An archetype is a model for common symbols or story pattern seen throughout similar works. For example, that of the “Hero’s Journey”. In James Cameron’s 2009 film Avatar, an ex-marine by the name of Jake, finds himself on Pandora after his brother passes away. While there, he takes part in a mission left behind by his brother Tommy, in which he becomes an avatar and tries to earn the trust of the native Na’vi people. Colonel Quaritch tells Jake that he must negotiate with The People and report back to him every day after exiting the “simulated world”. When Jake displays betrayal and goes against Quaritch’s commands to protect The People and their land, Quaritch enters the Na’vi world in an attempt to destroy their land. However- during these attempts, the simulation is disrupted and Jake’s human body begins to die. This is when he is brought back into the Na’vi community and The People “transfer” his soul into his avatar form where he can continue to live on with them.
Avatar applies the use of character archetypes such as the Hero/Initiate, his Mentors, and the Evil Figure.
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“The Battle Between Good and Evil” can be seen when Jake betrays the colonel and Parker for the avatar mission at which point the colonel comes after him and what he has come to love- the Na’vi world. Jake’s next stage of betrayal in choosing what is right is fighting alongside Neytiri and The People, and ultimately force the colonel to face death. When Jake chooses the avatar mission, Jake can see clearly, and comes to a final understanding that he is making decisions for morally right reasons. The plot is propelled because this event leads Jake to discover the importance of taking part in the mission. Situational archetypes provide not only an explanation of events, but keep the story moving by emphasizing what is key to a successful “Hero’s