ACADEMIC VOCABULARY

Protagonist 1. the leading character or

one of the major
characters in a drama,
movie, novel, or other
fictional text.
2. Paraphrase
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
Antagonist 1. a person who actively
opposes or is hostile to
someone or something;
an adversary.
2. Paraphrase
PATTERNS IN CHARACTERS
HEROIC TRAITS
Unique birth the heros literal birth or familial origin is uncommon
Origin is mysterious the nature of how the hero became a hero is shrouded in
mystery.
Extraordinary powers these do not have to be super powers. These are any
ability that makes them extraordinary.
Tragic flaw or weakness every hero has limitations or something that makes
them vulnerable.
Rite of passage every hero goes through tests and training to prove
themselves.
Has a nemesis every hero has a main enemy. This villain is often a darker
reflection of the hero.
Achieves his/her destiny the archetypal hero always finds success in the long
run.
Stands for good the hero is a morally and principally good character. S/he
never embodies evil qualities beyond momentary weakness.


VILLAINOUS TRAITS
Powerful- Great villains are staggeringly powerful. In other words, they have
a way of making things bend to their will.
Intelligent- This does not necessarily mean that they are intellectually
gifted. Rather, it means that they avoid making stupid decisions. (Or when
they do it makes sense.)
Immoral- Its not that they lack a sense of right or wrong. Villains often
subscribe to a moral code. But they are willing to violate accepted moral
principles to accomplish their goals.
Wounded- Memorable villains are usually wounded individuals. Sometimes
this is manifested as physical wounds or disfigurements, more often,
though, the most defining wounds are emotional or psychological.
Determined- This is what separates the great villains from the lesser
baddies. A truly formidable villain is possessed by an unstoppable drive to
achieve his or her goal.
TRAITS OF THE ANTI-HERO
This is hard to come up with an exact list of these traits, because the
anti-hero is context specific, but theres one key thing the anti-hero is:
Conflicted/Conflicting
Character does the right thing, for the wrong reasons;
Character does the wrong thing, for the right reasons
Does not embody all the traits of the hero:
Selfish
Petty
Insecure
Amoral