Character work Archetypes We looked at characters that appear ...

Character work
Archetypes
We looked at characters that appear time and time again in stories throughout history
and across cultures and genres. They are bold character types, which we call
Archetypes. Each archetype can be male or female. They are not stereotypes and are
always evolving. If we think of a stereotype as limiting a character, then an archetype is
where a character can begin.
Together we physicalised the following archetypes, and discussed which characters
they might apply to:
The Innocent
The innocent has feet parallel, weight slightly forward onto the toes and balls of feet.
There is lightness, eyes are wide. The innocent knows nothing and learns nothing. The
innocent is always moving into new space, every experience is their first. E.g. Miranda?
The Mother
The mother has a wide open stance, feet slightly wider than hip width, toes turned out,
arms open wide, always ready to embrace and welcome, head slightly angled, eyes
soft. The mother nurtures, cares for and tends to. She exudes warmth. She is rooted to
the earth, confident. The mother knows things. E.g The Nurse?
The Fool
The fool stands with feet slightly turned inwards, arms hanging and fists heavy and
possibly clenched. There is a slack-jawed quality which affects the eyes. The fool is at
the mercy of the universe. Everything is quite difficult for the fool; the fool could be
clumsy and have low spatial awareness. E.g. Malvolio? Trinculo? Bottom?
The Hero
The hero stands strong and proud, with an open chest and open face. The hero has
super-hero energy – very gung ho. Nothing is thought about or considered; the hero
sees and then does, he works in straight lines, very direct and definite. The hero is
always on a quest for something other than personal gain – e.g. to protect/to declare
undying love… e.g. Romeo? Lysander? Hamlet?
The Trickster
The trickster is like a crab – always side on or concealing part of himself with a hand or
hair, or hiding his eyes. The trickster is never front on, always closing his body
physically. The trickster will approach everything tactically – for personal gain. E.g.
Puck? Mercutio?
The King
The king stands straight and tall. The king will tend to move his whole body when he
moves his head. The king does very little; he doesn't need to – he is the king. He is
status 10. The king rules the space. E.g. Lear? Titania? Lady Macbeth?

Participants explored these archetypes in the space, experimenting with what happened
when they met one another. Most characters are a combination of archetypes and
you/your students can choose to play them in any way you wish. It is useful to explore
these through play and then possibly reference them during your rehearsal process.