Archetypes have many different characteristics that are usually used in novels you read everyday but probably do not notice them. There are three different categories: situational, character, and symbolic. In The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, you have the journey, the mentors, and innate wisdom vs. educated stupidity types of archetypes is expressed.
             For example, in The Hobbit, Bilbo was chosen to go on a journey in search of gold. "Not without a mighty warrior, even a hero.... and here is our little Bilbo Baggins, the burglar. So now let's go on and make some plans" (p21). Gandalf chooses Bilbo to be the burglar of the journey. He is very important on such a challenging journey, which is someone to keep everyone fed. "This is a dragon marked in red on the mountain but it will be easy enough to find him without that, if every we arrive there." There is slight uneasiness shown by Balin towards this journey. By this time our hero is probably feeling some negative vibes. At this point, Bilbo realizes how important his duties are and how difficult the journey shall be, but he's still in.
             The Dwarfs in this story are examples of mentors - which are like teachers or helpers. "Balin at your service" (p8). That's what Baggins hears from each dwarf as they arrive: at your service. So he has fourteen dwarfs at his fingertips to help him out. "Aren't you the Burglar? And isn't sitting on the doorstep your job, not to speak of getting inside the door?" (p27). Thorin begins early on in the story to teach him about his duties. One of which is being on the lookout. Mentors were well needed for Baggins in this story and they made great examples of characteristic archetypes.
             The third archetype of symbolism was shown in this novel by innate wisdom vs. educated stupidity, which basically means one has guidance from someone, worthier but possibly not more qualified. When the trolls came...