Archetype Examples

An archetype is a character, or the actions of a character, or the situation that the character faces that represents a recurring plot or theme in literature or art.

It is believed that these archetypes appear and reappear in literature-from around the world-because they represent something universal in the human experience.

Examples of Archetypal Characters

1. The Hero

Examples: Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, Hercules

2. The Mentor or Wise Counsel

Examples: Dumbledore, Ben Kinobe, Gandalf

3. The Villian

Examples: Voldemort, Darth Vader, The Joker in Batman

4. The Damsel in Distress

Examples: Snow White, Princess Zelda, Lois Lane

5. The Wicked Stepmother/Wicked Witch

Examples: Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz; Cinderella's stepmother

Examples of Archetypal Situations

6. The Hero's Journey-Frodo's journey with the ring

7. Fall from Grace-Angel, the "fallen angel" in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

8. Battle of Good and Evil-Frodo representing good and the Dark King representing evil; Harry Potter representing good and Voldemort representing evil