Literature’s 12 Archetypes

The concept of an archetype is far-reaching, appearing in behavioral and historical psychology as well as literary analysis.

If you are to look up archetypes, you’ll likely come across the teachings of Jungian psychology where archetypes define a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern or thought, image, etc., universally present in individual psyches.

However, it was not Carl Jung who first began work with archetypes, nor Jung who popularized them in the literary world. Sir James George Frazer predated Jung by 30+ years with his work The Golden Bough which dealt with cultural mythologies. A Scottish anthropologist, Frazer worked out of Cambridge University, creating this influential text that would go on to carry weight not only in anthropological studies but literary ones as well.

Today, we can look to books such as The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell and The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker to explore archetypes of both character and plot, and learn how they can create a strong foundation for our own writing.

Now, I’m not here to write a masterpiece spanning 34 years of my life as Christopher Booker has done — I’ve already got that on the go with the fantasy epic I’m working on! I can however give you a brief rundown of archetypes where characters are concerned.

The archetypal innocent embodies a youthful sense of wonder and untainted optimism, reminiscent of what Carl Jung described as the "child" archetype; the pure, uncorrupted essence of potential. They approach life with an open heart, easily impressed by the world around them, and quick to find the silver lining, even in the most difficult situations. Their naivety can seem either charming or naïve, yet it often acts as a gateway to deeper understanding.

Their unshakable belief in goodness and high expectations of others are driven by an innate sense of hope, much like the "hero's call" Joseph Campbell discusses: an urge to rise above life's challenges and find a higher truth. However, this innocence often can't remain unchallenged.

Christopher Booker highlights in The Seven Basic Plots, characters must face trials that lead to transformation. For the innocent, this journey is full of potential, as they are primed to evolve into any of the other archetypes as they encounter the harsh realities of the world. This transition can open the door to new wisdom or, conversely, a fall from grace, making their path ripe for complex, dynamic character arcs.

The orphan archetype doesn’t necessarily have to be an actual orphan, although characters like Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker perfectly embody its essence. At their core, orphans have an intense yearning for fulfillment and safety, often due to these needs being unmet in their past. This makes them the counterpoint to the innocent archetype.

While the innocent approaches the world with wide-eyed wonder, the orphan views it with caution and skepticism, often perceiving the darker motives behind others' actions. Having experienced abandonment or neglect, they struggle to trust easily, tending to close themselves off and question the true intentions of those around them. This wariness is born from past pain, shaping their worldview in a way that leads them to protect themselves from further hurt.

As demonstrated in iconic characters like Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker, the orphan archetype can evolve into either a hero or a villain. Their path is defined by the choices they make, the people they trust, and how they ultimately reconcile their desire for safety with their quest for belonging. Their journey is one of self-discovery, often marked by the tension between choosing hope or falling into despair.

The hero archetype is one of the most universally recognized, often symbolizing the process of individuation in Jungian psychology. Heroes represent our potential for growth, courage, and the pursuit of ideals, and their journeys reflect the challenges we face in our own lives as we strive toward self-realization. They are central to stories and symbolize the aspiration to conquer adversity and achieve greatness, acting as a reflection of the inner struggle to integrate both the conscious and unconscious aspects of the self.

The hero is marked by their willingness to face danger head-on, braving daunting trials, and overcoming obstacles, often relying on their unique skills or abilities to prevail. Whether protecting loved ones or saving entire populations, the hero’s journey is one of transformation, where they fight against evil or chaos to restore balance or peace. This archetype is deeply tied to human nature, driven by inner struggles, external conflicts, and, often, ego-driven motivations.

As such, the hero is often the central protagonist in literature, representing our desire to overcome personal struggles and achieve a sense of purpose or fulfillment. Whether in epic quests or smaller, more personal battles, the hero’s story resonates because it mirrors our own ambitions and the obstacles we must face to realize our fullest potential.

The caregiver archetype represents selflessness, devotion, and unwavering support. Like Sam Gamgee, who understands Frodo’s burden from beginning to end, caregivers are often seen as soft due to their nurturing nature, but they are frequently the strongest characters in a story. It takes immense strength and courage to detach from the ego to the point where you would sacrifice your own life for a friend, loved one, or child.

Caregivers are kind, trustworthy, and forgiving, often living humble, simple lives. Yet, despite their unassuming nature, they are the emotional backbone of those around them. While the hero may face monumental decisions with far-reaching consequences for society, the hero’s ability to succeed is often contingent on the quiet sacrifices and choices made by the caregiver. Without the caregiver’s support, guidance, and love, the hero may falter or never realize their potential.

In many ways, caregivers are the unsung heroes of a story, providing the foundation from which others can rise. Their journey is defined not by grand heroics but by their ability to give without expecting in return, showing that true strength often lies in service to others.

Explorers are defined by their independence and ambition, constantly driven by the need for freedom and excitement. Their spirited nature often leads them to restlessness, and they can appear flaky at times, but this same energy is what fuels their ongoing quest for adventure. Their ultimate goal is fulfillment, found not in stability, but in new experiences and the thrill of the unknown. While the orphan searches for a sense of belonging, the explorer seeks to remain unanchored, fearful of being tied down, bored, or blocked from discovery. To be confined would stifle their very essence.

Often charismatic, explorers are drawn to thrilling pursuits, and their goals tend to be elusive, sometimes unattainable. But despite their flaws and the chaos they bring, they are impossible to resist. The explorer’s zest for life, unpredictability, and relentless pursuit of freedom make them compelling characters; ones we admire even when we know they might not always be the best for us.

In Booker’s The Seven Basic Plots, this archetype aligns closely with the Voyage and Return plot, where characters venture into unknown realms, face challenges, and return changed. Much like the explorer, the protagonist in such plots is driven by a quest for self-discovery and freedom, always seeking something beyond the familiar.

The rebel shares much in common with the explorer, but while the explorer seeks freedom in positive, adventurous ways, the rebel’s approach is more disruptive and often driven by a sense of defiance. The rebel challenges the status quo, acts without censorship, and leads causes that others may hesitate to take on. These traits can be seen as either admirable or destructive, depending on the context.

Like the orphan, the rebel has the potential to be either a great hero or a great villain. The path they take often depends on the choices they make and the influences they decide to follow. The rebel thrives on pushing boundaries, questioning authority, and defying expectations, but this same passion can lead to chaos and destruction if left unchecked. When a rebel sets out on a mission, it’s always one where the ends justify the means, no matter the cost. Their quest for change is fueled by a deep sense of dissatisfaction, and they’ll stop at nothing to achieve their vision, whether it’s a noble cause or one rooted in darker motives.

In The Hero’s Journey, Campbell explores the idea of the Refusal of the Call and Road of Trials, where the hero often resists or challenges the call to action before ultimately moving forward. The rebel can be seen as embodying this stage—rejecting the established order and pushing back against what they perceive as an unjust or flawed system. Rebels can act as catalysts for change, though their journey may come at great personal cost, as they navigate the tension between destruction and creation.

The lover is the sensuous, passionate partner of the archetype group. While they share some similarities with the caregiver in their self-sacrificing nature, their focus lies on emotional connection and deep devotion, rather than taking on a parental role. The lover’s primary goal is to bond with the object of their affection, offering emotional support with an intensity that reflects their need for closeness and partnership.

These characters are dedicated, expressive, and open with their feelings, often drawn to the poetic and beautiful aspects of life. They are easily likable, chasing the ideal of commitment and emotional connection, whether through romantic relationships, deep friendships, or even devotion to a higher power. However, their fear of being alone can lead to self-destructive tendencies. The lover may become so enmeshed with the object of their affection that they lose their own identity, sacrificing too much, even their own life, for the person or cause they adore. Their willingness to give everything for love can become both their greatest strength and their most vulnerable flaw.

This devotion and self-sacrifice are themes explored by Sir James Frazer in The Golden Bough, where he examines rituals of sacrifice and devotion to deities or beloved figures. In many cultures, these themes are central to the myths of lovers, whose emotional investment often leads them to perform great acts of devotion, sometimes to the point of self-sacrifice. Frazer’s work illustrates how love can drive individuals to transcend their personal desires, reflecting the Lover archetype’s central theme of giving oneself completely in the name of love or devotion, sometimes at great personal cost.

The creator is a paradoxical figure. Practical yet imaginative, ordered yet chaotic. Often at odds with themselves, their creativity is boundless, but they also possess a grounded sense of realism that allows them to bring their ideas to life. The tension between their expansive imagination and their need to execute ideas means they are often both dreamers and doers, able to turn abstract concepts into tangible reality.

Their talent for blending practicality with artistry is what often sets creators apart. However, this drive to see projects through and their tendency to resist conformity can lead to personal struggles. The all-consuming nature of their creative pursuits often creates tension in their personal lives, particularly when it comes to maintaining stable relationships or family life. The pursuit of an artistic dream can leave little room for anything else, and the creator’s single-mindedness may alienate those around them.

Additionally, the creator’s innovative nature and impulse for provocation can naturally attract rivals. Their willingness to challenge the status quo and push boundaries means they often find themselves at odds with others, especially those who feel threatened by their originality. In order to remain a positive influence, creators must learn to maintain a balance, honouring their craft while not sacrificing the relationships and stability that can support their growth.

The jester archetype thrives on laughter, joy, and the freedom to live in the present. They are carefree, always seeking fun, and have a natural ability to lift the spirits of others. However, their love of levity can sometimes lead to irresponsibility or unintended cruelty, especially when they fail to recognize the gravity of a situation. Though attention-seeking, the jester serves an essential role in diffusing tension and offering emotional resilience.

In both Jung’s trickster and Campbell’s trickster, we see figures who challenge societal norms and provoke change. The jester shares this role, though with more humor and less malice. Like the trickster, they disrupt the status quo, often forcing others to reevaluate their assumptions through humor and chaos.

While their impulses can lead them astray, when balanced, the jester proves to be a surprisingly strong archetype, capable of bringing healing and unity through humor and resilience in even the toughest situations.

The sage archetype is defined by a relentless pursuit of truth, valuing knowledge above all else. They are reflective, independent, and enlightened, with an unshakable belief in the idea that "the truth will set you free." As guides and teachers, they often offer wisdom to other archetypes, sharing insights and offering direction. While they are highly detail-oriented, they can become so engrossed in these details that they may lose sight of taking action, which is where the hero archetype often plays a critical role.

Despite their vast knowledge and expertise, the sage does not view themselves as superior. They have faith in humankind and genuinely seek to contribute to the greater good. However, their deep critical reflection and analysis can sometimes lead them toward judgment, particularly when they become disillusioned with the complexities and imperfections of the world. This internal battle between their desire to be a force for good and their inclination to pass judgment creates a nuanced and complex character.

While they may not always be the ones to take action, the sage archetype provides vital guidance and perspective, shaping the journeys of other characters in profound ways.

The magician archetype represents intellect, manipulation, and transformation, contrasting with the sage’s more open pursuit of knowledge. The magician is secretive and charismatic, using their knowledge to shape the world according to their vision. They’re driven by their own truth rather than universal truth, often bending or manipulating their surroundings and people to fit their ideal outcomes.

The magician archetype is often linked to transformation, both internally and externally. They manipulate the inner world to create change in the outer world, striving for personal wholeness and mastery over their environment.

In Campbell's Hero's Journey, the magician frequently serves as a mentor or guide who provides the hero with the tools or wisdom needed to navigate their transformation. However, Campbell also highlights the darker side of this archetype, where the magician uses their wisdom and power to manipulate events for personal gain, leading to morally ambiguous figures.

The magician can be both a force for personal growth and a manipulator of reality, depending on their intentions and the path they choose.

The ruler archetype may appear in your story fully-formed, but many orphans and heroes evolve into this role over time. Sitting at the top of the food chain, they exude an air of polished confidence. Focused on stability and power, the Ruler can be either a force for good or evil because, as we all know, with great power comes great responsibility.

The ruler fears being dethroned and the chaos that would follow, doing whatever it takes to maintain control. Jung viewed the ruler as a representation of the Self, seeking balance and mastery over chaos within the psyche. However, Jung also warned of the Ruler's Shadow—when the desire for control turns into tyranny. Campbell, in his Hero's Journey, often placed the ruler as a key figure in the hero’s world, sometimes an ally, sometimes an antagonist, reflecting the protagonist’s own internal struggle with power. Booker highlighted the ruler’s role in narratives of Overcoming the Monster or Rags to Riches, where their arc revolves around maintaining order in the face of both external and internal chaos.

A benevolent ruler uses their power for the good of those around them, while a ruler-turned-dictator may wield their control solely for personal gain.

Arm Yourself With Archetypes!

Some may state negatively, that archetypes are formulaic. But they are based on a universal formula we all recognize and have little ability to avoid. By arming yourself with archetypes, you can create a winning cast of characters that inspire you and those who read about them.

Making your stories relatable is important if you want others to read and enjoy them.

If you haven’t tried writing with archetypes in mind, give it a shot today and let me know what you think. I'd also love to know what your favourite archetype to write is, so drop that in the comments down below. Personally I’m tied between the Rebel and the Magician!