Character and Archetype
A
visual language that is represented in many different types of media is the
archetyping of main characters in a story. Examples of these archetypes include
the 'hero / heroine' (usually the protagonist), helper, loner and villain
(usually the antagonist). (1)
For one of our in-lecture
assignments we had to design a personification of the Illustration course. As
seen right, I have drawn a squid character holding drawing utensils and wearing
a broken crown, displayed as the traditional 'villain' stereotype. The squid's
tentacles represent the several modules that are delivered throughout the
course. The utensils represent medium experimentation within the first year,
and the broken crown shows the course as an almighty ruler, but one that can
always be overcome. The overall image demonstrates both the challenge and the
freedom within the Illustration course. This example provides a clear
representation of character and archetype.
One instance of archetype
referenced in media comes from the idea of the ‘Byronic Hero’. This refers to
the concept of a male protagonist who uses their strong passions and beliefs
fearlessly and for their own ends – representing the characteristics of Lord
Byron during his lifetime. (2) The
character with these traits usually has past tragedies which he dwells on and
proves him to be emotionally conflicted and self-critical.
Another is found in the form
of internet 'trollers' – the name given to people who actively partake in the
abuse of an online community with the intent of provoking a response, for their
own entertainment. (3) There are
several archetypes of people when it comes to internet trolling, each with
their own characteristics used to achieve their goals.
One category of a 'troll' is called a 'Snert' and is
characterised by their active involvement in anti-social trolling, often
harming others on social media sites or comments sections of websites
affiliated with the person (i.e. YouTube). (4)
This is one of the more common types of 'trolls' as hate comments can regularly
be found across the internet, aimed mainly towards celebrities or other people
of interest. These people can also create and spread rumours quickly that could
end up ruining the target's career.
A different method of internet
trolling comes from 'Rippers' – people who participate in a kind of
self-trolling to make themselves seem worthless or alone. These people hope to
garner false empathy from other site users through them responding to these
unrequited and borderline narcissistic pleas of attention. This in
turn makes
the 'Ripper' feel better about themselves and more respected in the chosen
community, unless the users chose to ignore them. On the right is an artist's
representation of a 'troll'. As with all 'trolls' / 'trollers', the best course
of action would be to simply ignore these characters and move on with more
positive and constructive activities.
References
(1) Hull
(2) TvTropes
(3) Campbell
(4) Netlingo
Bibliography
Campbell, Timothy (July 13
2001). “Internet Trolls”. Internet Archive. [online]. [Accessed 18 March 2015].
Available from http://webarchive.org/
Hull, James. “Archetypes and the Hero's Journey” [online]. [Accessed 22 March 2015]. Available from http://narrativefirst.com/articles/series/archetypal-characters
Netlingo. “Troll: definition”
[online]. [Accessed 22 March 2015]. Available from http://www.netlingo.com/word/troll.php
TvTropes. “Byronic Hero”
[online]. [Accessed 26 January 2015]. Available from http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ByronicHero
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