annotations- vogler 3

Summary
In this section, six roles in a story are examined: Threshold Guardian, Herald, Shapeshifter, Shadow, Ally, and Trickster. The Threshold Guardian attempts to keep a hero from entering somewhere and may act as a guard to villains or an internal demon to the hero. The Herald brings messages that set a course of events into action. The Trickster causes mischief, trying to cut egos down and allows the reader to know that a change must be created. The Shadow represents repressed feelings and emotions that one does not care for about him or herself and in the end may destroy a person. The Shapeshifter's objectives are hard to pinpoint as they are constantly changing. Allies play a part as a helper to the hero and take action when it is awkward for the hero to do so.

Response
I did not think that this section dove into the different roles too much. For the most part, several examples were given for each, but with little description. I found it interesting that a Shapeshifter does not just change form, but is revealed in a character that changes moods. Also, I did not know that a Herald can take the form of a person or force such as an earthquake. I had never given much thought before that so many types of roles are in a story until I read this book. I just wish the chapters were more descriptive.

Reflection
I saw all of these roles play a part in everyday life. Allies are represented as your friends and families. Sometimes when a person is stressed or frustrated, he or she can take on the role of a Shapeshifter lashing out at people when they are usually friendly. Heralds can come in the form of acceptance letters for a position or college or through friends who tell you something that someone else said about you. Shadows may be things like deep dark secrets that you feel as you cannot tell anyone and thus it affects your focus and wellness. These are just some examples, however all of the roles are noticed.

3 Questions
1. When have there been times in your life where you came across a Threshold Guardian? How did you make it past?
2. What is your opinion of a Shapeshifter portraying anima/animus?
3. Why do you think Goddessesare accompanied by animal allies?