Archetype: GCSE English Definition

What is an archetype?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, an archetype is an idea, narrative or character type that reflects something about universal human nature and our shared experience — something we can all relate to. 

Why do writers use archetypes?

Psychologist Carl Jung developed the concept of the archetype after noticing that myths from around the world share similarities. 

Archetypes make a story more compelling, memorable, familiar and relevant across different cultures. There are two main types of archetypes: character archetypes and story archetypes. 

Examples of archetypes

GCSE English Literature texts like Great Expectations feature the character archetype of an orphan destined for greatness (Pip) or the archetype of the creator (Victor Frankenstein), while Macbeth is an example of a rise and fall story archetype. 

In Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence takes the role of a mentor while Romeo is an archetype of a young lover and a tragic hero. Friar Laurence offers advice and arranges the secret marriage between the archetypal “star-crossed” lovers, helping Juliet to fake her death to escape Lord Capulet (an archetype of a controlling parent). 

Revision resources to ace your exams

For study guides on how to analyse archetypes in literary texts, and how to include archetypes in your own creative writing, check out our detailed revision notes. All our notes are course-specific, so everything you’ll need to ace your exams is in one place. 

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes 

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For a comprehensive glossary covering all the best literary techniques you could ever need, check out our list of top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.