Archetypes are typical examples of certain people or things.  In this episode, Kris & Stephanie talk about some of the character archetypes used in Orphan Black.  This episode was inspired by this tumblr gif set by outlawqueened.

Source for Archetype List & Info

Paul – the Guardian

• Part of the tests the protagonist faces.  A protagonist relying on their wits might try to evade, bribe, learn from, or convert them to their cause.
• Secret helper
• Some sources list examples like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Alfred Pennyworth (mentor types – not remotely what we’re dealing with here)

Sarah – the Queen

• “The Queen archetype is also associated with arrogance and a defensive posture that is symbolic of a need to protect one’s personal and emotional power. Queens are rarely portrayed as having a trustworthy support system; instead, they are lonely figures surrounded by a court filled with potential traitors, rivals, and back-stabbers. Women who have identified themselves as Queens in my workshops tend to have these qualities in common, suggesting that were it not for their aggressive personality characteristics, they would be vulnerable to others’ control.” [Source]
• Orphan Child – “in most well known children’s stories reflects the lives of people who feel from birth as if they are not a part of their family, including the family psyche or tribal spirit. But because orphans are not allowed into the family circle, they have to develop independence early on. The absence of family influences, attitudes, and traditions inspires or compels the Orphan Child to construct an inner reality based on personal judgment and experience.”

Cosima – the Scientist

• The “mad scientist” has been replaced. “We now have numerous examples of personable, constructive, problem-solving scientists, or of well-intentioned researchers who, against their will, have had their discoveries misused by other powerful interests, military, political or industrial, and who struggle against this misappropriation.” [Source]

Felix – the Trustee

• Committed to serving others, completing assigned tasks
• Also has aspects of partner/sidekick

Delphine – the Partner (Companion, friend, consort, etc.)

• “The Sidekick’s qualities of loyalty, tenacity, and unselfishness are the positive aspects of this archetype. A Sidekick/Companion provides a service, symbolically speaking, to a personality that often has a stronger nature or a role in life that carries more authority. Secretaries and personal assistants are examples of Right Arms, taking care of the day-to-day details of life. You might have an inner Companion that takes care of the details and allows another archetype to focus on work central to your mission. Companions are associated with providing emotional rather than sexual support. Platonic or friendship bonds are more in keeping with that particular archetype.”
• “Betrayal is a common example of the shadow side of the Companion, which damages the soul.” [Source]
• As introduced, it seems like she’s going to be a femme fatale

Helena – the Priestess

• “The Virgin/Maiden/High Priestess – She is the guardian of the Mystery Temple of Solomon; Protectress of the Secret Wisdom that lifts human consciousness from the depths of materialism to the heights of illumination” [Source]
• “Commitments made to divine authority” [Source]
• The Wounded Child – “The Wounded Child archetype holds the memories of abuse, neglect, and other traumas that we have endured during childhood…. On the positive side, the painful experiences of the Wounded Child often awaken a deep sense of compassion and a desire to help other Wounded Children….The shadow aspect may…lead us to seek out parental figures in all difficult situations rather than relying on our own resourcefulness.”

Kira – Magical/Innocent Child

• “The Magical Child sees the potential for sacred beauty in all things, and embodies qualities of wisdom and courage in the face of difficult circumstances….This archetype is also gifted with the power of imagination and the belief that everything is possible.”

Leekie – Visionary

• Scientific pioneer and hints of a cult-leader-type
• Aspects of the shadow visionary – willingness to sell out to the highest bidder or alter their vision to make it more palatable

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