What is an Archetype?

The word archetype is from the Greek arkhetupon, first mould or model, in the meaning of being the initial version of something later multiplied. It is made up of arkhos, meaning chief or ruler (used also in e.g. archbishop and monarch), and tupos, meaning mould, model or type. The archetype has been used to describe original or ideal model phenomena and characters, such as easily recognizable type-roles in drama - like the evil stepmother, the miser, the brave hero. In the case of drama and literature, such archetypes are usually traceable back to myth and fable.

Simply put, an archetype is a set pattern of behavior. Plato referred to archetypes as Forms, which he saw as pre-existing ideal templates or blueprints. Archetypes are what Carl Jung called “primordial images” and the “fundamental units of the human mind.”

Every character you see on television and in films represents an archetype. Virtually every response you give to your environment—the way you behave—is an expression of an archetype too. Almost all human behavior is guided by archetypes.“Archetypes,” Jung wrote in The Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche,“are the living system of reactions and aptitudes that determine the individual’s life in invisible ways.”

• THE HERO

  • The Hero archetype represents the process of overcoming obstacles to achieve specific goals. In myths, the hero’s objective is often to find a treasure like a golden egg, save a princess, and return with the elixir of life.

  • All of these are metaphors for a psychological journey to return to one’s true feelings and unique potential—what Carl Jung called the process of individuation.

  • Jung wrote in Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious:“The hero’s main feat is to overcome the monster of darkness: it is the long-hoped-for and expected triumph of consciousness over the unconscious.”

  • Our media celebrates the hero archetype. Every superhero film (Avengers, Justice League), epic adventure (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Toy Story, Cars), and drama centers about the Hero archetype.

• MENTOR

  • Older and wiser, the mentor often guides the hero on his journey and is usually outside accepted society himself.  The mentor equips the hero with a gift (either tangible or knowledge) that will help the hero later in his quest.

• MOTHER

  • The mother can be protective, nurturing, and gentle. 

• FATHER

  • The father is often an authority figure, he can induce fear though can also have a role as a protector.

• MONSTER/VILLAIN

  • Antagonist, appears in many forms. 

• THE INNOCENT

  • An inexperienced character that becomes exposed to the evils of the world.

• THE TRICKSTER

  • A rascal agent pushing the hero toward change.

• DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

  • This is most often a vulnerable woman who needs rescued. 

• HELPERS

  • Helpers can be male, female, agender, human, alien, or animal.

  • Helpers are often portrayed as old and wise.

  • His or her role is to assist or guide the protagonist.

• The Underdog

  • An underdog is someone who isn't likely to win a competition or contest. Anyone at a disadvantage, whether in general or in a particular situation, can be called an underdog.

  • Underdogs may often be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

  • In stories, they often win something of value in the end. 

  • One theory is that humanity's love for the underdog is basically an expression of schadenfreude — pleasure one experiences due to the misfortune of others.

• The Quest to Know Who You Are

• The Quest for Knowledge

• The Quest to Find the Promised Land (alt. ...Build a Beautiful City)

• The Warrior's Quest to Save the People & Rid the Land of Danger

• The Quest for Revenge

• The Quest for Fame and Fortune

• The Fool's Quest

• The Search for Love

• THE CROSSROADS

  • This can be a literal setting in the myth, legend, fairy tale, or story. Two paths diverge, a choice must be made. The protagonist may suffer here at this point of decision.

• THE CASTLE

  • The castle may be enchanted or bewitched. It is a stronghold that likely has somthing of value within its walls: a princess, a prize, treasure? It can also be a place of safety and security. 

• THE UNDERWORLD

  • One may encounter death or fear in the underworld. 

• THE MAZE OR LABYRINTH

  • The maze represents a puzzling dilemma or great uncertainty.