character archetype
Recurring personality mold
A character archetype is a recurring type of figure in storytelling—the hero, the mentor, the trickster, the shadow.
These patterns appear across cultures and eras because they represent fundamental human experiences and psychological roles.
The wise old man is a character archetype that appears in everything from Merlin to Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Writers use archetypes as foundations, though memorable characters transcend their archetypal origins.
- shadowLight blocked by object
- tricksterCunning deceiver in myth
- animaInner personality essence
- protagonistStory's central figure
- heroOne admired for courage
chosen one · foil · sage · shapeshifter · dark horse · orphan · picaro · comic relief · mask · tempter · rebel · crone · everyman · explorer · herald · scapegoat · ingenue · damsel in distress
universality vs. particularity
character archetypecultural stereotype
Oversimplified belief about groups