Writing

Learn About the Maiden Archetype in Literature

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Sep 3, 2021 • 2 min read

Most characters in folk literature can be broken down into archetypes. By using characters that represent a pattern, a writer can skip over a lot of characterization or subvert a reader’s expectations. One of the most famous archetypes, the maiden can be a powerful writing tool, but that character type could also be a total cliché.