Have you ever wondered why you may act a certain way or why you act similarly to others? Your archetype may be the reason why! Archetypes are groupings or categories of personality traits and behaviors that follow specific patterns. Everyone naturally falls into a category, and, as you grow, you may move between two or more types.

So, what are these categories used for? Archetypes are mostly used in storytelling to establish a character’s personality or purpose. Think about your favorite movie, TV, and book characters. Now, compare them to each other. Do they have things in common? Do they interact with other characters and the plot in similar ways? This may be because they fall under the same archetype.

Carl Jung laid out 12 archetypes and theorized that each represents an aspect of the psyche: The Innocent, The Orphan, The Warrior, The Caregiver, The Seeker, The Lover, The Destroyer, The Creator, The Ruler, The Magician, The Sage, and The Fool.

Over the years, storytellers have narrowed down Jung’s theory to explain the role of female characters. The 7 feminine archetypes embody different aspects of womanhood as described in Greek mythology, and include:

The Lover is a reflection of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. She has an intense connection with her desires and is extremely passionate in all she does. She’s creative, charismatic, free-spirited, and sensual.

The Maiden archetype comes from the tales of Persephone. This woman is thoughtful and empathetic. She has an innocent nature and symbolizes youth, purity, and vulnerability.

The Mother resembles the Greek goddess Demeter. First and foremost, she’s a caretaker. She represents the nurturing instincts of women, symbolizing a motherly figure.

The Queen archetype reflects the Greek goddess Hera. She’s a natural leader who represents womanly strength and courage. Her loyalty, confidence, and determination set her apart from the rest.

The Huntress archetype parallels the stories of Artemis. This archetype is highly independent and has a strong, narrowed focus. She strives to succeed in all she does, and her fearless attitude can often put her in perilous situations.

The Sage is an image of Athena. She values knowledge and discipline and is often seen as a mentor. For her, logic triumphs over love and dreams.

The Mystic archetype stems from the tales of Hestia. She is a spiritual woman with a strong sense of self. She tends to be introverted in large groups but will come out of her shell with time.