Literary archetype

A literary archetype is a universal symbol, character type, or story pattern that recurring across cultures and time periods. It reflects fundamental human experiences and themes, such as the hero’s journey, the wise mentor, or the shadowy villain. These archetypes help readers connect with stories on a deeper level because they resonate with shared human instincts and emotions. Writers use archetypes to create familiar elements that guide storytelling, making characters and plots more meaningful and enduring. Essentially, archetypes serve as a common language of storytelling rooted in our collective subconscious.