Archetype vs. Stereotype: What’s the Difference?

An archetype is a model that typifies a certain kind of person, place, or thing. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung popularized the theory that certain patterns are present in the psyches of all human beings. In literature, an archetype is a story element that’s based on universal patterns of human nature. It can be an emotion (unrequited love), a character (a tragic hero), a [type of story](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-story-archetypes) (rags to riches), or a symbol (a tree representing life). An archetype creates an immediate sense of familiarity, allowing the audience to relate to an event or character without having to necessarily ponder *why* they relate. Thanks to our instincts and life experiences, we’re able to recognize archetypes without any need for explanation. One of the most common understandings of archetypes is in relation to characters. [Character archetypes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-101-the-12-literary-archetypes) are built on a set of traits that are specific and identifiable. The heroes and villains of today’s books and films may be based on the same heroic and villainous archetypes found in fairy tales, the novels of Charles Dickens, the poetry of John Milton, and the theater of the ancient Greeks. Some common archetypal characters in literary works include the hero, the [antihero](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-create-an-unforgettable-antihero), and the trickster. A stereotype is an oversimplified notion or characterization. Stereotypes can be applied to a person or a group of people. Some stereotypical characters are negative (“the dumb jock”), others are positive (“the innocent child”), but all are considered overly simplistic and undesirable in literature. Stereotypes weaken a piece of writing by resorting to tropes that can carry negative connotations. In real life, human beings are complex and may not often conform to stereotypical character traits. Strong character development aims to replicate human complexity rather than rely on harmful stereotypes. The term “archetype” refers to an assumed ideal pattern—a character trait or emotion that has a universal quality. A stereotype, on the other hand, is a reductionistic notion that has the potential to be dehumanizing. In literature, archetypes help provide a framework that can be understood across the spectrum of humanity. By contrast, stereotypical characters are based on oversimplified and potentially damaging notions of humanity. For example, an archetypical sage character is likely to have similar traits and serve a similar function—wisdom, insight, the ability to help the protagonist—regardless of the culture and time period during which the story originated. On the other hand, a stereotypical sage character may superficially seem to have these personality traits but will be poorly developed. They may have a flowing beard or an odd, mystical way of speaking, which denotes sagacity without grounding it in personality. Become a better writer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Dan Brown, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, and more. Although there is some overlap between stereotypes and archetypes, the words are not synonyms. As a general rule, an archetype provides guidelines for characterization, while a stereotype is a negative label used to describe bad writing or shallow thinking.