What is a character archetype?

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Archetype Definition
In literature, an archetype is a typical character, an action, or a situation that seems to represent universal patterns of human nature. An archetype, also known as “universal symbol,” may be a character, a theme, a symbol, or even a setting.



Also know, what is an example of a archetype character?

Character Archetypes The Bully - Intimidates others. The Creature of Nightmare - Threatens the hero's life. The Damsel in Distress - The hero rescues her. The Devil Figure - Tempts the hero.

One may also ask, which is the best example of a character archetype? The most famous example of an archetype is the Hero. Hero stories have certain elements in common – heroes generally start out in ordinary circumstances, are “called to adventure,” and in the end must confront their darkest fear in a conflict that deeply transforms the hero.

Besides, what are the 12 character archetypes?

Here are the 12 common character archetypes, as well as examples of archetype in famous works of literature and film.

  • The Lover.
  • The Hero.
  • The Magician.
  • The Outlaw.
  • The Explorer.
  • The Sage.
  • The Innocent.
  • The Creator.

What are the seven character archetypes?

The Archetypes

  • Hero. A hero willingly sacrifices their needs for others.
  • Mentor. A teacher or trainer who aids the hero by teaching and protecting them.
  • Threshold Guardian. A character who serves to keep the unworthy from entering.
  • Herald.
  • Shadow.
  • Trickster.
  • Shapeshifter.

30 Related Question Answers Found

How do you use archetype in a sentence?

archetype Sentence Examples
  1. This archetype differs in many respects from the form in which it was republished by the editor of the entire work.
  2. He was the archetype of the individual man, the lone venturer, who against the odds makes out.
  3. We resolved to build a temple on Earth, as a sort of copy of its spiritual archetype.

What is a flat character?

Flat characters are two-dimensional in that they are relatively uncomplicated and do not change throughout the course of a work. By contrast, round characters are complex and undergo development, sometimes sufficiently to surprise the reader.

What is the difference between an archetype and a character?

An Archetype can be a character, a theme, a symbol or even a situation whereas a stereotype (in fiction) usually refers to a character with generalized character traits. This is the main difference between archetype and stereotype.

What are some examples of setting?

The setting of a story can change throughout the plot. The environment includes geographical location such as beach or mountains, the climate and weather, and the social or cultural aspects such as a school, theatre, meeting, club, etc.

What makes a hero archetype?


Hero. An archetypal motif based on overcoming obstacles and achieving certain goals. The hero's main feat is to overcome the monster of darkness: it is the long-hoped-for and expected triumph of consciousness over the unconscious. To that extent the hero is his own father and his own begetter.

What are common character archetypes?

Here's a list of some of the most commonly found archetypes in literature.
  • The Hero. Summary: The hero is always the protagonist (though the protagonist is not always a hero).
  • The Mentor. Summary: The mentor is a common archetype in literature.
  • The Everyman.
  • The Innocent.
  • The Villain.

What is the synonym of archetype?

original, archetype, pilot(noun) something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies. "this painting is a copy of the original" Synonyms: pilot light, pilot film, master copy, pilot, cowcatcher, pilot program, original, fender, master, buffer, pilot burner, airplane pilot.

What are the main archetypes?

Here are the primary Jungian archetypes, all of which Jung addresses in Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious:
  • The Self. The Anima. The Animus.
  • The Tyrant. The Sadist. The Detached Manipulator.
  • The High Chair Tyrant. The Grandstander Bully. The Know-it-all Trickster.
  • The Innocent. The Orphan. The Hero.
  • Addict. Advocate.
  • Zeus. Hera.

What are Jung's archetypes?

Carl Jung understood archetypes as universal, archaic patterns and images that derive from the collective unconscious and are the psychic counterpart of instinct. In Jungian psychology, archetypes are highly developed elements of the collective unconscious.

What are Jung's 4 major archetypes?


The psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Gustav Jung proposed that everyone's personality contains elements of four major archetypes. These archetypes provide models for our behavior and influence the way we think and act. Jung labeled these archetypes the Self, the Persona, the Shadow and the Anima/Animus.

What is a foil character?

In fiction, a foil is a character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight qualities of the other character. In some cases, a subplot can be used as a foil to the main plot. This is especially true in the case of metafiction and the "story within a story" motif.

How do archetypes affect behavior?

Archetypes Influence Behavior
How do archetypes influence our behavior? Jung described archetypes as “the forms which the instincts assume.” Instincts are like biological urges. When we trigger an instinct, it activates a pattern of behavior like running a software program on your computer.

What is a static character?

All characters in a story are either dynamic or static. A static character is one who doesn't undergo any significant change in character, personality or perspective over the course of a story. A dynamic character, in contrast, undergoes a major transition in one or more of these ways.

How are archetypes used?

Archetypes are those familiar characters, situations, or symbols that reoccur in stories throughout history and literature. Writers use them to create a connection between the audience and the piece of literature being presented.

What is a dynamic character?


a literary or dramatic character who undergoes an important inner change, as a change in personality or attitude: Ebeneezer Scrooge is a dynamic character. Compare static character.

How many archetypes are there in 2k20?

There should be 20 or so archetypes.