Archetypes in
Literature
An overview

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.
What is an archetype?



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
The 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
Types of Hero

Flawed: still saves
the day, but has
severe issues. Isn’t
all friendly and nice,
is too arrogant, is too
mean, etc.


Loyal to the hero at
all costs. Think
sidekicks.
Ex. Chewbacca, all
the people who
helped Frodo, Spock
Companions


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
Benevolent guide

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.

Character who is
the foil for the hero.
Causes evil to
happen, or other
problems but
doesn’t hide his/her
actions.
Villain


Character starts out
as evil, but as the
character develops
the evil leaves and
the character turns
good.
Ex. Darth Vader,
Scrooge
Evil figure with Good Heart

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.
Scapegoat

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.

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.
Earth Mother



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
Temptress

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.


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.
More examples of female
archetypes

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.
Innocent