Archetypes
- Trickster- Puss in Boots is a cat that is very aware of his intellect who uses it to his advantage by tricking and conning people into getting what he wants. An example of this is when Puss tricks the ogre by pretending to believe that it's impossible for him to change into a mouse and then eats him when the ogre tries to prove him wrong
- Outcast Hero- The farmers son that was given Puss in Boots, instead of money or land like his brothers, spent the little money that he had on a pair of boots for the cat. By him trusting the cat and buying the boots he requested, he ended up with a good investment because the cat gave him much more back.
- The Deceived Villain- The ogre was tricked by Puss because of his pride. He ended up losing his life because he felt the need to prove the antagonistic Puss wrong about his shape-shifting abilities.
- Rags to Riches- With the aid of Puss, the farmers son goes from having no money or land to marrying a princess and living in a castle.
- Romantic/Gothic Hero- This type of hero has a good side as well as a deceitful side. Puss is his master’s hero because he gained him wealth, but he uses trickery and lies to do so.
Themes
- Using wit and smart decisions can be the most powerful tool one can use.
- Never underestimate the little guy.
Motifs
- Trickery, Deceit for personal gain
- The timeworn idea of animals as being the protector of a people