Comprehensive Guide to Literary and Psychological Archetypes

The Sage

Helps the protagonist; knowledgeable, intelligent, & logical. Motto: 'The truth will set you free.' Examples: wise old man, mentor, expert, scholar, thinker, planner.

The Innocent

Imaginative and hopeful; loyal; has faith in the world; does the right thing. Motto: 'I cannot tell a lie.' Examples: child, dreamer, naive, hopeful, optimist, scapegoat.

The Explorer

Seeks adventure; loves to travel; can also be an academic explorer, seeking knowledge. Motto: 'Don't fence me in.' 'Knowledge is for the taking.' Examples: seeker, wanderer, explorer, pilgrim, pioneer, geek, scholar, academic.

The Ruler

Wants power and control over others; abides by the rules but can turn into a tyrant. Examples: king, queen, leader, aristocrat, politician, administrator, judge, temptress.

The Caregiver

Desires to help and protect others; nurturing, compassionate, selfless. Examples: saint, mother, father, helper, angel, good samaritan, healer.

The Creator

Wants to leave a legacy through his/her art/creation; prioritizes work over relationships; clever, imaginative, sometimes god-like. Motto: 'If you can imagine it, it can happen.' Examples: artist, inventor, musician, writer, actor, director, visionary.

The Magician

Can be good and wise or manipulative and evil; has the ability to see what a person can be; understands the laws of the universe; uses magic/trickery to help or hurt. Examples: shaman, wizard, illusionist, medicine man.

The Hero

Usually the protagonist; honorable and brave; loves to prove their worth; won't accept failure; wants to improve the world; competent, ready, afraid of failure. Motto: 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' Examples: crusader, superhero, soldier, warrior, athlete.

The Rebel

Loves to break the rules and test the status quo; sometimes is a radical revolutionary; wants to overturn or change what he/she thinks isn't working; often self-destructive, dangerous, and immoral. Motto: 'Freedom or death.' Examples: revolutionary, gambler, misfit, maverick, outlaw, villain, reformer, temptress.

The Joker

Loves to be fun and silly; loves to enjoy life; everyone likes them; they are good confidantes; they can be constant distractors. Mottos: 'Life is too short!' and 'You only live once.' Examples: joker, court jester, goofball, clown, shapeshifter, the fool, comedian.

The Orphan/Everyman

Often fend for themselves; desire to connect with others; strong urge to find where they fit in; lack of self-confidence; afraid of abandonment. Examples: the 'everyman,' person next door, working stiff, solid citizen, stay-at-home mom, average Joe.

The Lover

Lives to support their partner; shows much affection; can become obsessive; wants to be in a relationship; open with their feelings; passionate, grateful, romantic. Motto: 'I only have eyes for you.' Examples: partner, best friend, lover, spouse, companion, romantic.

man vs self

An internal conflict that involves character development or redemption.

man vs man

An interpersonal conflict that can occur between humans, aliens, or divine beings.

man vs nature

A conflict often centered around survival or natural disasters.

man vs fate/god(s)

A conflict where the protagonist struggles against predetermined outcomes or divine forces.

man vs society

A conflict where the protagonist faces opposition from societal norms or structures.

man vs the unknown/extraterrestrial

A conflict involving encounters with unknown entities or forces.

man vs technology

A conflict where the protagonist struggles against technological advancements or machines.

Carl Jung's shadow theory

The concept that everyone carries a shadow, which is darker when less embodied in conscious life.

internal conflict

A struggle within a character, often related to personal flaws or insecurities.

interpersonal conflict

A struggle between characters, often involving differing motivations or desires.

archetypal settings

Commonly recognized locations in literature that evoke specific themes or emotions.

Examples of Archetypal Settings

Islands, Night/Darkness, Caves/Tunnels, Ship at Sea, Paradise, Mountains, River, Day/Bright Sun, Desert, Bridge, The Sea/Ocean, Outer Space, Garden, Forest, Trees/A Path, Heaven, Hell, the Weather.

universal themes

Common themes found across various cultures and eras in literature.

Examples of Universal Themes

Power Corrupts, Force/Influence, The American Dream, Importance of Family, Man Against Himself, Star-Crossed Lovers, The Search for Freedom, Crime Doesn't Pay, Death is a Part of Life, Man Against Man, Good Triumphs Over Evil, Rags to Riches, Birth/Death/Rebirth, Man against Nature, Sacrifice Brings Reward, Relationships, Overcoming Injustice, Overcoming Adversity, Man against Society, Redemption.

Analytical Psychology

Also called Jungian psychology, it focuses on understanding the root causes of mental instability.

Jung's work

Jung worked with disturbed and psychotic individuals to identify the root causes of their mental instability.

Word Test

A test where up to 100 words are read to an individual, and the amount of pause in responding indicates potential psychological issues.

Personality Archetypes

Universal symbols or themes that relate to past experiences or qualities like masculinity and aggression.

Jung's Tests

Tests like word association used to determine patterns of behavior.

Psyche

The totality of the human mind, conscious and unconscious, including personality and behavior patterns.

Unconscious Guidance

The idea that a person's unconscious mind helps guide them in their life.

Acknowledgment of Feelings

The necessity to recognize feelings such as anxiety and depression as part of one's psyche.

The Self

An archetypal image representing an individual's full potential and unconscious sense of personality.

Individuation

The process of recognizing and integrating all parts of one's personality to discover the true self.

Shadow Archetype

The part of personality that is not integrated into consciousness, often viewed negatively, but essential for personal growth.

Four Functions

Jung's concept of thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition as ways people interact with the world.

Extroverts vs. Introverts

A classification of personality types where extroverts express energy outwardly and are sociable, while introverts express energy inwardly and are quieter.

Therapeutic Relationship

The idea that both individuals in therapy benefit from the relationship, and the analyst should also be analyzed.

Extraverted Thinking (Te)

A psychological type characterized by rational analysis and objective evaluation, exemplified by a CEO.

Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

A psychological type focused on emotions and personal beliefs, exemplified by a diplomat.

Extraverted Sensing (Se)

A psychological type that values tangible information and sensory experiences, exemplified by an adventurous athlete.

Introverted Thinking (Ti)

A psychological type characterized by quiet analysis and rational thought, exemplified by a scientist.

Introverted Feeling (Fi)

A psychological type focused on personal values and emotional impact, exemplified by an artist.

Introverted Sensing (Si)

A psychological type that relies on detailed and pragmatic information, exemplified by a meticulous historian.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

A psychological type characterized by visionary thinking and pattern recognition, exemplified by an entrepreneur.

Introverted Intuition (Ni)

A psychological type focused on abstract concepts and future-oriented thinking, exemplified by a philosopher.

Jung's Relevance

Despite being over 100 years old, Jung's work continues to be relevant in understanding human psychology.