Archetype facts for kids
In psychology, an archetype is a basic model or a perfect example of a person, a personality, or a way someone behaves.
When we talk about personality, the word archetype is often used in a few ways:
- It can mean a stereotype, which is a simple idea of a personality type seen many times.
- It can also mean an epitome, which is the best or most typical example of a personality type.
But strictly speaking, an archetype is just a clear example of a personality type. For instance, a "mother figure" can be an archetype. You can find examples of this archetype in many different female characters, even if they have unique personalities.
Archetypes have been part of mythology and literature for hundreds of years. The idea of using archetypes to understand personality became popular thanks to Carl Jung in the early 20th century. Archetypal characters are useful in fiction because many people can easily recognize them without even thinking about it. This helps them understand why a character acts the way they do.
What Does "Archetype" Mean?
The word archetype first appeared in European writings around 1545. It comes from the Latin word archetypum. This Latin word came from the Greek word arkhetypon and the adjective arkhetypos. These Greek words meant "first-moulded" or "original model."
The Greek roots are:
- arkhe- meaning "first" or "original."
- typos meaning "model," "type," or "mark."
See also
In Spanish: Arquetipo para niños
