Archetypes v. Stereotypes
Stereotype—
Archetype—
Stereotypes
Archetypes
Common archetypes in literature:
Characters
1. hero—courageous figure, the one who’s always running in and saving
the day
2. outcast—has been cast out of society or has left it on a voluntary
basis
3. scapegoat—the one who gets blamed for everything, regardless of
whether he or she is actually at fault
4. star-crossed lovers---young couple joined by love but
unexpectedly parted by fate
5. shrew—scolding, nagging, evil-tempered woman
6. initiates—young heroes or heroines who, before their quest, must
endure some kind of training or ceremony
7. mentor(s)—serve as teachers or counselors to the initiate
(sometimes role model, other times parental figure).
8. villain—evil character who offers worldly goods, fame, or
knowledge to the hero or main character in exchange for
something
9. temptress—characterized by sensuous beauty, she is the one to
whom the hero is physically attracted and who ultimately brings
about his downfall
10. damsel in distress—the vulnerable woman who must be recognized
by that hero; she is often used to trap the unsuspecting hero
Situations:
1. The task—a situation in which a character, or group of characters, is
driven to complete some duty of monstrous proportions
2. 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 this quest
3. The loss of innocence—This is, as the name implies, a loss of
innocence through adult experiences, violence, or any other means.