The Use of Archetypes: Understanding Common Character Types

What Are Character Archetypes?

Archetypes are universally recognizable character types or symbols that resonate across cultures and time periods. They serve as foundational elements in storytelling, helping authors create relatable characters and compelling narratives. By understanding archetypes, writers can tap into familiar patterns and themes that engage readers, allowing them to connect emotionally with the story.

The concept of archetypes has been widely discussed in literary theory, notably by Carl Jung, who proposed that archetypes are part of the collective unconscious. In literature, archetypes can manifest in various forms, from character roles to narrative structures. Understanding these common character types can help writers craft more relatable and engaging stories!

What Are the Common Character Archetypes?

The Hero Archetype

The Hero is perhaps the most recognizable archetype in literature. Heroes are typically courageous individuals who embark on a journey or quest, often facing challenges and adversities along the way. They undergo personal growth and transformation, ultimately achieving their goal.

Examples:

Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings is a classic Hero archetype. He undertakes the daunting task of destroying the One Ring, facing numerous dangers and personal struggles along the way.

Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series embodies the Hero archetype, battling against dark forces while discovering his own identity and strength.

The Mentor Archetype

The Mentor archetype represents a wise and experienced guide who provides support, knowledge, and encouragement to the Hero. Mentors often play a crucial role in the Hero’s journey, imparting wisdom and helping them navigate challenges.

Examples:

Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings serves as a Mentor, guiding Frodo and the Fellowship with his wisdom and magical abilities.

Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series offers guidance and protection to Harry as he learns to confront the darkness surrounding him.

The Shadow Archetype

The Shadow archetype represents the darker aspects of a character or society, often embodying fears, insecurities, or unresolved conflicts. Shadows serve as antagonists or obstacles for the Hero, highlighting their struggles and personal growth.

Examples:

Darth Vader in Star Wars serves as both an antagonist and a representation of the Hero’s internal struggles, showcasing the conflict between good and evil.

The Joker from the Batman series represents the chaotic and destructive elements that challenge the Hero’s moral compass.

The Trickster Archetype

The Trickster archetype embodies mischief, cunning, and a disregard for rules. Tricksters often challenge the status quo and provide comic relief while teaching important lessons through their actions.

Examples:

Loki from Norse mythology and the Marvel universe is a classic Trickster, using his wit and cunning to manipulate situations while offering insight into the nature of chaos.

Puck from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is another example, using his playful nature to create confusion and ultimately help resolve conflicts.

How Can Archetypes Enhance Your Characters?

Using archetypes allows writers to craft relatable characters that resonate with readers. By incorporating familiar traits and characteristics, authors can create connections between characters and the audience, making their journeys more impactful.

For example, readers can empathize with the Hero’s struggles because they often reflect their own challenges in life. The Mentor’s guidance can remind readers of the influences they’ve had in their lives, while the Shadow can represent the obstacles they face.

Using Archetypes to Develop Complex Characters

While archetypes provide a solid foundation for character development, it’s essential to add depth and complexity to these characters. Writers can do this by mixing archetypes or subverting expectations.

Examples:

A Hero can exhibit Trickster qualities, leading to unexpected decisions and character growth. For instance, Deadpool combines elements of the Hero and Trickster archetypes, resulting in a unique and complex character.

The Mentor can have flaws or hidden motives, adding layers to their character. In Star Wars, the complexities of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s character reveal a deeper understanding of the consequences of mentorship.

What Are the Benefits of Using Character Archetypes in Storytelling?

Help Structure Your Narrative

Archetypes can serve as a blueprint for your story, guiding character arcs and plot progression. By understanding the roles archetypes play, writers can create a coherent narrative structure that resonates with readers.

Example:

In the classic Hero’s Journey framework, various archetypes come into play, from the Hero and Mentor to the Shadow and Trickster. This structure can help writers outline their stories and ensure that character development aligns with narrative progression.

Facilitate Thematic Exploration

Incorporating archetypes can enrich thematic exploration, allowing authors to delve into universal themes that resonate with readers. For example, the struggle between good and evil can be highlighted through the interactions between the Hero and Shadow archetypes.

Example:

In The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis employs various archetypes to explore themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the battle between light and darkness.

What Strategies Can You Use to Identify Archetypes?

To effectively incorporate archetypes into your characters, consider the following strategies:

Character Analysis: Examine existing characters in literature or film to identify their archetypal roles. Analyze their traits, motivations, and relationships with other characters.

Create Character Profiles: Develop detailed character profiles that outline the archetype for each character, along with their unique traits, backstory, and motivations.

How Can You Develop Archetypes into Unique Characters?

While archetypes provide a framework, developing unique characters involves adding depth and complexity. Here are some techniques:

Blend Archetypes: Combine different archetypes to create multifaceted characters. For example, a Hero who also embodies Trickster qualities can lead to intriguing character dynamics and unexpected plot twists.

Explore Backstories: Flesh out the characters’ histories, motivations, and internal conflicts. Understanding their past can add depth to their current roles, making them more relatable and engaging.

Resources for Further Exploring Character Archetypes in Writing

The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler: This book explores archetypes in the context of the Hero’s Journey and provides practical advice for writers.

Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious by Carl Jung: A foundational text on the concept of archetypes, offering insights into their psychological significance.

Writers’ Digest: Offers articles and resources on character development and archetypes.

Archetype Those Characters!

Understanding and utilizing archetypes can significantly enhance your storytelling, allowing you to create relatable characters and compelling narratives. By recognizing common character types and exploring their complexities, you can develop rich, engaging stories that resonate with readers.

Incorporating archetypes provides a framework for character development and thematic exploration, enabling you to craft narratives that connect emotionally with your audience. As you delve into the world of archetypes, consider how they can elevate your writing, adding depth, nuance, and universality to your stories. By embracing the power of archetypes, you can create characters and narratives that leave a lasting impact on your readers.

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.