Objective: The purpose of this assignment is to analyze a Star Wars story that
exists outside of the episodic saga under the scope of the classic hero archetypes
that build the path for protagonists. Your analysis will help you understand how
these archetypes, while repetitive, can be identified not only on Star Wars, but on
basic character development in storytelling across the board.
Procedure:
– Select a Star Wars story for analysis. Your options include The Mandalorian
or The Book of Boba Fett (available on Disney Plus). You must look at the
full hero’s path spanning through the episodes.
– If you choose The Mandalorian, you must focus on Din Djarin (Mando) as
your focus for your analysis.
– If you choose The Book of Boba Fett, you must focus on Boba Fett as your
focus for your analysis.
You will write a 2000 word – double spaced (AND TYPED) ESSAY
(approximately four pages) that contains aspects of the points outlined below.
The essay must be at least 2000 words, but it has no word limit. This is an
essay, so please DO NOT write your paper in outline form.
This is an essay, not research work. There is no need to use external sources to
back up any arguments. It is merely your analytical opinion based on materials we
have covered in class. If you feel the need to research any background
information on the film to substantiate your claims, feel free to do so. Plagiarism of
any kind will not be tolerated.
What to Address:
– Identify the series you are analyzing by stating their title and provide a short
summary of the storyline.
– Who is the protagonist and the antagonist and what are they like? Describe their
personality, strengths, weaknesses, and drivers or motivators that push them to
action.
– What is the conflict that is driving the protagonist to act?
– Is there another less important conflict, often referred to as a subplot, which
helps drive the story? If so, describe that conflict and who is involved in it.
– Describe three actions that the protagonist takes in order to try to resolve the
overall conflict.
– What is the climax or moment of highest tension in the series?
– How is the conflict resolved?
– Make sure you address the Hero archetypes, which are the focus of this
assignment and which you can gather from the lectures:
o Ordinary life called to greatness through radical change or tragedy
o Resistance to change
o Self-discovery
o Prophecy
o Hero support: talismans, guides, guardians, partners, transports, trials,
combat/“dragon slayers,” sacred places, betrayal, sacrifice, dire
consequences, family, etc.
– What lessons from these films can viewers apply to their own lives? How do you
think people from all cultures can identify with the values portrayed? Why are
these films enjoyable all around?
– What do you think of portraying an anti-hero as a character that is relatable? What
does that say about our culture today?