Trickster Archetypes

The trickster archetype includes multiple elements in which make up this particular character and differ from other archetypes. These characters often show their intent to help others, although they will do whatever is necessary to accomplish their goal, and usually incorporate a humorous element to their personality. Tricksters have a motive and often times, that motive helps others. Although they do have an intention to help others, they contain a negative quality due to what they are willing to do just to achieve this or their end goal. In addition to the two contradicting elements in which makes up the trickster archetype, tricksters contain a humorous element that make either themselves or others look foolish. The short stories “Coyote Steals Fire”, “Master Cat”, and “How Stories Came to Earth” all prove these elements are essential to the trickster persona. …show more content…
This means that either throughout the tale or towards the end of the tale the trickster helps other characters in the story as either family, a town, or other. For instance in all three tales the trickster helps the characters in the story which include Anansi’s wife and his children by giving them stories in “How Stories Came to Earth”, Coyote giving the animals fire in “Coyote Steals Fire”, and finally in “Master Cat” when he helps his master be welcomed and loved by the king. In all three the main characters whether it be a spider, cat or coyote they all help the people and or animals around them with giving them the gift they wanted. In the end of all the tales there is closure from the trickster who helps those around him despite living for chaos in