Archetypes in Literature

An overview

What is an archetype?

It is a common character type found in fiction. This same type of character can be found in various stories. The personalities are different, but the way they act and what they do is the same.

The Hero

Exhibits goodness and struggles against evil (usually). Places honor and loyalty at the top of their core values.

Pride is usually their downfall.

Ex. Hercules, Beowulf, Superman

Types of Hero

Epic: typical one who saves the day and may end up dead for his/her efforts.

Reluctant: doesn’t want to get involved but is thrust into being the hero.

Tragic: will die; his/er story is sad; makes bad decisions

Flawed: still saves the day, but has severe issues. Isn’t all friendly and nice, is too arrogant, is too mean, etc.

Companions

Loyal to the hero at all costs. Think sidekicks.

Ex. Chewbacca, all the people who helped Frodo, Spock

Benevolent guide

Gives the hero advice, counsel. Usually an older person who has experience in what the hero is going through.

Ex. Yoda, Gandolf, Superman’s dad

Trickster

Causes trouble for the characters just for the fun of watching all the problems. Usually hidden from the main character till the end of the story. Tries to stay hidden so they can enjoy the misery.

Villain

Character who is the foil for the hero. Causes evil to happen, or other problems but doesn’t hide his/her actions.

Evil figure with Good Heart

Character starts out as evil, but as the character develops the evil leaves and the character turns good.

Ex. Darth Vader, Scrooge

Scapegoat

Character who is blamed for all the problems even if the character had nothing to do with the problems. Usually the evil character frames this character.

Outcast

This character wants to be part of the group, but because they don’t fit in, either physically or socially or emotionally, they are set aside, or cast out, from the group.

Earth Mother

This character takes care of others. She is either a real mother, or is a metaphorical mother to others. Worries about their well-being both physical and emotional and spiritual.

Temptress

Female character who uses her beauty to bring down the hero. The hero may have a physical relationship with this character.

Tempts the hero away from his journey or main goal.

Ex. Helen of Troy

Platonic Ideal

Female character who is on a pedestal and for whom the hero fights. However, the hero has no physical relationship with this character, and idolizes her.

More examples of female archetypes

Damsel in Distress: needs saving by the hero. Can’t save herself; may be weak female character who can’t live without the hero. Passive personality

Unfaithful wife: married woman involved in an affair (could be the villain depending on the situation).

Hag: old woman, may be a witch who conspires against the hero or other characters.

Innocent

Usually a younger person (but doesn’t have to be) who has a gilded view of the world. Sees everything as a positive and hasn’t had any hugely negative problems to jade their thinking.