The Mask of Zorro (1998) and character archetypes

Fig 1. Poster for The Mask of Zorro (1998)

The Mentor

Don Diego de la Vega as he is shown teaching Alejandro how to be like he was in his prime and become
the next Zorro. He is often critical of his mistakes and when he comes back from his first night Zorro
he scolds for his reckless acts.

The Maiden

Elena Montero acts as the maiden being framed as a beautiful, pure character contrasted by the
devilish and monstrous Diego Montero.

The Shapeshifter

Elena Montero often tries to kill Zorro when she first meets him to her supposed father. Over the
course of the film’s runtime, however, she slowly realizes the true nature of her ‘father’ and plans he
has in mind for the state of California. She then becomes an allie for Zorro assisting him in final act by
freeing imprisoned workers in Montero’s camp.

The Trickster

Three-Fingered Jack is portrayed as the trickster as he is often the one who creates cunning plans to
swindle or steal from others.

The Herald
Don Diego de la Vega acts as the Herald being the one who meets Alejandro and convinces him to go
on the journey of redemption and betterment and become the next Zorro and save California from
Montero.

The Shadow

Don Rafael Montero and Captain Harrison Love act as the shadow as both prove to be major obstacles
to the heroes especially Montero who acts as the films main villain and being the to incite the events
of the film.

The Allies

Joaquin Murrieta at first appears to be an ally but is killed within the first act of the film though what
little screen time he has does show he cares deeply for his brother, Alejandro by telling him to hide
and sacrificing himself for his safety.

The Mother

Esperanza De La Vega acts as a mother being Elena biological parent, being framed as a pure and noble
figure. Her death at the hands of De la Vega is what drives the wants and needs of

The Hero

Alejandro Murietta being the protagonist is most likely the hero as he goes through struggles, learns
the ways and techniques of Zorro and goes on the journey to save the people of California from the
villainous machinations of Don Rafael Montero.

The Child

Elena Montero acts as the closest thing to a child with her naivety driving her view of the events of
the film for most of its duration unaware of the true of her father and the mysterious vigilante known
as Zorro.

The Father

Don Diego de la Vega as he wishes to rescue Elena, who is her daughter in actuality, from Rafael
Montero and restore his reputation as a proud nobleman and him to justice for killing his wife, taking
his child and tormenting his fellow man.

The Threshold Guardian

Captain Harrison Love acts as the threshold as he is the first real foe Alejandro must overcome in order
to advance his journey and stop his and Montero’s plans from coming to fruition. This becomes
apparent in mansion fight scene with him and Alejandro.

In conclusion it does appear that not every character in the film has a one specific archetype but
instead some are given multiple. This does, however, allow for the characters to have more personality
and make them more related showing they have more to them than just one set of traits including the
villains.

Image List

Fig 1. The Mask of Zorro Poster (1998) [poster] At: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120746/ created
on: 18/06/2013 Accessed on: 10/12/2019