A Theoretical Foundation for Classical Character Archetypes

Abstract This theoretical perspective sets out a theoretical foundation for the use of classical character archetypes in character development methodologies. It covers four reimagined classical archetypes: citizen (politēs), one who plays socially responsible roles, egoist (idiôtes), one who plays prudent and individually responsible roles, conformist (doulos), one who plays fearing, childish, and conforming roles, and brute (barbaros), one who plays pretentious and brutal roles. The article also briefly compares these archetypes to some existing modern character archetypes in, for example, modern classical literature, psychology, political economics, and business theory.