What are some archetypes (e.g. common character types) of fantasy fiction?


The hero:

The hero (protagonist), someone you aspire to - an elevated status of being: courageous, selfless and even self sacrificing. The hero even if accidental or unwilling, accepts challenges and overcomes obstacles in pursuit of a goal he must achieve. Ged is gifted with powers. His visions foretell events yet to occur. He must learn to interpret them and seek the mysterious young woman who appears in his visions (priestess). He senses he is meant to find her - their paths inevitably cross. He is destined for something greater than being an apprentice bronze-smith. 

The Mentor:

The mentor (usually older, wiser person) appears in timely fashion when the hero needs help or guidance. Ogion arrives in time to bring Ged back to life. They impart knowledge and wisdom. Ged's first mentor is his aunt. She takes Ged to her home, normally forbidden to children. His aunt, a witch teaches him. He learns to harness his powers. She is not a typical mentor as she is devious and unlike Ogion, uses her powers for dubious reasons. She tried controlling him by binding him to her in service. Ogion the Silent, Mage of Re Albi became Ged's his second mentor.

Threshold Guardian:

The threshold guardian casts obstacles along the journey so the hero is forced into battle or to solve a riddle or bequeath a gift and so on. The threshold guardian often plays a neutral role though at times can be allied to the antagonist or be an ally. The crossing of a threshold embodies change within the hero through challenges he's overcome. Thresholds tend to happen just before the hero goes on his quest and key moments in the journey and towards the end. Ged uses his power to save the villagers from the Kargs, using a binding-spell called fog-weaving. 

Herald:

The herald declares significant events that are about to happen, that we are unaware of. It can be in the shape of a person or thing. For example: a letter that spurs the hero into action.

Shapeshifter:

The shapeshifter is unpredictable and untrustworthy and can switch allegiance. Kossil, was a priestess whose character seems to fit this role as she was deceptive. 

Shadow:

The shadow (antagonist) is something the hero must face, conquer his fear. Ged must fight the shadow that relentlessly pursues him, representative of the darker, hidden side of ourselves that lurks within the inner recesses of our being. The shadow evokes fear and unleashes chaos. 

Trickster:

The trickster is a witty, charming and cunning person/creature that is like a court jester - entertaining and amusing. The hero must keep his wits about him as the trickster is mischievous by nature. He reminds us not take life too seriously also not to be naive in situations.  


References:

Le Guinn, U. (1993; 1968). A Wizard of Earthsea. In The Earthsea Quartet (pp.13-167). 
London: Penguin. 

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