Archetype Quiz Abernathy

What Is an Archetype?

An archetype is an emotion, character type, or event that is notably recurrent across the human experience.

Carl Jung,

the psychologist who coined the term “archetypes,” Each archetype carries inherent strengths and weaknesses

In the arts, an archetype creates an

immediate sense of familiarity,allowing an audience member to relate to an event or character without having to necessarily ponder why they relate.

What’s the Difference Between Archetypes, Stereotypes, Stock Characters, and Clichés?

As a general rule, common archetypes and stock characters provide guidelines for characterization, while stereotypes and clichés are negative labels, used to describe bad writing or shallow thinking.

A stereotype is

an oversimplified notion or characterization.Some stereotypes are negative (“the dumb jock”), others are positive (“the innocent child”), but all are considered overly simplistic and undesirable in literature.

A cliché is

an idea, event, or detail that’s used so repeatedly in literature or film that used that it becomes predictable and even boring.

An example of a cliché might include the

TV firefighter haunted by the memory of the one damsel in distress that he couldn’t save.

An archetype, by contrast, does not imply predictability or intellectual laziness. Most of the time, it suggests

that a character or situation will speak to a universal truth. Archetypes will by definition be familiar, but they aren’t so predictable that we already know what will happen in their story.

A stock character is

somewhere between an archetype and a stereotype: a character who intentionally fits a narrow, predictable description. Well-selected stock characters (e.g., a wise old man or a puffed-up military officer) can serve as an effective foil for a main character, particularly in comedy, but they aren’t compelling as protagonists.

Stock characters originate

classic European tradition of commedia dell’arte, in which actors would wear masks and perform over-the-top versions of stock characters.

The Lover

The romantic lead who’s guided by the heart. Romeo and Juliet, Noah Calhoun, Scarlett O’Hara, Belle

The Hero

The protagonist who rises to meet a challenge and saves the day. Luke Skywalker, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter

The Magician

A powerful figure who has harnessed the ways of the universe to achieve key goals. Prospero, Gandalf, Morpheus, Darth Vader

The Outlaw

The rebel who won’t abide by society’s demands. Han Solo, Dean Moriarty, Humbert Humbert, Batman

The Explorer

A character naturally driven to push the boundaries of the status quo and explore the unknown. Odysseus, Sal Paradise, Huckleberyy Finn, Sherlock Holmes

The Sage

A wise figure with knowledge for those who inquire. The mother figure or mentor is often based on this archetype. Athena, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Hannibal Lecter, The Oracle

The Innocent

A morally pure character, often a child, whose only intentions are good. Tiny Tim, Lennie Small, Cio-Cio-san, Buddy the Elf

The Creator

A motivated visionary who creates art or structures during the narrative. Zeus, Dr. Emmett Brown, Dr, Moreau, Dr Victor Frankenstein

The Ruler

A character with legal or emotional power over others. Creon, King Lear, Aunt Sally, Tony Soprano

The Caregiver

A character who continually supports others and makes sacrifices on their behalf. Dolly Oblonsky, Calpurnia, Samwell Tarly, Mary Poppins

The Everyman

A relatable character who feels recognizable from daily life. Blibo Baggins, Leopold Bloom, Leslie Knope, Winston Smith

The Jester

A funny character or trickster who provides comic relief, but may also speak important truths. Sir John Falstaff, King Lear’s Fool, Frank and Estelle Costanze, R2D2, C-3PO