The term 'archetype' is often misunderstood as meaning certain definite mythological images or motifs, but these are nothing more than conscious representations. Such variable representations cannot be inherited.
The meaning of ARCHETYPE is the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies : prototype; also : a perfect example.
An archetype is a universally recognized pattern or model of character, theme, symbol, or situation that recurs in stories across cultures and time periods. Think of them as the original blueprints for characters and plots. They represent fundamental human experiences and motivations.
An archetype in literature is a symbol, pattern, plot, or character template that appears in multiple stories from across cultures. They’re recognizable because they’re familiar and often represent our collective experiences and perceptions.
Archetype, (from Greek archetypos, “original pattern”), in literary criticism, a primordial image, character, or pattern of circumstances that recurs throughout literature and thought consistently enough to be considered a universal concept or situation.
An archetype is a perfect example or model of something. If you have long blonde hair, a sparkly ball gown, and a fairy godmother hovering over your head, you're the archetype of a fairytale princess.
An archetype is something that is considered to be a perfect or typical example of a particular kind of person or thing, because it has all their most important characteristics.