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Definition of Archetype
As a literary device, an archetype is a reoccurring symbol or motif throughout literature that
represents universal patterns of human nature. It can also refer to the original model on which
all other things of the same kind are based. For example, the common character of a hero is
an archetype in that all heroes in literature share some key traits. We can also call certain
famous heroes such as King Arthur and Luke Skywalker archetypal heroes, as they fit this
mold.
The word archetype comes from a compound Greek word for “origin” and “model.”
Therefore, the definition of archetype refers to it as the first form for whatever else comes
after it. Archetypes are abstract in that the first mold is not a specific person or thing, but
instead a concept made concrete by specific and reoccurring examples and patterns in
literature. Therefore there is no one character who is the archetype for all heroes that came
after, but instead an intangible sense of hero that is personified by the many hundreds of hero
examples that have been created in literature.
Many types of media use archetypes with frequency. Reality shows always seem to portray at
least one character as the villain, while sitcoms often have the archetypal character of the
sidekick.
There is a huge list of character types, symbols, and situations that are considered archetypes.
Here are some examples of archetype from real life:
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