Archetypes in the Wizard of Oz

Archetypes is another way to analyse the content of films in terms of screenplay. I decided to examine theWizard of Oz and look at how each archetype is presented within the film.

The Hero - Protagonist 

Dorothy as it is her “dream”. The whole world she falls into is based around her and the journey she must take.

The Herald - to warn and challenge

The Tournado as it takes Dorothy from the real world into the dreamworld, displacing her and setting her new challenges. It ultimately puts her in the position for her who adventure.

The Mentor - to guide and motivate

Galinda the Good Witch as she sets Dorothy on the path to self-discovery (literally the Yellow Brick Road). She also gives her the item that will ultimately cause her success and sends her aids. 

Threshold guardian - tests hero at the threshold

The Oz gate Guardian literally decides whether or not Dorothy will be allowed in to see the Wizard. His whim ultimately decides whether Dorothy can complete her mission or not. 

The Shapeshifter - hides true intentions/doubts journey

The Wizard has two forms; the big green, floating head head of his character as the Great and Powerful Oz, and the normal man behind the curtain. 

The Shadow - to destroy the hero

Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West wants revenge for the death (by house) of her sister. She will destroy Dorothy any way she can, to regain all the power she can. 

The Trixster - mischief and meddling

The Professor/Doorman/Wizard of Oz are all played by the same actor, meaning that he is shape shifting in order to test Dorothy and her resolve and conscience. 

Allies - to help and support

The Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow gradually gather along Dorothy’s journey. They are echos of her real world. Each is a companion and teaches her something. 

The Father - authority and power figure

Uncle/The Wizard of Oz. In the real world, Dorothy’s Uncle is her father figure in her parent’s abscence. The Wizard becomes the power figure she looks up to, until she learns of his true intentions and abilities (or lack thereof). 

The Mother - nurturer and carer

Galinda the Good Witch sets Dorothy off on her journey and sends her help along the way, and ultimately gives her a way home. 

The Child - childlike and innocent
The Cowardly Lion is scared of everything around him and only gains courage when other people prove it to him first.

The Maiden - purity and sexuality
Dorothy embodies the purity part of the maiden role. Due to the time period, content and genre of the movie, sexuality is not a consideration.

The Anti-hero - Shadow, Shapeshifter and Hero in one
The Wizard initially looks like a secondary hero character, but is ultimately hiding his true abilities and intentions. He also sends the group off on a possibly lethal mission.