The patterns of storytelling—and the glimpses of you
Across centuries of storytelling – from ancient epics to modern novels – certain characters appear again and again. These are archetypes: timeless patterns that reflect something universal about the human experience. Think of them not as boxes we fit into, but as mirrors that help us recognize the beauty, struggles, and purposes already written into the fabric of our lives.
The psychologist Carl Jung famously outlined 12 such archetypes – commonly used today in personality models like Myers-Briggs. But long before they were studied in textbooks, these types were woven into the stories we cherish. We see them in heroines of literature, in the saints of history, and often, in ourselves.
So who is your feminine archetype? Let’s explore these literary echoes of the soul!
The Innocent
Hopeful, sincere, and guided by a belief in goodness.
She trusts in the beauty of life and helps others see it too, even when the world grows cynical.
Examples: Lucy Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia), Beth March (Little Women), Miranda (The Tempest)
The Heroine
Driven by courage, determination, and a sense of justice.
She takes on great challenges – not to prove herself, but to defend what is right.
Examples: Éowyn (The Lord of the Rings), Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre), St. Joan of Arc (Historical, Literary)
The Ruler
Poised, capable, and committed to order and leadership.
She thrives when guiding others, shaping culture, or stewarding what she’s been given.
Examples: Elizabeth Bennett (Pride and Prejudice), Empress Zita of Austria (historical), St. Catherine of Siena (historical)
The Sage
Wise, thoughtful, and devoted to truth.
She seeks deeper understanding and offers counsel to those around her – a grounding influence who brings peace through wisdom.
Examples: Galadriel (The Lord of the Rings), St. Teresa of Avila (Historical), Elinor Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility)
The Explorer
Independent, curious, and always seeking more.
She longs to discover new places, ideas, and ways of living, even at great risk.
Examples: Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables), Meg Murry (A Wrinkle in Time),
The Creator
Imaginative, expressive, and inspired by beauty.
She builds, writes, dreams, or creates a home/life – not for fame, but because she must bring something into being.
Examples: Jo March (Little Women), Caroline Ingalls (Little House on the Prairie),
The Lover
Passionate, relational, and guided by devotion.
She seeks depth in love – romantic, familial, or spiritual – and gives herself completely.
Examples: Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Marianne Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility) St. Mary Magdalene (Historical),
The Caregiver
Gentle, generous, and self-sacrificing.
She serves others with quiet strength and finds fulfillment in compassion.
Examples: Marmee March (Little Women), Mother Teresa (Historical), Sophie Hatter (Howl’s Moving Castle)
The Jester
Witty, playful, and attuned to joy.
She brings levity and insight through humor or joy, often revealing truths that others miss.
Examples: Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), Cinderella (portrayed in literature and film)
The Rebel
Bold, fearless, and intent on change.
She challenges broken systems, through a loud or quiet witness – sometimes at great cost – to seek a better way.
Examples: Antigone (Antigone), Hester Prynne (The Scarlet Letter)
The Seeker
Idealistic, spiritual, and hungry for meaning.
She yearns for something greater and is unafraid to walk through life’s trials in search of it.
Examples: Hannah Coulter (Hannah Coulter), Lucy Honeychurch (A Room with a View), St. Edith Stein (historical)
Why it matters
We aren’t fated to be an archetype, but the truths in these stories can help us name the seasons we pass through – and the virtues we might feel called to live out more deeply.
So – who are you today? And who might you be inspired to become?