This is K.M. Wyland and you are listening to the 541st episode of the Helping Writers Become Authors

Podcast. I hope you enjoyed this week's episode, Arcotypal Character Arks Part 8,

Introduction to the 12 Negative archetypes. Where there is

light there is shadow where there is a right way to do things there are usually

several ways to do it wrong, and so it goes with

archetypal character arcs. Over the last few months we have explored six

successive life arcs represented by the positive change arcs of six primary archetypes,

the maiden, the hero, the queen, the king, the crone, and the mage.

Each of these positive archetypes represents a rising above the limitations

of the previous archetype in the cycle.

But they also inherently represent a struggle with related

shadow or negative archetypes. Specifically there are 12 negative archetypes, two for

each positive archetype. Each positive archetype sits at the top of a

triangle that is completed by a potential negative polarity between the two negative archetypes, one representing an aggressive

version of the shadow archetype and the other representing a passive version. In sacred contracts,

Carolyn Mace speaks of the inherent power dynamic

within this archetypal triangle.

The shadow aspects of our archetypes are fed by our paradoxical relationship to power.

We are as intimidated by being empowered as we are by being disempowered.

This is why one of the primary challenges within any of the six positive archetypal

arcs is that of grappling with one's conflicting desire for and fear of autonomy.

Only in integrating and accepting the responsibility for this growing power is a character able to escape the beckoning shadow

...