Christopher Vogler The Writers Journey
standing its ways can be helpful in storytelling and in life.
Heroes frequendy encounter figures, often of the opposite sex, whose primary
characteristic is that they appear to change constandy from the hero's point of view.
Often the hero's love interest or romantic partner will manifest the qualities o f a
Shapeshifter. W e have all experienced relationships in which our partner is fickle,
two-faced, or bewilderingly changeable. In Fatal Attraction the hero is confronted with
a Shapeshifting woman who changes from a passionate lover to an insane, murderous
harpy.
Shapeshifters change appearance or mood, and are difficult for the hero and
the audience to pin down. T h e y may mislead the hero or keep her guessing, and their
loyalty or sincerity is often in question. An Ally or friend of the same sex as the hero
may also act as a Shapeshifter in a buddy comedy or adventure
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