The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller

by John Truby

This involves thinking of the various archetypes in terms of both the beneficial role and the probable weaknesses that each might have in a story.

King or Father

Strength Leads his family or his people with wisdom, foresight, and resolve so that they can succeed and grow.

Inherent Weaknesses Can force his wife, children, or people to act according to a strict and oppressive set of rules, can remove himself entirely from the emotional realm of his family and kingdom, or may insist that his family and people live solely for his pleasure and benefit.

Queen or Mother • Strength Provides the care and protective shell within which the child or the people can grow.

Inherent Weaknesses Can be protective or controlling to the point of tyranny, or can use guilt and shame to hold the child close and guarantee her own comfort.

Wise Old Man, Wise Old Woman, Mentor, or Teacher • Strength Passes on knowledge and wisdom so that people can live better lives and society can improve.

Inherent Weaknesses Can force students to think a certain way or speak for the glory of himself rather than the glory of his ideas.

Warrior • Strength The practical enforcer of what is right.

Inherent Weaknesses Can

live according to the harsh motto of “kill or be killed”; may believe that whatever is weak must be destroyed and so bec...