What is an Archetype?
When we say something or someone is "archetypical," we are making note of how that person, object, or idea is universally recognized. In literary terms, an archetype is a typical character or situation that appears in many pieces of literature. Psychologist Carl Jung proposed a set of twelve common character archetypes that he believed represented the "collective unconscious" of human beings as they deal with shared experiences (birth, death, love, religion, survival, etc.). Authors employ archetypes as a sort of "universal grammar" that helps readers throughout culture to identify more easily with the stories they tell.
Use the chart below to compare Jung's common social archetypes to the literary archetypes you are likely familiar with. Consider how each of these archetypes acts symbolically to advance the story (or in some cases, to change a retold story).
Literary Protagonists |
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Jung |
Archetype |
Characteristics |
Common tropes |
The Innocent a person untouched by cynicism or distrust. |
The Innocent a character who maintains his or her idealistic views throughout a story. |
free-spirited, naive, saintly, romantic |
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The Victim a character whose sacrifice or pain drives the story.
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sacrificial, weak, ineffective |
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The Orphan a child unbound to parental restrictions, seeks adventure and belonging.
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The Initiate an inexperienced character who grows in the course of the story. |
coming-of-age |
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The Everyman an average character facing difficult situations, either as the protagonist or as the companion. |
real, solid, fair, relatable, blends in |
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The Hero a person who acts to save others and improve the world around them. |
The Hero a person who acts to save others and improve the world around them. |
courageous, strong, competent, may be arrogant |
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The Rebel / a person who seeks to overturn what isn't working. |
The Anti-Hero a reclusive or rebellious character who performs acts of heroism, despite his flaws.
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outrageous, radical, outlaw, disruptive, misfit, revolutionary |
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The Explorer a person who seeks the freedom to experience life without boundries |
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non-conforming, autonomous, individualistic |
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The Caregiver a person who nurtures or otherwise guides others. |
The Mother Figure a character who cares for and guides a younger character.
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selfless, compassionate, generous, loyal |
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The Sage a person who uses intelligence to understand the world and shares that understanding with others. |
The Mentor a character who protects and teaches other characters. |
wise, scholarly, thinking, philosophical |
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The Lover a person who seeks a relationship with those they love. |
The Companion individual or multiple characters loyal to one another and protective of the hero. |
intimate, passionate, enthusiastic |
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The Jester a person who wants to have a great time or who tends to amuse others. |
The Trickster a character (good or evil) who plays tricks on those around them, often leaving confusion and chaos in their wake. |
playful, funny, frivolous, joyful, mischievous |
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The Creator a person who seeks to envision and realize an idea |
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visionary, artistic, creative, innovative |
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The Magician a person who seeks to make dreams come true. |
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catalytic, spiritual, healer |
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The Ruler a person who seeks to lead others into prosperity and success. |
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managing, powerful |
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Literary Antagonists |
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Jung's archetypes may be applied to antagonists, as well as protagonists. |
The Villain a human character who acts as an antagonist, opposing and often seeking to annihilate the protagonist. |
angry, vengeful, manipulative, evil |
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The Monster an unnatural or non-human character who acts as an antagonist who is a threat to the protagonist and other characters. |
unnatural, non-human, instinctual, unsympathetic |
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The Doppelganger a shadow of the character that represents another side to his or her personality. |
opposite, contrary |
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Setting Archetypes
Situational Archetypes
Symbolic Natural Phenomena
Symbolic Objects
Symbolic Numbers
1 self, harmony, positive
2 duality, contrast, balance
3 male, divine, magical
4 female, nature, stability
7 a perfect number (3+4), wisdom
10 perfection, completion
12 cosmic cycle, day and night
40 trial and tribulations, fatality
Symbolism of Colors
Red = passion, sacrifice, passion, heat, violence, anger
Orange= fire, ambition, pride
Yellow= happiness, wisdom
Green= growth, fertility, nature, change, greed
Blue= serenity, security, purity, peace, depth, height, devotion
Purple= majesty, power
Black=darkness, chaos, evil, death, rebellion
White=light, purity, innocence, peace, goodness
Library Information and Media Center - Monona Grove High School - Monona, Wisconsin