What are archetypes and what do they mean to a writer? Um, first, let’s answer the question, what the heck is an archetype?
Archetype [ ahr-ki-tahyp ] noun
- the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.
- (in Jungian psychology) a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, etc., universally present in individual psyches.
Well, ain’t that fancy. Jungian is actually in the definition. La-dee-da. Okay, so for writers these ‘archetypes’ are roles of the characters in their novels. So? So!? To draft a strong story, you need to know the role of each character. Who is the lover, rebel, warrior, mother, father, trickster…? See? These are important details to know. Don’t worry, we will go a bit deeper after…
COFFEE! Let’s get a quick refill while I dish about my crazy. It is Monday. The Hubs has finally returned to work after 2 weeks of quarantine, and me struggling not to kill him on the daily. Seriously, his boredom nearly killed him. Not cuz he did stupid stuff, intentionally, but he bugged the crap out of me! No kidding, he took 2 naps a day and still went to bed by 9. He developed a dramatic huffy-sigh that drove me NUTZ! To top things off…yes, there is more…The Hubs discovered the wonders of grocery delivery. Cool? Yes and no. It was great cuz we couldn’t leave the house for the safety of everyone around, but he ordered so much crap! Crap as in crap food. Chips, cookies, pizzas, ice cream, and more. I have gained 3lbs in 2 weeks! You must understand, quarantine means you go nowhere. I wasn’t able to enjoy my 4.5-mile walk/jog. Our movement was limited to the house. Weirdly enough, we have a small (modest) home gym-ette. Minimal weights but still something. Do you know who used it over these last 2 weeks? No one. He didn’t wanna strain himself while in quarantine. What?! That’s what he said. OMG…I just can’t explain his thinking.
Okay, I’m done. I’m sure you don’t want to read about our crap-tastic adventure-less quarantine. Let’s talk about something else, please.
Jungian Archetypes: we will look at a couple at a time, so you get a full understanding of what they are and their role in your story.
King or Father
Strength: Leader of the family or his people. Has wisdom, foresight, and is able to resolve issues to help his family/kingdom grow.
Inherent Weaknesses: He can force his will on his family/kingdom. He has the ability to set strict and oppressive rules. He can also remove himself emotionally from all issues to his own benefit.
**Examples: Star Wars, King Lear, Othello, Mary Poppins, The Lord of the Rings, and more.
Queen or Mother
Strength: Provides the care and protection needed for their child or people to grow and succeed.
Inherent Weaknesses: Can be overly protective to the point of tyranny. They can use guilt and shame to control their children and people.
**Examples: Macbeth, Hamlet, Streetcar Named Desire, American Beauty, The Lion in Winter, and more.
One more!
Wise Old Man, Wise Old Woman, Mentor, or Teacher
Strength: Shares their wisdom and knowledge with the people so they can live better lives and improve their community.
Inherent Weaknesses: They have the ability to teach what they want the people to know. They can also force their students to see them as all powerful and not the ideas or lessons they have learned. Him/her/them over education.
**Examples: Yoda, Hannibal Lecter, Gandalf, Saruman, Miss Havisham, and more.
Did you learn anything new? I did! I learned to spell Jungian! Not that it matters, cuz spell check would have fixed it for me anyway. LOL
Next time we will learn about Warriors, Magicians and Shaman, Tricksters, and maybe more. We’ll see.
Until then…
Polish your sparkle and keep twirling.
Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy.
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