“According to Jung, character archetypes are recurring figures that show up in the dreams of all people and the stories of all cultures. They can be part of *any* narrative, regardless of the time period or audience. **This universality is what makes a character an archetype.**” (Becca Puglisi, The Difference Between Character Archetypes and Tropes)
Writing Exercise: Developing Archetypes Without Cliché
Objective
This exercise focuses on:
1. Creating universal, archetype-inspired characters that resonate across cultures and narratives.
2. Avoiding clichés by exploring unique, specific character details.
3. Weaving archetypal traits naturally into a dynamic, narrative-driven scene.
Writing Prompt (500 Words)
Write a scene in which two characters embody contrasting archetypes (e.g., the Mentor and the Rebel, the Caregiver and the Orphan, or the Trickster and the Sage) in a contemporary setting. Place them in a situation that forces them to reveal their archetypal traits through action and dialogue rather than exposition.
Scenario Setup Example
A Mentor archetype might be a weary veteran teacher confronting a brilliant but defiant student (Rebel) over an ethical dilemma. How does the tension between their roles manifest in their behavior, speech, or decisions?
Feel free to twist traditional archetypes (e.g., a Trickster who’s shy and withdrawn but secretly manipulates events) or reimagine archetypes in unexpected ways (e.g., a modern Orphan archetype living in a digital, highly connected world).
Key Techniques to Develop
1. Leverage Universality
Ensure your characters tap into shared human experiences or emotions that evoke recognition in readers.
• Strong Response: A Mentor archetype exudes quiet wisdom and guidance through their actions, but their struggles feel deeply personal.
• Weak Response: The Mentor is simply a lecture-giver, relying on generic “wise old teacher” tropes.
2. Avoid Cliché Through Specificity
Create characters who reflect archetypes while also possessing unique, surprising details or contradictions.
• Strong Response: A Rebel archetype works as an accountant by day but harbors a secret passion for street art, using rebellion in subtle yet impactful ways.
• Weak Response: The Rebel is described as wearing leather and breaking rules with no deeper motivation.
3. Show, Don’t Tell
Reveal archetypal traits through action, subtext, and dialogue rather than overtly labeling them.
• Strong Response: The Caregiver archetype expresses their nurturing side by quietly placing a sweater on a shivering stranger rather than explicitly stating, “I like to take care of people.”
• Weak Response: The Caregiver frequently announces their compassionate intentions without demonstrating them.
Evaluation Criteria
• Universality: Does the scene use archetypal traits that evoke shared human emotions and experiences?
• Originality: Do the characters feel fresh, avoiding tired stereotypes while still aligning with the archetype?
• Engagement: Are the characters’ motivations and conflicts compelling and nuanced?
• Execution: Does the writer “show” the archetypal qualities rather than relying on exposition?
Follow-Up Workshop Questions
1. Does each character feel specific and fully realized beyond their archetype?
2. How does the conflict in the scene reveal deeper dimensions of their archetypal traits?
3. Are there moments where clichés creep in? How might they be avoided?
4. What are the stakes for each character, and how do their archetypal traits shape their actions or decisions?
5. Are the character dynamics believable and emotionally resonant?
Recommended Reading
• “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck: The story uses archetypal elements (Elisa as the Caregiver yearning for strength and recognition) while grounding them in specific, evocative details.
• “The Dead” by James Joyce: Gabriel Conroy is a subtle reimagining of the Everyman archetype, whose interactions reveal deeper universal truths about love and mortality.
• “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin: The Narrator and Sonny reflect the archetypes of the Protector and the Rebel, but with rich, multifaceted layers that avoid predictability.
Tips for Success
• Allow archetypes to guide your characters but not define them completely—let complexity breathe life into them.
• Focus on a moment of tension where the archetype is tested or subverted.
• Remember that strong responses use archetypes as a foundation, not a limitation.
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