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		+	An '''archetype''' is a generic, [[ideal]]ized model of a person, object, or concept from which similar instances are derived, copied, patterned, or emulated. In [[psychology]], an archetype is a model of a person, personality, or behavior. This article is about [[personality type|personality]] archetypes, as described in [[literature analysis]] and the study of the psyche.
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		+	In the analysis of personality, the term ''archetype'' is often broadly used to refer to
		+	# a [[stereotype]]—personality type observed multiple times, especially an oversimplification of such a type; or
		+	# an [[epitome]]—personality type exemplified, especially the "greatest" such example.
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		+	However, in a strict linguistic sense, an archetype is merely a defining ''example'' of a personality type. The accepted use of archetype is to refer to a generic version of a personality type. In this sense "mother figure" can be considered an archetype and instances can be found in various female characters with distinct (non-generic) personalities.
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		+	Archetypes have been present in [[mythology]] and literature for hundreds of years. The use of archetypes to analyze personality was advanced by [[Carl Jung]] early in the [[20th century]]. The value in using archetypal characters in [[fiction]] derives from the fact that a large group of people are able to unconsciously recognize the archetype, and thus the motivations, behind the character's behavior.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/{{PAGENAMEE}}] [May 2007]

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An archetype is a generic, idealized model of a person, object, or concept from which similar instances are derived, copied, patterned, or emulated. In psychology, an archetype is a model of a person, personality, or behavior. This article is about personality archetypes, as described in literature analysis and the study of the psyche.

In the analysis of personality, the term archetype is often broadly used to refer to

1. a stereotype—personality type observed multiple times, especially an oversimplification of such a type; or
2. an epitome—personality type exemplified, especially the "greatest" such example.

However, in a strict linguistic sense, an archetype is merely a defining example of a personality type. The accepted use of archetype is to refer to a generic version of a personality type. In this sense "mother figure" can be considered an archetype and instances can be found in various female characters with distinct (non-generic) personalities.

Archetypes have been present in mythology and literature for hundreds of years. The use of archetypes to analyze personality was advanced by Carl Jung early in the 20th century. The value in using archetypal characters in fiction derives from the fact that a large group of people are able to unconsciously recognize the archetype, and thus the motivations, behind the character's behavior.[1] [May 2007]