What is an archetype?

a character who is unimportant to the main plot of the story

characters who play a principal part in the story

characters, situations, images, and symbols that appear in the narratives of many cultures

An archetype is a universally recognized symbol, pattern, or type of character that appears in the narratives and myths of many different cultures. These archetypes can be characters, situations, images, or symbols that embody certain characteristics or concepts. They are often used to represent common themes, values, or experiences that are shared by humanity across different times and cultures. Archetypes provide a familiar and understandable framework for storytelling and can evoke certain emotions or ideas in the audience. Examples of common archetypes include the hero, the wise old mentor, the damsel in distress, and the trickster.