Male Protagonist Characterization Typology of the Ancient Persian Love Stories: An Analysis of Three Types in Six Stories

Abstract

Male Protagonist Characterization Typology of the Ancient Persian Love Stories has been established upon monarchical and religious patterns. Through analysis of six love stories, three characterization types are recognized. The first type is the Champion of Saam (Zaal, Rostam) Families, represented through Izad Bahram’s characteristics. The type is heavily influenced by Persian and Indian myths. The second characterization type is the Champion of Monarchical Divine Families (e.g. Families of Siavash, Bijan, Khosro). The characteristics of this champion are resultants of idealistic monarchical patterns of Ancient Persia. The third characterization type is the troubadour. Although formed on the basis of traditions of monarchical banquets, this type is vividly distinct from the aforementioned variants

Keywords

• love story
• type
• character
• male protagonist
• myth