The Replacement of the Mentor/Educator Archetype With the Pseudo-Father Figure and in the Video Game Narrative

Abstract

Research objectives (aims) and problem(s): This manuscript investigates the reproduction of the classic figure of the mentor/educator and how, in recent times, it has transformed into the archetype of the circumstantial father in video games. Research methods and structure of the article: Through the discourse analysis of the narrative of four popular video games: God of War, The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite and The Walking Dead, we propose: identify the plot conflicts derived from the fact that the character is a father circumstantial and discern the identifying features of this pseudo-father figure from the structural patterns of the monomyth or hero's journey and relate its characteristics with those of the classic figure of the mentor/educator. Brief description of the context of the problem: Do video games show educational models in their stories? The characters in the audiovisual narrative are a representation of the particular and universal dimension of the environment and the social context of their time. This conception of multicultural humanity allows us to understand the potential of the narrative elements that are developed in different stories and stories, such as archetypes or tropes. In the video game industry in particular, the advances in animation techniques and the community's interest in social and human issues have meant greater depth in the construction of characters and the inclusion of figures away from conventional patterns. Research findings and their impact on the development of educational sciences: The findings allow us to conclude that there is a trend towards replacing the classic archetype of the mentor with the figure of the circumstantial father. Conclusions and/or recommendations: This new character moves away from the classic pattern of Joseph Campbell's hero's journey and is more similar to the characteristics of contemporary antiheroic characters. However, this new archetype bases its teaching on resilience and sacrifice, a relevant fact as it is a figure designed to educate and instill values in young people.