Character Archetypes

This section of the book talks about the different character Archetypes that most stories have. The threshold guardian, the herald, the shapeshifter, the shadow, the ally, and the tricksters. The threshold guardian is the character that is seems threatening. They are ofter guarding the gates of where the hero is heading. They challenge the hero's strengths in order to go on in their adventure. The character the herald is a messenger that provides motivation for certain characters. The message can ususally be confertational which will get the hero or other character to start an action, such as war. The character the shapeshifter is ussually the heros's subcouncience and is ussually the oppisite sex. They usually constantly change in shape or emotions. The character the shadow is usually the hero's iner most fears or flaws. They are the hero's enemies or villains. The character the ally is the hero's right hand man. the can serve many perposes such as comedy reilf or a sparring partner. The character the truchster symbolies mischief and disre for change. They bring the hero's ego down to earth. They give the audience different perspective and often hav slips of the tongue.
When I read this I though about the different stories I knew and how where these characters fit. The threshold guardian reminded me of "The Never Ending Story" where Atreyu the main character had to pass the two large phoenix. Only the most noblest men are allowed to pass them other wise they will burn you to death. The Herold reminded me in the story of Othello when Iago convinced Othello on faulty evidence that Desdemona was cheating on him. The shadow that I though of was of course the eye in the "Lord of the Rings". The scary eye that was constantly looking for Frodo. The Ally I though of was the Donky in Shriek. He gave so much comedy to an already pretty funny movie, while never leaving Shrieks side. For the Trickster I though of Gollum because you never knew who's side he really was on. He always brought Frodo back to eath about how corupting the ring can be. All of the character types are really imporant to any story and I enjoyed getting to see a clear cut explantion of them.


Do these character inter twine at all? What are the stories that came to mind for other people?
Was the Shapeshifter suppose to be the Hero's lover?