Archetypal Characters
Archetypal Theory in Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson - Outcast/Underdog/Hero
- In the beginning he is an outcast, has repeatedly been kicked out of schools. His disorders, ADHD and Dyslexia set him apart from other students.
- Even when he gets to Camp Half-Blood, he is still an outsider because he is the only son of Poseidon, and does not have experience in the demigod world.
- When he returns from his quest with Zeus's lightning bolt he is considered a hero, and earns the respect of his fellow demigods.
By Leslie, Robyn and Jordan
Jungian Criticism
Plot Summary
Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school again, when he finds out he is a demigod and is taken to Camp Half-Blood. While being taken there, his mother is killed by a minotaur. He finds out that he is the son of Poseidon and is being accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt. He sets out on a quest to retrieve the lightning bolt from Hades and get his mother back from the underworld. On his Quest, he fights Ares to get something of Hades' back and the lightning bolt. He defeats Ares, brings the lightning bolt back, and his mother is returned to him. But when he returns back to camp he finds out that one of his close friends has betrayed him, and tries to kill him.
Archetypal Characters
Annabeth Chase - Femme Fatale
Archetypal Characters
The Fates - Shrews
- Annabeth is a daughter of Athena who is very wise and well respected in Camp Half-Blood.
- She is a very strong fighter, and doesn't need any one to save her.
- Three old ladies who know everyone's destiny
- Described as old nasty ladies in the book
Archetypal Situations
Banishment of the Prince
Searching for father
Descent into the underworld
- Dionysus is sent to Camp Half-Blood by Zeus because he angered him.
- He is not allowed back to Mt. Olympus.
- Percy has never met his father until the end of the book and he never had a proper father figure in his life.
- They go into the underworld to see Hades to get his mother back as well as the lighting bolt.
Archetypal Situations
The Quest
- Percy has to go on a quest to retrieve Zeus's lightning bolt.
- Demigods go on quests to prove themselves to the demigod world.
Archetypal Characters
Archetypal Characters
Oracle - In the attic
Chiron - Wise Sage
Grover Underwood - Sidekick
- Chiron is a centaur who runs the camp
- Mentors and protects the demigods and sends them on quests
- There's literally an Oracle in the attic
- Gives demigods prophecies before they go on quests
- Percy's best friend and sidekick.
- Loyal friend, accompanies him on the Quest.
- Also comic relief.