Archetypes - The Child

So we have been asked to look into Archetypes to help us solidify our characters personalities and traits. Whilst researching I've found 'The Child' archetype to be most interesting and fitting for the character I'm developing.


The Child Archetype is described on 'www.listology.com' as  'a pattern related to the hope and promise for new beginnings' but seems to have a range of different interpretations - as in other sources it's described as 'a Child who displays adult traits, wise' or to have 'Childish to childlike longing for the innocent, regardless of age'.

I like the idea of the character somehow being wise and perhaps representing the future in someway. As I am thinking of having a Dystopian type future - it would be interesting for the character to represent a destructive future, the 'hope' being a bit 'hopeless'. This line of thinking led me to find this specific aspect of 'the Child' on www.myss.com/library/contracts/four_archs.asp (However I am aware it refers to more psychological ideas - as apposed to character traits)


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.

The shadow energy of the Magical Child manifests as the absence of the possibility of miracles and of the transformation of evil to good. Attitudes of pessimism and depression, particularly when exploring dreams, often emerge from an injured Magical Child whose dreams were "once upon a time" thought foolish by cynical adults. The shadow may also manifest as a belief that energy and action are not required, allowing one to retreat into fantasy.

The  'injured Magical Child' idea grabbed my attention as I feel my character will be attempting to escape from the war-fuelled apocalyptic environment she finds herself in - also being a child, she will need the ability to 'see the potential for sacred beauty in all things' - she will be 'injured' mentally perhaps, showing traits of insanity, longing for the innocence of her youth whilst also illustrating the direction war and destruction is taking the world she lives in.

This is one of a few initial sketches of my character, influenced by the 'Child' Archetype.