Category Archives: Motifs at work

Rick Castle – Trickster or Shapeshifter?

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Sarah

When we encounter a comedic character in stories, we often quickly categorize them as belonging to the Trickster archetype.  After all, most sidekicks are Tricksters, providing the comic relief, often serving to deflate the ego of the main character (think … Continue reading →

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Beyond the Avatar

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Sarah

Although there are many things I could critique about James Cameron’s blockbuster film Avatar, I’ll limit myself to a discussion of his principal character, Jake Sully. Although there is an archetype known as the Wounded Healer, I think it would … Continue reading →

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A Functional Father Figure

Posted on December 23, 2009 by Sarah

When I was doing the research and development of The Scribbler’s Guide to the Land of Myth, one thing I discovered was that there is not much literature on parental figures.  Joseph Campbell makes glancing references to Father Figures and … Continue reading →

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Burning Jeopardy

Posted on August 13, 2009 by Sarah

One of the many things I talk about in The Scribbler’s Guide to the Land of Myth deals with franchise storytelling.  This can cover comic book series, sets of movies, television shows or a string of novels.  Most such creations … Continue reading →

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The Problem with Wonder Woman

Posted on August 2, 2009 by Sarah

Every so often readers (and writers) comment on problems they have with the comic book character Wonder Woman. The Amazon princess, Diana, was created in 1941, by William Moulton Marston.  On the heels of the appearances of superheroes like Superman … Continue reading →

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