Archetypes in &
The Hero The Hero is a protagonist whose life is an adventure. The circumstances of his birth are unusual, and he is raised by a guardian. Characterized by courage, strength, and honor, the Hero will endure hardship, even risk his life for the good of all. He has a special weapon only he can wield. The Hero leaves the familiar to enter an unfamiliar and challenging world. Harry Potter
The Hero Sulley, the protagonist (and #1 scarer), of Monsters, Inc. is thrust into an adventure when a little girl finds her way into his world after Sulley opens a door that was left on the floor after hours. Sulley must find a way to return Boo safely to her home. Along the way, he learns that children aren t something to be afraid of and laughter is more powerful than screaming. Sulley not only saves the little girl, but he saves his own world as well. Sulley
The Villain (aka the antagonist) works against the Hero (aka the protagonist). This character tries to undermine the work of the Hero. The villain is ultimately defeated by the Hero. The Villain Voldemort
The Villain Mr. Waternoose is the mastermind behind the technology that will extract the most powerful screams from innocent children. He puts Randall up to kidnapping Boo. Randall is the #2 scarer at Monsters, Inc. He desperately wants to overtake Sulley on the leaderboard and will do anything (including kidnapping children) to get there. Randall Henry J. Waternoose He also cheats the system by spending extra hours after work to gain more screams.
The Mentor Professor Dumbledore The Mentor is an older, wiser teacher. The Mentor also serves as a father or mother figure. He/she gives the Hero gifts (weapons, food, magic, information) and often serves as a role model or as a Hero s conscience.
The Mentor Roz Roz is a wise and older character who is also secretly the head of the CDA (Child Detection Agency). She helps Sulley and Mike when they need it the most.
The Ally (or Sidekick) The Ally is a character the Hero trusts. He (or she) is someone the Hero can turn to when things are not going well. The Ally can provide the Hero with wisdom, humor, or a shoulder to lean on. The Ally can lend an ear, help prepare for battle, & do all the things a Hero can t do for himself. The Ally is there to watch the Hero s back. Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger
The Ally (or Sidekick) Mike is Sulley s best friend and co-worker. Mike helps Sulley take down Randall in the end when Sulley is fighting an invisible Randall. Mike gets irritated when Sulley is not listening to him and throws a snowball. The snowball hits Randall, which makes Randall visible and helps Sulley win the fight. Mike Wazowski
The Damsel in Distress The Damsel in Distress is a vulnerable young woman who needs to be rescued by the hero. She is typically innocent, pure, and kind. Sometimes she is used as bait to capture or trap the Hero. Luna Lovegood Ginny Weasley
The Damsel in Distress Boo is an innocent little girl who wanders, unknowingly, into a world that is dangerous for her. Sulley, with the help of his ally Mike, rescue her from Randall and Mr. Waternoose and return her safely to her home. Boo
The Underdog The Underdog is the character who seems to always be at a disadvantage. He (or she) is often in the wrong place at the wrong time. By the conclusion of the story, the Underdog has pushed through hardship and won respect. Neville Longbottom
The Underdog Mike wasn t scary enough to be a scarer, so he becomes Sulley s partner. His luck changes when they discover that laughter is more powerful than screams. In the end, Mike becomes a comedian and tops the leaderboard for collecting energy. Mike Wazowski Yes, again!
The Trickster The trickster adds fun and humor to the story. When times are gloomy or emotionally tense, the trickster gives the audience a welcome break. A good trickster balances the drama with comic relief and brings things into perspective. Dobby the House Elf
The Trickster Mike Wazowski Mike is not just Sulley s ally in the film. He is also the comedic relief. Mike brings about verbal comedy ( Put that thing back where it came from or so help me ) as well as a physical comedy (belching a microphone). Last time...i promise!