Literary Archetypes
Ms. Geller’s Sensational
Sophomore World Lit
Fall 2013
What is an archetype?
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An archetype is a term used to describe
universal symbols that evoke deep and
sometimes unconscious responses in a reader.
In literature, characters, images, and themes
that symbolically embody universal meanings
and basic human experiences, regardless of
when or where they live, are considered
archetypes.
Common literary archetypes include stories of
quests, initiations, heroes, descents to the
underworld, and ascents to heaven.
Common Character Archetypes
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The Hero: The courageous figure, the one who’s always running in
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Threshold Guardian: Protects the “Special World” and its secrets
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and saving the day.
(e.g. Odysseus, Harry Potter)
from the Hero; provides essential tests to prove the Hero’s
commitment and worth.
(e.g. Rafiki from The Lion King )
Pirate/Cowboy: The rebel, nonconformist, revolutionary.
(e.g. Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean)
Childlike Innocent: Has trust, faith, and optimism.
(e.g. Russell from the movie Up )
The Earth Mother: symbolic of fruition, abundance, and fertility; this
character often offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those
with whom she comes in contact.
(e.g. Gaia from Captain Planet)
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The Damsel in Distress (Princess): A vulnerable woman who needs
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The Villain: Most often the antagonist. This archetype is typically
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The Mentor/Sage: The figure who plays a teacher/advisor’s role to
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to be rescued by the hero.
(e.g.______________________)
the nemesis of the hero.
(e.g.______________________)
the hero.
(e.g.______________________)
The Sidekick: The figure who is often an aide/friend to the hero
and often accompanies the hero on his journey.
(e.g.______________________)
The Monster: Unnatural, strange, mystical beasts; hostile to people;
can be judged as good/evil.
(e.g. Cyclops, Wicked Witch of the West)
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Jester: clown or fool; not serious; helps to lighten the mood.
(e.g.______________________)
Situational Archetypes
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The Task: A situation in which a character, or group of
characters, is driven to complete some duty often of
monstrous proportion. (e.g. Frodo’s task to keep the ring
safe in The Lord of the Rings)
The Quest: Here, the character(s) are searching for
something, whether consciously or unconsciously. Their
actions, thoughts, and feelings center around the goal of
completing the quest. (e.g.Shrek )
The Loss of Innocence: This is, as the name implies,
a loss of innocence through sexual experience, violence,
or any other means.
The Initiation: This is the process by which a character
is brought into another sphere of influence, usually (in
literature) into adulthood.
Common Image Archetypes
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Certain images that recur in myths and
other genres of literature often have a
common meaning or tend to elicit
comparable psychological responses and
to serve similar cultural functions.
Water
Sun
Colors
Shapes, numbers, & other objects
Water
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a symbol of life, cleansing, and rebirth—
represents the mystery of creation or a symbol
of sadness
Examples:
Sea—spiritual mystery and infinity; timelessness
and eternity
Rain = rebirth, transition, or sadness
Going underwater & coming back up (river, lake,
sea, etc.) = rebirth (like a baptism)
Sun
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Represents energy, creativity, thinking,
enlightenment, wisdom, spiritual vision,
the passing of time, and life
Examples:
Rising Sun—Birth and Creation
Setting Sun—Death
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Colors
Red—love, sacrifice, hate, evil, anger, violence passion, sin,
blood, disorder, danger
Green—birth / death, fertility, luck, hope, jealousy, decay,
greed
Blue—sadness, spiritual purity, truth, religious feelings of
security
Black—power, doom, death, darkness, mystery, primal
wisdom, unconscious evil
White—purity, innocence, death, terror, supernatural,
blinding truth
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Black/white checkered floor—fate (like a chess board)
Grey—uncertainty, ambiguity (blend of black/white)
Brown—earth, nature
Light vs. dark—good vs. evil, hope vs. despair, knowledge vs.
ignorance
Shapes/Objects
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Circle (Sphere)—wholeness, unity
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Egg (Oval)—the mystery of life and the
forces of regeneration
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Mirrors: symbols of self-reflection and
duality (2 sides/choices)
Numbers
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Three (3)—represents unity, spiritual
awareness, and light, 3 is considered a
mystical number.
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Four (4)—cycle of life, (earth, water, fire,
air) nature
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Seven (7)—unity between 3 and 4,
completion and perfect order
Animals
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Snake (serpent, worm)—evil, corruption,
sensuality, destruction, wisdom,
temptation
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Dark-colored bird (raven, hawk)—death,
hate, corruption
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Light-colored bird (dove)—peace, love, life