need to connect emotionally with his family? Did his wife die and he needs to care for the kids? Did he get passed over for a promotion and his career is failing?

Very often, the Businessman needs to learn how to let go of his inhibitions and goals. He needs to learn humility and compassion for others. He needs to get in touch with his emotions and find the ability to relate to others as a person and not a figurehead.

What happened to him at an early age to make this archetype dominate his personality? Did his parents make him do well in school, pushing him to succeed? Did he see his father humiliated? Did his parents lose everything because they weren’t focused and dedicated to their jobs? Was he picked on for being uncoordinated and now overcompensates with mental ability?

To grow, this archetype is best paired with one of the following:

🟣 The Artist—can teach him to get in touch with the feminine qualities of love and emotions.

🟣 The Seducer—can teach him how to let go of the consequences of his actions and have some fun in life.

🟣 The Mystic—can teach him how to be a spiritual person and how to be by himself without a lot of work and activities to numb his mind. This quiet time may bring up memories and feelings that he is trying to suppress through his workaholic lifestyle.

🟣 The Gorgon—can humiliate him and teach him to be humble. She can turn his life upside down causing chaos and uncertainty.

The Businessman’s Assets:

🟣 Likes blending into the team at work.

🟣 Is concerned about his image at work and is a neat dresser.

🟣 Has a strong will to get things done.

🟣 Is a logical and strategic thinker and can be a great analyst, detective, and teacher.

🟣 Thrives on order.

🟣 Finds work and new ideas to be his only passions.

🟣 Can be loyal and trustworthy.

🟣 Loves to help others when he can use his expertise.

The Businessman’s Flaws:

🟣 Obsesses about his career.

🟣 Gives his attention only to those who can further his career.

🟣 Has trouble expressing his emotions.

🟣 Can be arrogant.

🟣 Identifies with the aggressor when attacked and perpetuates the cycle of violence.

🟣 Doesn’t handle rejection well.

🟣 Lacks spontaneity, hates chaos, and is inflexible.

THE VILLAINOUS SIDE OF

THE BUSINESSMAN: THE TRAITOR

As a villain the Businessman is the Traitor. Work comes first to this man. If he sees his company facing disaster, he’ll go to extreme lengths to cover up any wrongdoing. He’ll tell on his co-workers if they do something that threatens the company, even if the company is doing harm. His mental expertise bestows trust on him; many don’t have a choice but to trust him because they don’t have the knowledge to dispute him. This puts others at his mercy. When things go wrong, he feels he’s the one to dispense justice, and he does it with a cool but unfeeling demeanor. He can be without mercy because he’s been lost for so long inside his head and away from his feelings.

When things get chaotic, his emotions fly out of control making him do things he never thought he could. His logical mind holds his emotions at bay, but when situations defy logic, his mind is pushed to a breaking point.

He uses rules and order to avoid his feelings. He’s a perfectionist with a strong preoccupation for details, rules, lists, order, and schedules, which interfere with him actually completing a task. He can’t throw anything away. He has trouble letting other people help him with his work unless they submit to his way of doing things. He wants everything to be just so, and when others don’t comply he snaps. He’s like Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) in the movie Speed who plays with Officer Jack Craven (Keanu Reeves) by making him solve puzzles to get to the next clue. He loves to show off his inventions and expertise.

While it’s true that most villains don’t believe they’re bad, this villain truly believes he’s the good guy. Others are at fault; they caused the chaos, and he deserves better than that. He wants to show how valuable he is and will prove that they can’t get by without him. He’ll sell his inventions to the highest bidder because he feels he should get paid for his work.

The Traitor

🟣 Feels undervalued.

🟣 Wants respect and recognition for his efforts.

🟣 Doesn’t have any loyalty once he feels abandoned by the group.

🟣 Will do whatever it takes to bring order back into his life.

🟣 Wants to teach others a lesson and doesn’t feel he’s a villain at all.

🟣 Can’t sit still and accept rejection.

🟣 Betrays only those he feels betrayed him.

🟣 Is obsessive in his need to organize and work out his plan of attack.

🟣 Views people as pawns in a game of chess.

🟣 Likes long drawn-out attacks that challenge him as well as his opponent. (He may even befriend his rivals.)

APOLLO IN ACTION

Businessman/Traitor TV Heroes

● Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and Dr. Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) in Frasier

● Lieutenant Columbo (Peter Falk) in Columbo

● Roy “The Professor” Hinkley Jr. (Russell Johnson) in Gilligan’s Island

● Commander Spock (Leonard Nimoy) in Star Trek

● Richard Fish (Greg Germann) in Ally McBeal

● Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox) in Family Ties

Businessman/Traitor Film Heroes

● David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) in Independence Day

● Dr. Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) in Ghostbusters

● Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) in Wall Street

● Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) in Speed

● Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) in Jerry Maguire

● Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) in My Fair Lady

● Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) in Pretty Woman

● Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) in Annie Hall

Businessman/Traitor Literary and Historical Heroes

● Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

● Sherlock Holmes in stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

● Young Goodman Brown in “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne

● Hercule Poirot in novels by Agatha Christie

● Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

● Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller

● Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

● Macon Leary in The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler

● George Babbitt in Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis

● Joseph K. in The Trial by Franz Kafka

CHAPTER 12

ARES: THE PROTECTOR

AND THE GLADIATOR

High on the hill overlooking the battlefield, all of the gods watch the war taking place below except for Ares. In full armor, he delightfully joins in the fight. He fights to satiate his lust for blood rather than to win a noble cause. Everything physical is joyous to him, and his passion leaves all in his wake breathless. He is known as the protector of the community and of families, but any reason to join in a brawl is a good enough reason for him.

THE PROTECTOR

The Protector is a man who lives in his body instead of his head. He feels everything intensely and craves physical activity of all kinds. He protects the ones he loves so fiercely it seems as if he’s fighting for his own pleasure alone. He doesn’t need much of a reason to fight or react harshly in a situation.

He lives on eggshells, as if everyone were out to get him. He’s like a ticking time bomb just waiting to go off. At the same time, he can be fiercely loyal and protective, making women feel special and cared for. His sensual nature and bodily expertise make him a great lover. A strong need for spontaneity and risks will drive him in and out of people’s lives, making him not someone to commit to.

Career goals aren’t foremost in his mind; the future seems far away. His life is full of adventure and risks, and he likes it that way.

What Does the Protector Care About?

🟣 The Protector loves to get physical. His body is everything to him; it’s how he experiences life. Dancing, singing, laughing, and fighting—that’s him.

🟣 He cares about winning the fight whether it’s on the football field or in the boardroom, though he’s not really the corporate type.

🟣 He cares about his friends and family and will jump at any chance to defend them without worrying about the consequences. Every attack on his family and friends is seen as an attack on him. He may channel this intensity to protect others into a charitable cause and can be a great activist. He shines when it comes to battling for others’ rights.

🟣 Travel and spontaneous women are his favorite pastimes.

What Does the Protector Fear?

🟣 There’s nothing another person can do to him that would make him feel fear. He fears only losing touch with his body and his abilities. To be sick or paralyzed is the same as death to him. He feels everything intensely.

🟣 He fears not being able to protect those he cares about.

🟣 He would hate a job where he had to sit at a desk all day, and he doesn’t understand men who do. He’d rather take a cut in pay to be a construction worker; at least there’s some risk involved.

🟣 He hates having to use his mind too much. He prefers to jump to the physical solution to every problem that arises.

What Motivates the Protector?

🟣 His biggest motivator is survival. Every attack, small or large, is a threat to his survival. He lives each day on the edge. Any small threat can be the beginning of a larger one, and he’ll nip it in the bud. Many harsh words people speak are just that—words—but he takes them very seriously. “Kill or be killed” is his motto. So is “an eye for an eye.”

🟣 Life without risk is boring to him. If he’s not protecting and defending then he’s searching for the next big challenge. He’s the first one into the water and loves to make others feel silly for being afraid to follow him. He leads people to take risks with him and enjoy life.

How Do Other Characters See the Protector?

🟣 He’s seen as either intense and passionate or thickheaded and bullish. He lives in the moment and reacts without thinking. He doesn’t care much about what others think because he is enjoying himself.

🟣 He wants others to sense the dark need for battle that lurks behind his eyes. He wants to intimidate.

🟣 His clothes are always practical for the situation he’s in. He needs to be free to move around and join in so he won’t dress in a suit, no matter the event he’s attending.

Developing the Character Arc

Look at your character’s main goal in the story and then at the fears you’ve selected to use against him. What does he need to learn to help him overcome his fear? Does he need to learn to use his mind instead of his body? Does he need to learn how to sit still and be alone? Does he need to temper his need to take risks? Does he need to learn how to control his temper? Does he need to get a steady-paying job or career?

Very often, the Protector needs to learn self-control. He’s always flying off the handle and needs to learn to take a deep breath, step back, and assess the situation before reacting. He needs to learn how to defend himself with words instead of fists.

What happened to him at an early age to make this archetype dominate his personality? Was his father abusive? Did his mother dance around the house a lot and play games with him? Was he picked on as a kid and then swear he’d be strong? Did he see his father get hurt? Were his parents activists who taught him about fighting for causes? Was his mother hurt and he couldn’t help her?

To grow, this archetype is best paired with one of the following:

🟣 The King—can teach him self-control and discipline over his actions.

🟣 The Troubled Teen—may not want to be rescued, so the Protector will have to learn to let go of someone who doesn’t want his help.

🟣 The Father’s Daughter—is great at using her logical mind and can teach him how to fight with words. Her influence can calm him down and force him to reflect before he acts out.

🟣 The Overcontrolling Mother—will teach him to be disciplined with her controlling nature. Her emotions and rage can easily match his own; she’s a worthy opponent. He can’t lash out at her physically without paying a high price.

The Protector’s Assets:

🟣 Is very physical as opposed to mental.

🟣 Forgoes career success for fun and travel.

🟣 Will fight to save those he loves, never giving up.

🟣 Will fight for a good cause when others are afraid to stand up.

🟣 Loves to sing, dance, and make love.

🟣 Searches for the next big thrill, challenge, or risk.

The Protector’s Flaws:

🟣 Physically reacts to an attack without thinking.

🟣 Acts as if he’s fighting for his survival all the time.

🟣 Lives on the edge.

🟣 Has trouble considering the consequences of his actions.

🟣 Is merciless in his actions and believes in an eye for an eye.

THE VILLAINOUS SIDE OF

THE PROTECTOR: THE GLADIATOR

As a villain the Protector turns into the Gladiator. He’s not out to protect or save the ones he loves or to fight for a good cause. Instead, he’s out for the lust of battle and blood. He fights and destroys for the sheer pleasure and power it brings. He lusts after the roar of the crowd, which he may get from seeing himself in the news.

His lust for risk taking makes him put other people’s lives in danger, and he doesn’t give it a second thought. He’s the man who drives twice the speed limit just to beat his friend home and doesn’t think about the safety of other drivers on the road. Life is a game to him.

He has ingrained, maladaptive patterns of behavior with impulsive and unpredictable actions. He has frequent inappropriate temper outbursts and an unstable self-image. He takes no responsibility for his actions and often plays the victim when confronted about his behavior.

Stress-related anxiety plagues him as do feelings of real or imagined abandonment. He always feels empty inside and tries to compensate by taking risks that put himself and others in danger. Danger is all that can make him feel. He can’t stand being alone and may drive others crazy needing to always go out and find something to do.

He loves to fight and enjoys challenges and risks; it makes him feel alive. Life is so boring and cruel to him, and he won’t be the one to suffer. Why should he care about killing someone else when he so readily accepts his own mortality? At least he’ll go out with the roar of the crowd—a hero till the end. He isn’t concerned with growing old because he doesn’t expect to live long.

The Gladiator

🟣 Feels abandoned.

🟣 Lusts after the roar of the crowd.

🟣 Craves blood, death, and battle.

🟣 Is out of touch with his caring emotions; only feels rage and anger.

🟣 Has frequent temper outbursts.

🟣 Has a poor self-image.

🟣 Can’t stand to be alone.

🟣 Wants to feel, and danger is all that he can feel.

🟣 Takes risks to compensate for feeling so empty inside.

🟣 Pushes others to take risks with him.

🟣 Puts innocent people in danger.

🟣 Plays the victim when confronted about his behavior.

🟣 Doesn’t expect to live long.

🟣 Welcomes a valiant death.

ARES IN ACTION

Protector/Gladiator TV Heroes

● Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn) in Star Trek: The Next Generation

● Detective Danny Sorenson (Rick Schroeder) in NYPD Blue

● Detective Sergeant Rick Hunter (Fred Dryer) in Hunter

● Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff) in Knight Rider

● Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) in Miami Vice

Protector/Gladiator Film Heroes

● Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in Rocky

● Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) in Die Hard

● Archie Gates (George Clooney) in Three Kings

● Cal Trask (James Dean) in East of Eden

● Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) in Top Gun

● Jack Colton (Michael Douglas) in Romancing the Stone

● Han Solo (Harrison Ford) in Star Wars

● “Sonny” Corleone (James Caan) in The Godfather

Protector/Gladiator Literary and Historical Heroes

● Little John

● Superman

● Zorro

● Lancelot

● The Incredible Hulk

● Thor

● Romeo in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

● Jack in Lord of the Flies by William Golding

● Richard in Rogue Warrior series by Richard Marcinko

CHAPTER 13

HADES: THE RECLUSE

AND THE WARLOCK

Dwelling in the dark underworld, unable to find light, Hades lives inside his head. He has no need for friends or acquaintances, but instead prefers to linger alone. His life is full of the richness of the imagination as he goes about his daily activities. His mind is always somewhere else. He never realized what he was missing in his life until he came upon the beautiful goddess Persephone. Seeing her, he knew he needed some companionship to get through his life, but unschooled in the ways of love he kidnaps her and drags her into his underworld life. He steals her innocence and realizes how unfeeling he has become. As his love grows, he decides to sacrifice part of his time with her so that she may visit her mother in the Spring. She has taught him compassion and self-awareness.

THE RECLUSE

The Recluse is a man who has a rich inner life and creative spirit but can sometimes get lost in his own fantasies. He may be a sensitive man who can see other realms, a sort of psychic, and is in danger of totally withdrawing from reality altogether.

He can also be a great philosopher who spends hours reading and analyzing ideas. If he finds the right woman, he can have a small family life and enjoy some companionship, but the entire relationship is up to her. He has no skill in that department and may be distant for days at a time. Hestia is the perfect woman for him. She enjoys being alone.

What Does the Recluse Care About?

🟣 The Recluse cares about being alone. He has a rich inner life and enjoys being inside his head. He’s not comfortable around people, especially large groups, and would prefer to be a mountain man than a businessman. If he lives closer to the city he may opt to become a monk.

🟣 He cares only about his inner world; everyone else can keep their dramas to themselves. He doesn’t want to be bothered by others at all. He likes being invisible in large groups.

🟣 He feels alien to everyone else and may want to move on to the next world, welcoming death.

🟣 He cares about his hobbies and projects, often spending hours and hours on one small task. He chooses to do everything himself rather than running down to the store to buy a gadget that may do the job.

What Does the Recluse Fear?

🟣 The Recluse fears large groups of people. He loves his solitude, but a part of him may long for a small family unit to bring him some companionship.

🟣 He fears losing his mind in one of his rich fantasy worlds, especially if he’s highly psychic and can hear spirits.

🟣 He’s afraid of his own emotions and seems very bland, without personality at times.

🟣 He fears the world will come upon him and swallow him up. He’s afraid of people forcing themselves into his life. His home base is the most important thing to him; it’s his safety net.

What Motivates the Recluse?

🟣 The Recluse’s biggest motivator is the need to know and understand. He lives in his head and is always thinking and analyzing. He uses his need to understand his world to occupy his time. He is a great philosopher who can spend ages questioning the mysteries of life.

🟣 His need to be alone motivates him to do whatever it takes to find a place where he can be alone.

🟣 At some point, severe loneliness may cause him to seek out a mate or find a friend.

How Do Other Characters See the Recluse?

🟣 Others may see him as a bland person devoid of personality. They wonder if he’s insane at times because he obsesses about the deeper meaning of things.

🟣 He pays no attention to the clothes he wears or the food he eats. He’s too much in his head. He’s somewhat like Albert Einstein who wore the same type of suit every day.

🟣 He seems fragmented and disorderly, always looking for things he’s misplaced.

Developing the Character Arc

Look at your character’s main goal in the story and then at the fears you’ve selected to use against him. What does he need to learn to help him overcome his fear? Does he need to learn to speak in front of large groups? Does he need to organize his life? Does he need to learn how to feel and express love? Does he have to interact with a large group of people in order to save his home?

Very often, the Recluse needs to learn how to relate to people. He needs to learn that human companionship has its own rewards and can enrich his life as much as his inner worlds do. He needs to reconnect with his body and be pushed into physical activity.

What happened to him at an early age to make this archetype dominate his personality? Were his parents reclusive? Did he have friends growing up? Did he live in an isolated area and never learn how to be with people? Was his mother always afraid of the city and couldn’t be around people?

To grow, this archetype is best paired with one of the following:

🟣 The Fool—can teach him how to have fun and to let loose. He can show him how to talk to people and rejoin life.

🟣 The Dictator—would enforce so many rules and regulations that the Recluse would have to stand up for himself or give up his isolated lifestyle to follow another man’s rule.

🟣 The Maiden—would teach him how to love and what it means to be as playful and innocent as a child. Her adventurous nature could change his entire life.

🟣 The Scorned Woman—would be so hurt by her past relationships that she would outdo him in her antisocial behavior. He would probably see himself mirrored in her and decide to change his ways.

The Recluse’s Assets:

🟣 Prefers to be left alone most of the time.

🟣 Longs for the next project or idea to occupy his time.

🟣 Could easily live the life of a monk.

🟣 Has a rich inner life.

🟣 Is psychically sensitive.

🟣 May long for a small family unit.

🟣 Can be philosophical and highly intelligent.

🟣 Can be a very loyal companion.

🟣 Can be reliable since he’s always in the same place.

🟣 Doesn’t play the games people play or get involved in their dramas.

🟣 Is very discerning.

The Recluse’s Flaws:

🟣 Is unexpressive and able to withdraw easily.

🟣 Is afraid of his emotions and seems devoid of feeling.

🟣 Has trouble talking to people.

🟣 Is very pessimistic.

🟣 Holds grudges.

THE VILLAINOUS SIDE OF

THE RECLUSE: THE WARLOCK

As a villain, the Recluse becomes the Warlock. He uses his knowledge of the occult to harm others or the environment. He’s out for his own personal gain and understands nothing of the effect his actions have on the outer world. He has spent so much time studying esoteric ideas he is drawn to test them out.

His loneliness may also lead him to a schizoid existence where his fantasies cause him to do harm to others.

He has a tendency to avoid people and social situations. He’s so afraid of rejection he never shows anyone his work or tells them his ideas. He has no close relationships, is inhibited and socially inept, and is reluctant to take risks.

He doesn’t understand why it’s so bad to want to be alone. He doesn’t want to be a part of society because people are killing each other every day. Spirits are his company. Their world is fascinating to him and they teach him things. He can cast spells to make others leave him alone if he wants to. He is very into the occult and all things antiestablishment. He likes it when others are afraid of him so they’ll leave him alone.

The Warlock

🟣 Is antisocial.

🟣 Is out for his own gain.

🟣 Doesn’t care how his actions affect the world.

🟣 May experiment with the occult to gain power.

🟣 Is afraid of rejection.

🟣 Has no intimate relationships.

🟣 Can’t feel or express real love without dominating the other person.

🟣 Thinks society is a joke and that he doesn’t have to live under its rules.

🟣 Wants to be in control.

🟣 Likes to intimidate others.

HADES IN ACTION

Recluse/Warlock TV Heroes

● Angel (David Boreanaz) in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel

● Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) in The X-Files

Recluse/Warlock Film Heroes

● Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) in Casablanca

● Jerry Fletcher (Mel Gibson) in Conspiracy Theory

● Jim Stark (James Dean) in Rebel Without a Cause

● Lo (Chen Chang) in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

● Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) in Bull Durham

Recluse/Warlock Literary and Historical Heroes

● Beast in Beauty and the Beast

● Daniel Boone

● The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera

● Hamlet in Hamlet by William Shakespeare

● Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

● Rochester in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

● Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

● Dr. Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

● George Emerson in A Room With a View by E.M. Forster

● Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

● Kurtz in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

● Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo

● Daryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike

● Roderick Usher in “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe

● Philip Marlowe in novels by Raymond Chandler

● Byronic heroes

● Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

CHAPTER 14

HERMES: THE FOOL

AND THE DERELICT

Dancing through life, the fool lives without a care in the world. He exists between the world of adults and the world of children. All of life is simple, light, and amazing to him. He wanders from place to place looking for a new playmate—whether it be a person, a dog, or a game, it doesn’t matter to him. His heart is full of love and laughter. He is the most playful of all the gods and often acts as a messenger between humans and the gods as he loves adventures and travel.

THE FOOL

The Fool is a man who is still a boy inside. He won’t grow up and doesn’t feel inferior to others; he thinks they’re somewhat blind to their own boring and shallow existences. People often flock around him after work because they know he’ll lead them to the party where they can unwind.

He enjoys playing around and not acting his age. He thinks stressed-out businessmen are just plain crazy. He believes life should be fun and he’s determined to enjoy himself. And he doesn’t need a big fancy house with an expensive car in the driveway to do it.

He avoids commitments and romantic entanglements. The women in his life must respect this if they want to be around him.

He loves to be the go-between, circulating through many social cliques. He doesn’t care if what he’s doing is legal or not. The consequences of his actions aren’t important to him because he lives in the moment as a free spirit. He won’t go as far as to hurt someone, but that’s his only moral code. He’ll try anything once, and the more people present to witness his actions the better. He’d make a great salesman or actor because he loves to be the center of attention and doesn’t want to be tied down to a nine-to-five job. He’s a wanderer at heart and makes new friends wherever he goes.

What Does the Fool Care About?

🟣 The Fool cares about his freedom. He loves to come and go as he pleases and often disappears for days or weeks at a time. He’s always looking for the next adventure. The newness of the experience gets to him.

🟣 He enjoys a challenge in all areas of his life and has no trouble being alone.

🟣 He cares about remaining youthful and carefree no matter what his age.

🟣 He cares about children and will risk his life to save them because he identifies with their innocence.

What Does the Fool Fear?

🟣 The Fool fears losing his freedom. Being stuck in bed or in a prison would be devastating for him, and he’d do anything to avoid it; he’d risk death to escape it.

🟣 He also fears boredom; he’ll come up with a way to amuse himself with a rubber band if that’s all he has. He’s the first one to talk his friends into cutting school to go hang out.

🟣 He loves to be risky. Hang gliding off the Empire State Building is his idea of fun. His young attitude makes him feel invincible, and he’s addicted to the rush of adrenaline.

🟣 He never makes commitments, at least not ones he can’t walk away from easily.

🟣 He loves to help children and fears not being able to save them when they’re in trouble. He’s still a child himself no matter what his age is. He understands children and their capacity to play, create, and inquire.

What Motivates the Fool?

🟣 His biggest motivator is the need to know and understand. He keeps his mind working as well as his body. His inquisitiveness drives his adventures forward and offers variety and spice to his life.

How Do Other Characters See the Fool?

🟣 Others see him as either unpredictable and fascinating or childish and flighty. He has energy that never seems to stop and exudes an enthusiasm that can drive others crazy as he comes up with yet another new idea. No one can remember what his latest project is because he changes it so often.

🟣 He’s often dressed in casual clothes or the latest teen fad regardless of his age.

🟣 His imagination always seems to be working, and he often has a distant look on his face when others fall into deep serious conversations near him.

Developing the Character Arc

Look at your character’s main goal in the story and then at the fears you have selected to use against him. What does he need to learn to help him overcome his fear? Does he need to find a job to support a relative? Does he need to deal with a terminal illness? Has he been drafted? Was he accused of a crime he didn’t commit?

Very often, the Fool needs to learn to set limits on his behavior. He doesn’t realize how much pain he can cause people in his wake. He needs to consider their feelings if he is to have any relationships at all, especially with his family. He also needs to learn how to take care of himself and accept some responsibility for his behavior. He must learn to respect the authority of the King or he’ll suffer the consequences.

What happened to him at an early age to make this archetype dominate his personality? Did his parents fight all the time and he tried to lighten things up by being the comedian? Was he glorified for being the class clown or the derelict? Did his father yell all the time and he had to learn how to talk his way out of trouble? Were his parents adventurous?

To grow, this archetype is best paired with one of the following:

🟣 The Businessman—can teach the Fool responsibility and about how to take care of himself as adults do.

🟣 The Abuser—a father could take all the fun out of the Fool’s life by pushing him to grow up and take care of himself so he can leave home.

🟣 The Matriarch—would teach him about family and commitment. He’d learn that to be totally without roots is to be totally alone.

🟣 The Destroyer—would change his life and make him wake up to the fact that he can be an adult and still have fun.

The Fool’s Assets:

🟣 Loves to play practical jokes.

🟣 Is easygoing.

🟣 Is adventurous and inquisitive.

🟣 Can go on adventures alone.

🟣 Is charming and playful.

🟣 Has a strong imagination and is always full of ideas.

🟣 Acts and dresses young for his age.

🟣 Hates to plan out things ahead of time and tends to be very spontaneous.

🟣 Can be a wonderful friend, focused on only you when he’s around.

🟣 Loves children because he’s youthful himself.

The Fool’s Flaws:

🟣 Is impulsive and reckless, without limits.

🟣 Is terrified of commitment.

🟣 Can pick up and disappear for long stretches of time.

🟣 Takes extreme risks because he feels invincible.

🟣 Can’t handle responsibility or a traditional job.

THE VILLAINOUS SIDE OF

THE FOOL: THE DERELICT

As a villain, the Fool becomes the Derelict. He often will be found among the con men on city streets hustling for cash. He has great charm and charisma that draws people to his games. His smile makes him appear to be trustworthy as he engages them in conversation.

He does everything in excess and causes his parents and family a lot of misery and shame. He doesn’t consider the consequences of his actions and may be arrested for his actions. Every parent dreads the late-night phone call, but for his parents, it’s a common occurrence. If his parents are well-off socially, this can be a huge problem, and they may disown him. This only gives him more reason to feel slighted and abandoned and begin acting out even more for attention.

He has a pattern of irresponsible behavior that lacks morals and ethics. He’s self-centered when it comes to his problems. “No one else matters but me” is his mantra. He believes he is special and above the law and feels entitled to be around others he views as unique and special. He can be arrogant and can lack empathy toward others.

He doesn’t understand why he should have to listen to authority figures. He feels they have no right to boss him around. He thinks of his father as purely a sperm donor with a checkbook. He wants to be his own man. He thinks, “Just because their lives are boring doesn’t mean mine has to be. I want to have fun and make my own rules.”

The Derelict

🟣 Is like an expert con man, hustling for a quick buck.

🟣 Hates authority figures and views his father as a checkbook.

🟣 Doesn’t care about other people’s feelings.

🟣 Is an embarrassment to his family.

🟣 Is self-centered.

🟣 Is irresponsible and lacks ethics.

🟣 Feels above the law.

🟣 Lacks empathy.

🟣 Is arrogant and confrontational.

🟣 Easily succumbs to addictions.

🟣 Expects others to bail him out of a crisis.

🟣 Runs when the going gets tough.

HERMES IN ACTION

Fool/Derelict TV Heroes

Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) in Friends

Gilligan (Bob Denver) in Gilligan’s Island

Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards) in Seinfeld

Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon) in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Lou Costello in Abbott and Costello

Warren “Potsie” Weber (Anson Williams) and Ralph Malph (Don Most) in Happy Days

Fool/Derelict Film Heroes

Joel Goodson (Tom Cruise) in Risky Business

Jay (Will Smith) in Men in Black

Austin Danger Powers (Mike Myers) in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

Chon Wang (Jackie Chan) in Shanghai Noon

Buck Russell (John Candy) in Uncle Buck

Fool/Derelict Literary Heroes

Uncle Remus in The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris

Don Quixote in Don Quixote of La Mancha by Miguel De Cervantes

Peter Pan in Peter Pan by James Barrie

Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

Tom Sawyer in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

The Fool in King Lear by William Shakespeare