Archetypes Vs. Stereotypes; The Danger of the One Story

Archetype

noun

1. the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype

2. (in Jungian psychology) a collectively inherited unconscious idea, pattern of thought, image, ect., universally present in individual psyches.

Stereotype

noun

1. A process, now often replaced by more advanced methods, for making metal printing plates by taking  a mold of composed type or the like in papiermache or other material and then taking from this mold a cast in type metal.

2. A plate made by this process.

3. A set form; convention.

4. Sociology. A simplified and over-standardized conception of an image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group; the cowboy and Indian are American stereotypes.

verb

5. To make a stereotype of.

6. To characterize or regard as a stereotype; the actor has been stereotyped as a villain.

7. To give a fixed form to.

Archetypes serve us well in the literary world, they fill roles that make a story complete, shape characters into relatable figures, and are helpful tools for writers. For example, a gifted friend of mine is writing a romantic comedy about a girl with a crush on 8 different men, each of whom embodies a different archetype. (Very much looking forward to reading her completed work).

Archetypes provide a structure, a frame work upon which to flesh out a character. Sometimes we use them without even meaning to, other times the choice is deliberate. There’s nothing innately wrong with using an archetype, and likewise there’s nothing innately wrong with using a stereotype.

The overweight faceless cop eating drinking a coffee at a donut shop. We’re all familiar with this image and I don’t think that anyone is particularly offended by it. But the word stereotype has such a negative connotation to it, the average writer is terrified of using it—and rightly so.

The danger with stereotypes is very similar to those that come along with archetypes. If not fleshed out properly, a character becomes flat and lifeless. Simply a cog to turn the plot machine rather than a living, breathing embodiment of an idea that takes root in the mind of the reader. You fall into the trap of “The One Story.”

As writers, it is our job to create, to inspire and even to offend. Archetypes and stereotypes both exist for a reason and can be useful tools in your literary toolbox, but make sure you’re using the right tool. Don’t be so caught up in the x-type, that you’re afraid to break the mold. While both types may hold to certain truths or images, they are not wholly defining and on their own are not especially strong. Overplaying or incorrectly using one could very well cost you the heart of your story, but using one correctly will light a fire in your reader’s heart and mind. 

People simply cannot be given a fixed form. We are fluid and ever-changing and while using an image or concept as a skeleton from which to build can be an incredibly useful and powerful tool, it should not be made the soul.