What Are The Jungian Archetypes?

Author Milton Schorr discusses the 12 Jungian Archetypes, and how they can assist with writing a story.

There are various schools of thought on what makes a good story. In my book Strange Fish I see a story as a record of the title character’s inner growth. In this sense, Carl Jung's Archetypes are extremely useful in story construction, as their focus mirrors that of the story itself - to stimulate growth and therefore change in an individual.

Some quick background. Carl Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, the one time star pupil of Sigmund Freud, who developed the concept of archetypes as universal symbols or themes that rest inside the psyche of all humans as a result of our collective evolution. They reflect shared patterns of behavior, motivations, and traits, and are useful in solving the riddle of the self.

The 12 Jungian Archetypes

Jung identified several key archetypes that recur across cultures and time periods. There are many variations, but all occur around a core 12. They are:

1. The Hero

This aspect represents courage and the desire for self-improvement. The Hero is key in any story, it is the part of a person that insists on striving for something new, and facing fear.

2. The Mentor

This aspect provides guidance and support to the Hero. The Mentor often embodies wisdom and experience, helping the Hero navigate obstacles. Think of Obi-Wan-Kanobi in Star Wars, or Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter.

3. The Shadow

Represents the darker aspects of the human psyche. The Shadow embodies fears, repressed emotions, and internal conflicts. It is the villain in both a person’s journey through life, and the villain in story. Only be facing one’s greatest fear, can a person discover their true power. Famous villains would be Scar in the Lion King, or Ursula the witch in The Little Mermaid.

4. The Trickster

This archetype brings chaos and humor, often challenging the status quo. The Trickster can catalyze change and expose truths through cunning and wit. Imagine a movie in which Deadpool is one of the cast and not the hero. His inherent chaos would constantly create situations that force the hero to reckon with the villain, and with their own unresolved selves.

5. The Innocent

This archetype symbolizes purity, hope, and optimism, and is a very powerful concept to use in a story. Think of Forrest Gump, a character in the mould of the innocent. He has an amazing power to create almost anything, because he is free of the judgements of others. The Jungian Innocent presents in many ways, but this is the chief reward it offers for story-telling.

6. The Caregiver

Represents compassion and nurturing. The Caregiver would be any sort of parental figure. Staying with the example of Forrest Gump, his mother is a classic example. All through his life she was there for him, supporting him through everything he had to face and providing structure to his life and soul.

7. The Explorer

This archetype embodies curiosity and the quest for discovery. The Explorer pushes boundaries and seeks new experiences, often driving the narrative forward. Indiana Jones is an obvious example, even though he is also the hero. A trait that shows how different archetypes are easily present in one character, and each element will cause a certain effect in the landscape of a story.

8. The Rebel

Represents the desire for change and the challenge of authority. The Rebel seeks to overturn what is not working, creating conflict and driving transformation. Harrison Ford helps us out again with Han Solo, a character driven by the need to go against the grain, and that need often pushes the narrative forward.

9. The Lover

This archetype symbolizes passion, connection, and intimacy - a character that lives for love, and makes decisions from the heart, not the head. Both Romeo and Juliet are strong examples - the two creating the most famous story of all because of the passion they feel, that most empathise with.

10. The Ruler

Embodies control, order, and leadership. And within that, variations. Think of different Kings in great tales - King Edward 1 in Braveheart, a merciless and wily ruler, or Mustafa in the lion king, just and level headed.

11. The Magician

Represents transformation and the ability to effect change. This archetype often has a nurturing element to it, but principally is able to create cataclysmic change in the landscape of the story, because it can reach inside, to the spiritual and mystical and powerful. Think of Gandalf or Dr Strange. Chaos follows them, and the peace that comes after.

12. The Sage

The Sage provides knowledge and guidance, often serving as a source of enlightenment for the Hero. Here, we must recognise Mr Miyagi from the Karate Kid.

Structuring a Story with Archetypes

Archetypes are incredibly useful to a writer in the following areas: character development, plot progression, theme exploration, conflict and resolution, and creating empathy. Their ability to reflect essential human truths means they bring an authentic power to a narrative, that forces progression in all areas.

Their logic is inherent. They are powerful symbols representing that which is common in all of us, and therefore that which we can all recognise, with a little bit of guidance.

Start your journey using archetypes to enrich your stories by searching for them in the tales you love. And comment below.

Further Reading: The Use Of Jungian Archetypes In Strange Fish