Since the late 4th century BC when Aristotle developed the model of the tragic hero, authors have been creating novels patterned after this intriguing order of events. In the novel, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Thomas Hardy develops Henchard's character as he passes through each stage in the archetypal heroic pattern. In this novel, each principal stage of the heroic pattern shapes Henchard's ever-changing character, principally through his rise, his climax, and his demise.
             As Hardy's novel begins we read of Henchard's humble position as a hay-trusser and his disgraceful sale of Susan, his wife. This humble beginning fits the archetypal pattern of the hero's initial lowly circumstances. The first sign of Henchard's ascent from his lowly position occurs when he regrets selling his wife. After unsuccessfully searching for his lost wife Henchard resolves to change his ways. For this reason he enters a church, making the following solemn oath as he is kneeling at the altar rail,
             I, Michael Henchard...do take an oath before God here in this solemn place that I will avoid all strong liquors for the space of twenty-one years to come...And this I swear upon the book before me; and may I be strook dumb, blind, and helpless, if I break this my oath! When he had said it and kissed the big book, the hay-trusser arose, and seemed relieved at having made a start in a new direction. (Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Pages 15 & 16)
             Henchard appears very repentant of the shameful act that he has committed, and he admits that his drinking has caused him to sell his wife. Henchard realizes what he has done, and makes no excuses for his wrongful deeds. Henchard is beginning to show some of the character traits of a typical archetypal hero: honesty, determination, and a new found strength. As he resolves to start a new phase of his life, Henchard sets out on an archetypal quest to make something of himself. Upon Henchard's arrival at Ca...