You Imagine discussion

O.K. So what are archetypes? Let's start with a dictionary definition. I looked up the word on dictionary.com. The shortest definition I could find is this: "original pattern from which copies are made." Another dictionary entry quotes the New York Times: ""'Frankenstein' . . . 'Dracula' . . . 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' . . . the archetypes that have influenced all subsequent horror stories" (New York Times).

Not surprisingly, the dictionary is correct ;-) An archetype is a mold from which characters are made. Archetype's definition is similar with the word stereotype, which is in much more common circulation (though the meanings are subtly different).

Naturally, there are no hard and fast rules as to what/who can be considered an archetype. It is generally done by consensus.

For example, Dracula would certainly be an archetype, even though the Dracula concept is based on much older creatures that exhibit the same characteristics as vampires. So, Dracula is not, per se, the original "mold" for a vampire, but he is who everyone is familiar with--hence the consensus. And, of any paper, I would not expect the NY Times to delve much more beyond the obvious...

In role-playing games, the "archetype" concept is used quite frequently and is given a more rigid connotation. For example, character archtypes include "fighter," "rogue," or "wizard." Each is identified with a particular set of characteristics and abilities--"molds" if you will--defined by the rule set. Players start with this mold and "flesh out" the details to create a unique character to play out in the game.

Kingsley V. Montgomery
http://www.kvmbooks.com

Can we avoid archetypes when writing? If I wanted to write a story about a bounty hunter --female I think I'd end up with an arch type of Stephanie Plum. I want a character than tis uniquely mine. I have already been told by people that I write like Janet Evanovich anyway.

Archetypes are just posh stock characters. There's an informative article in Wikipedia with links at the bottom to stock characters in comedy, female stock characters and so on.

It's really impossible not to have a few in your stories but I like to keep them as supporting characters. In my first novel I actual describe one of them this way:

He had all the personality of one of those minor characters writers insist on introducing to pad out their novels with relevant background, interesting enough to the completist, yet still managing not to upstage the lead.

Is it possible to weave an archetypal voice into non-fiction?

Hmm...that's a good one, "Is it possible to weave an archetypal voice into non-fiction?" I'm going to grab Victoria Lynn Schmidt's book, 45 Master Characters. I'll be back in a jiff. No, actually, I'm going to contact the author and ask her. I'll get back on that one.

I've been compared to Evanovich too. Logan Hunter is, I suppose, a little like Plum in that she is quirky, makes plenty of mistakes, etc, but Logan is more serious about her career and her relationships with men. I don't know that I could write a series with the same protag that goes on and on and on. I think I'll probably switch gears after the fourth one is released. I want to write historical fiction at some point.

I am going to try to finish Dead Greedy, and see how the first two go. I am also working on a plot where Stand-up Comedians(amateurs)are getting knocked off. Evanovich has other series too that she writes. Full series and the Metro Girl series. Both are quite enjoyable.I think she writes other stuff so she doesn't get bogged down in the world of Plum.