Archetype an archetype is something that reoccurs in literature and in art. This something can be a symbol, a theme, a setting, or a character character types that pop up across all genres of literature, both classic and contemporary. Everyone is familiar with these guys, because everywhere we turn, there they are

Characters The Hero: He or she is a character who predominantly exhibits goodness and struggles against evil in order to restore harmony and justice to society

Characters The Mother Figure: Such a character may be represented as Fairy Mother who guides and directs a child, Mother Earth who contacts people and offers spiritual and emotional nourishment, and Stepmother who treats their stepchildren roughly.

Characters The Innocent Youth: He or she is inexperienced with many weaknesses and seeks safety with others but others like him/her because of the trust he or she shows in other people. Usually, the experience of coming of age comes in the later parts of the narratives 

Characters The Mentor: His or her task is to protect the main character. It is through the wise advice and training of a mentor that the main character achieves success in the world

Characters Everyman: often acts as the stand-in for the audience. This character archetype is just a normal person, but for some reason, he or she must face extraordinary circumstances The everyman character archetype often acts as the stand-in for the audience. This character archetype is just a normal person, but for some reason, he or she must face extraordinary circumstances. The everyman can be the protagonist or a supporting figure. Unlike the hero, the everyman does not feel a moral obligation to his or her task; instead, these characters often find themselves in the middle of something they have barely any control over. Unlike the hero, the everyman archetype isn't trying to make a great change or work for the common good: these characters are just trying to get through a difficult situation.

Characters The Outlaw: Also known as the rebel, revolutionary, and misfit, the Outlaw is the archetype that lives for revolution; often motivated by a need to better the world through somewhat questionable means, can also have a desire for revenge against atrocities committed against her.

Characters The Villain: A character whose main function is to go to any extent to oppose the hero or whom the hero must annihilate in order to bring justice

The epic journey to find the promised land/to found the good city Situations The Journey: The main character takes a journey that may be physical or emotional to understand his or her personality and the nature of the world. The quest for identity The epic journey to find the promised land/to found the good city The quest for vengeance The warrior’s journey to save his people The search for love (to rescue the princess/damsel in distress) The journey in search of knowledge The tragic quest: penance or self-denial The fool’s errand The quest to rid the land of danger The grail quest (the quest for human perfection)