Definition of Archetype
• In literature, an archetype is a typical character, an action or a
situation that seems to represent universal patterns of human
nature.
Archetypal Character
These are the “stereotype” characters that you see over and over
again.
You’ve seen these characters throughout different cultures and
over different eras in history.
Here are just a few…
Archetypal Character
Character
Description
Examples
Note the underlined words and phrases; these
will help you take quick notes!
The Hero
larger-than-life character
often goes on some kind of journey or quest
hero must demonstrate the qualities and
abilities valued by his culture
Mother is sometimes a virgin, circumstances of
birth are unusual, some attempt is made at
birth to kill him; raised by foster parents,
returns to his kingdom to right wrongs, marries
a princess, becomes king, meets a mysterious
death, body is burned rather than buried
Odysseus
King Arthur
Prince Charming
Luke Skywalker
(Star Wars)
Frodo (The Lord
of the Rings)
Harry Potter
Archetypal Character
Character
Description
Examples
ANTI-HERO
A non-hero, given the job of failure,
frequently humorous
He is not the typical hero because he
does not always possess purely good
qualities or personality traits.
think Homer
Simpson
For example, while the hero is courageous,
the anti-hero might be scared. While the hero
is handsome, the anti-hero might be too
short, too hairy or too fat. While the hero is
self-assured, the anti-hero might be plagued
with insecurities. While the hero is out for
justice and serving the common good, the
anti-hero might be selfish and rebellious
against this same common good. This is what
makes him or her relatable and likable.
Holden Caulfield
Archetypal Characters
Character
Description
Examples
The Initiate
An innocent young pre-hero who must go
on a quest or special training before
earning the right to be a hero.
Luke Skywalker
The Innocent
An inexperienced character that is exposed
to the evils in the world
Dorothy
(The Wizard of
Oz)
The Damsel in
Distress
Woman who needs to be rescued
female figure, usually young & beautiful,
who is placed in a dire predicament by a
villain or monster and needs a hero to
rescue her
Rapunzel
Sleeping Beauty
Character
Description
Examples
Helpers
Wise Old Woman, Man, or Animal; Teacher or
Mentor
Characters that assist or guide the protagonist
Merlin
(King Arthur)
Yoda
(Star Wars)
The Father Figure
FATHER-SON
CONFLICT
The protector and leader
— father and son are separated and do not
meet until the son is an adult; often the
mentor is loved and respected more (think
Obi wan kenobi)
Mufasa
(The Lion King)
The Mother
Figure
EARTHMOTHER
The protective nurturer and gentle provider
- often a goddess who brings the life source to
the story either by actually birthing things into
being or nurturing them for survival
—offers spiritual and emotional nourishment
to those she meets; shown in earth colors and
has large breasts and hips symbolic of her
childbearing capabilities
Mrs. Weasely
(Harry Potter)
Fairy Godmother
(Cinderella)
Archetypal Characters
Character
Description
Examples
The Temptress
A woman who uses her power
(intellect, magic, beauty) to make
men weak
sensuous beauty; brings about the
hero’s downfall because he is
physically attracted to her
The White Witch
(The Lion, the
Witch, and the
Wardrobe)
The DEVIL
FIGURE
evil incarnate; offers worldly goods,
fame, or knowledge to the hero in
exchange for possession of the soul
The Sirens
Archetypal Characters
Character
Description
Examples
Monster/Villain
The antagonist (opposes
the protagonist)
The Giant (Jack and the
Beanstalk)
May be an evil genius,
sadist, creature or
predator
The Trickster/The Fool
Characters who tricks
Fred and George
others to get them to do Weasely (Harry Potter)
what he/she wants—
Road Runner
they can be both
virtuous or evil
The EVIL FIGURE WITH
GOOD HEART
redeemable evil figure
saved by the nobility or
love of the hero.
Gru
(Despicable Me)
Archetypal Characters
Character
Description
Examples
The Underdog
Characters who are always in the wrong
The Ugly
place at the wrong time, but who usually win Duckling
something of value in the end
Neville
Longbottom
(Harry Potter)
The SCAPEGOAT
animal or human who is unjustly held
responsible for others’ sins; sacrificed but
they often become more powerful force
dead than alive
STAR-CROSSED
LOVERS
two lovers forbidden to be together because
of the rules of society or family; often ends
tragically
Romeo and
Juliet