Why This is Good

The mentor archetype is a common character in all types of films. They can appear and disappear as needed, usually helping the hero in the beginning, and then letting them do the hard part on their own.  The mentor helps train, prepare, encourage and guide the hero. They are obvious in some films-Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid, Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio, Obi-Wan, and later Yoda in the original Star Wars trilogy and Red in The Shawshank Redemption.

There is usually some reason why the mentor must leave the hero on their own in the end, letting the hero face the greatest obstacles in the climax all alone, with only the things the mentor has taught them to rely on. This has to happen because the hero must face their nemesis in the climax alone. They can have help and some assistance up to that point, but the final battle should involve the hero overcoming the nemesis, and it should be as difficult as possible for the hero. The mentor can guide, teach, train and help but he or she cannot do anything for the hero or make the hero’s journey too easy. The archetypes must never break the rule that things must be constantly and increasingly difficult for the hero throughout the story.

It’s important to remember that a mentor is an ally, but not all allies are mentors. There are also sidekicks and other characters that may help the hero, but not act as true mentors because they don’t teach and train and prepare the hero for his or her journey or quest.  Not all stories have mentors. All films will have at least one hero and a nemesis or force opposing the hero, but the other archetypes are not required and not always present.