[Archetypes Vs. Women] Series Hub

The Damsel in Distress is not simply a Trope, but an Archetype. Its meaning and power do not stem primarily from male domination/power fantasies, but rather from the principles of the unconscious. It is one of humanity's oldest symbols for the struggle toward self-knowledge.

Part One examines Archetypes, Tropes and why the Damsel in Distress is more accurately described as the former. It will not address video games in particular, but rather question our assumptions of where the Damsel comes from and why it is a perennial theme in all forms of human creativity. 

Part Two examines different ancient stories with female protagonists, dissect the Archetypal patterns they portray, and consider how they might influence female-positive game design. It will focus in more on video game specifically, with an eye on how to create psychologically compelling characters, settings, and game mechanics.

Part One: Tropes Vs. Archetypes

[AVW001] Tropes Vs. Archetypes

[AVW002] Archetypes - Patterns that Keep Showing Up

[AVW003] Archetypes and the Subconscious

[AVW004] The Anima and the Animus

[AVW005] Flipping the Script (Men with Tits)

[AVW006] Tropes - Clichés that Keep Getting Used

Part Two: Doing Better

[AVW007] Doing Better - What are We Doing?

[AVW008] Doing Better - Inanna in the Underworld

[AVW009] Doing Better - Anat and Paghat

[AVW010] Doing Better - Psyche Loves Cupid

[AVW011] Doing Better - Semiramis, Builder of Walls

[AVW012] Doing Better - The Missing Half (Part One)

[AVW013] Doing Better - The Missing Half (Part Two)