Unlock the Identity of 4 Archetypes in 5 days!
Over five days, create four simple character masks and journals to explore and present each archetype through drawing, role-play, and short descriptions.
Step-by-step guide to Unlock the Identity of 4 Archetypes in 5 Days
Characters: Story Elements for Kids
Step 1
Gather all your materials in one place so you can work without searching.
Step 2
Plan a five-day schedule: make one archetype per day for four days and use day five to rehearse and present.
Step 3
Choose four archetypes (for example Hero Explorer Caregiver Trickster) and write each name at the top of a separate journal page.
Step 4
Draw a simple symbol next to each name that shows what makes that archetype special.
Step 5
Make four simple journals by folding plain paper in half and securing the fold with a stapler or tape.
Step 6
Cut out four mask shapes from paper plates or cardstock sized to your face.
Step 7
Make each mask wearable by adding holes at the sides and attaching elastic or string.
Step 8
Create the mask and matching journal page for Archetype 1 by decorating the mask to match the symbol and drawing the character in the journal with two short sentences about who they are.
Step 9
Create the mask and matching journal page for Archetype 2 by decorating the mask to match the symbol and drawing the character in the journal with two short sentences about who they are.
Step 10
Create the mask and matching journal page for Archetype 3 by decorating the mask to match the symbol and drawing the character in the journal with two short sentences about who they are.
Step 11
Create the mask and matching journal page for Archetype 4 by decorating the mask to match the symbol and drawing the character in the journal with two short sentences about who they are.
Step 12
Practice a short 30 to 60 second role-play for each archetype while wearing its mask and use your journal notes to guide how the character talks and moves.
Step 13
Share your finished masks and journals on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of paper plates, cardstock, or elastic if those are hard to find?
If you can't find paper plates, cardstock, or elastic, cut mask shapes from cereal-box cardboard, thread yarn or ribbon through the side holes, and secure folded journal pages with tape or glue instead of a stapler.
My side holes keep tearing when I attach the elastic—how can I fix that?
If the side holes tear while attaching elastic or string, reinforce each hole with clear tape or a paper patch glued over the spot, then re-punch the hole and tie the elastic or ribbon through the reinforced area.
How can I adapt the five-day plan for different ages?
For ages 4–6, have an adult pre-cut mask shapes, fold and staple the journals for them, and do 10–20 second role-plays with simple symbols, while older kids can add detailed drawings, longer 30–60 second monologues, and more elaborate decorations like craft foam or sequins.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize the archetype masks and journals?
Extend the activity by making small props (a cardboard shield for the Hero or a paper map for the Explorer), expanding each journal page into a longer backstory and costume plan to rehearse on day five, and then photograph or record a short clip to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Unlock the Identity of 4 Archetypes in 5 Days
Story Elements For Kids: What Is a Character?
3 Videos
Story Elements For Kids: What Is a Character?
Types of Characters in a Story
Character actions in stories | Reading | Khan Academy
Facts about character exploration and role-play for kids
🎨 Bold shapes and colors on masks exaggerate emotions so an audience can read a character from far away.
🧠 Carl Jung popularized archetypes as familiar character shapes (hero, mentor, trickster) that show up across cultures and stories.
🎭 Masks have been used for thousands of years in rituals and theater to transform identity and tell stories.
📝 Short daily journals and character sketches help you spot feelings, habits, and little details that make a mask feel like a person.
🤝 Simple role-play and improv techniques like yes, and... help people think on their feet and step into another character's shoes.
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