Heroic archetypes in Avatar

[neytirifanboy]

I think the reason that Neytiri doesn't quite fit the noble savage is that she is not really portrayed to be uncivilised or a savage in the first place.

To me the noble savage clearly appears to be or is a barbarian at the beginning, but turns out to be more civilised as the story goes on.

But right from the first scene we see her, Neytiri is shown to be clever, thoughtful and compassionate. So it doesn't quite fit.

If any character fits the noble savage it is Tsu-Tey. While Grace fits the tragic hero quite well.