Archetypal characters are basic prototypes found in literature based on Carl Jung’s ideas about archetypes in society. They fulfill basic functions in the plot and form the outlines for main characters to develop from. They are essential for human understanding and relationship to a story. The four basic archetypes are the mother, rebirth, spirit, and trickster. Good characterization moves the character beyond the limits of its archetype.
An archetypal character is a basic character prototype found in stories and literature. It is a philosophical-psychological idea based on psychologist Carl Jung’s ideas about archetypes in society. In literature, the archetypal character often fulfills the basic functions of the plot or story, allowing the story to unfold more smoothly. The character also often forms the basic outlines for the main characters to develop from.
Humans take comfort in the presence of an archetypal character in stories, even if such characters are almost never present in everyday life. Carl Jung believed that such archetypes, be they characters or basic story elements, were essential to a human being’s understanding and relationship to a story. If the story isn’t relevant to the person or they can’t relate to it, it creates alienation and separation.
The archetypal character, then, is a simple and easily identifiable character who does not require a lengthy introduction, description, or backstory. Jung believed there were four basic archetypes from which all others sprang. These are the mother, the rebirth, the spirit and the trickster. The trickster is often called “the devil,” as he performs the same function. One of the most famous tricksters in mythology is probably the Norse god Loki.
These four basic archetypes have since developed into a larger brand of character types including the hero, the child, the sage, and the mentor. William Shakespeare and other classic writers introduced their own characters who have since become archetypes. Two of Shakespeare’s include the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet and the portly, lewd knight, Falstaff.
Genre science fiction, especially bad fantasy, is well known for stocking its stories with simple archetypes. These are often called cardboard cutout characters due to their poor characterization. The fantasy gang, about to embark on an epic journey or a story of daring, is almost always filled with the same selection of archetypes: the honorable knight, the lovable rogue, the mysterious wizard, the maiden, and so on. Detective fiction is also well known for its use of archetypal characters.
Harry Potter is a good example of the use of archetypes. JK Rowling drew on many mythological archetypes, motifs and allusions to piece together her story and make it easily identifiable to readers. These include the orphaned child (Harry), the mentor (Dumbledore), the villain who killed the orphan’s father (Voldemort), and the sidekicks (Hermione and Rupert).
Good characterization in modern literature is seen as developing a character beyond the limits of its archetype. An archetypal character is seen as minor and functional, or as an example of poor characterization by the author. Characterization is often accompanied by active attempts to move the character away from the norms of his archetype.
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