The Archetypes

Archetypes are universal symbols, themes, or patterns that appear across cultures and stories, reflecting common human experiences and traits. Think of them as mental templates rooted in our collective unconscious, shaping characters, situations, and myths. For example, the Hero, the Mentor, or the Shadow are archetypes that help us understand characters' motivations and behaviors. Recognizing archetypes enhances storytelling, personal understanding, and cultural insight by revealing shared patterns in human nature and narrative structures.