Discover how the 12 Jungian archetypes come alive through your favorite sitcom characters!
What your favorite sitcom characters reveal about your inner self.
Key points
- Archetypes can reveal patterns that shape how we connect, cope, and communicate.
- Jungian archetypes can help explain the deeper “why” behind our thoughts and behaviors.
- Sitcom characters can be surprisingly accurate mirrors of psychological archetypes.
Myers-Briggs, Enneagrams, that personality test pop-up ad. Chances are, you’ve taken one of these quizzes in between your daily spreadsheet inputting and email responding. But their results can provide more than conversation fodder for the break room. Identifying our personality patterns can help us understand our own behavior and how it interacts with the behavior of others.
Analytical psychology, developed by psychologist and avid pipe smoker Carl Jung, uses the concept of archetypes to help us better understand the “why” behind our behaviors. According to Jung, archetypes are the building blocks of our mind—they are symbols of people, behaviors, and personalities that represent specific aspects of the human experience.
When we understand the archetypes at play in our lives, we get in touch with our own stories and the stories of others that have influenced our behaviors.
Read More Here: Sage, Hero, Lover, Or Trickster? Take This Jungian Archetype Test To Find Your Dominant Personality
Jung’s work has been expanded in many ways (we even use it in drama therapy!). I’ve found that Carol S. Pearson generated a lovely way to break the archetypes down into a 12-archetype system. I will be using her work as a roadmap for this blog as I guide you in taking the first steps to learn more about your archetypes.
This post is the first in a two-part series exploring 12 psychological archetypes through the lens of your favorite sitcom characters (because let’s be honest, therapy and TV both reveal a lot). Let’s start with six foundational archetypes that might just explain a few things about yourself—or your go-to comfort show.
Our lovable favorites are all prone to predictable attitudes and actions. Let’s take a look:
The Innocent
Sweet, sweet innocents. These little baby angels wish for life to be easy and safe. Often personified as a trusting child, the innocent is optimistic and dependent. They find strength in help and support from others and falter when they feel abandoned in their times of greatest need.
Goal: Happiness
Fear: Punishment
Classic Innocent: Buster Bluth, Arrested Development
Others: Andy Dwyer from Parks and Recreation; Michael Scott from The Office.
The Orphan
Grounded in reality and routine, the orphan relies on the predictability of everyday life to survive. They often keep their expectations low to avoid disappointment while desperately seeking the love and acceptance they lacked in their youth.
It can be difficult for the orphan to believe that the sun will come out tomorrow. If you identify with this archetype, it is likely that you’ve experienced trauma in the form of chronic misattunement. Working with an EMDR therapist could be helpful. To find a therapist near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
Goal: Safety
Fear: Exploitation
Classic Orphan: Jan Levinson from The Office
Other Orphans: Maeby Bluth from Arrested Development; Ben Wyatt from Parks and Recreation.
The Warrior
Give me liberty or give me death! The British are coming! Punch it, Chewy!
The warrior is known for their bravery and mental toughness, no matter the obstacle. They see life simplistically—win the battle and save the day. While their one-track mind can be inspiring in times of strife, it can also leave the warrior feeling as though they lead a meaningless existence, without purpose or worth.
Goal: Win
Fear: Vulnerability
Classic Warrior: Dina Fox from Superstore
Other Warriors: Dwight Schrute from The Office; Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation.
The Caregiver
If you forgot your lunch money, homework, or even your reason for being, the caregiver is more than ready to jump in for the assist. They are generous and compassionate beings who thrive on helping those in need.
But this strength is also their weakness, as caregivers often let their selflessness go too far, putting themselves in harm’s way. Folks who identify with the caregiver archetype also frequently possess the trait of emotional sensitivity.
Goal: To help
Fear: Selfishness
Classic Caregiver: Jerry Gergich from Parks and Recreation
Other Caregivers: Glenn Sturgis from Superstore; Charles Boyle from Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
The Seeker
Much like the Quidditch position of the same name, the seeker is on a quest of discovery. They are incredibly independent, always looking for new paths and answers. While their plight is admirable, seekers can also end up isolating themselves from others in their desire to solve problems without assistance.
Goal: A better life
Fear: Conformity
Classic Seeker: Janine Teagues from Abbott Elementary
Other Seekers: Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation; Amy Santiago from Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
The Lover
The lover is an equal opportunity affection machine, searching for love in all forms: friendship, spiritual, romantic, and puppy. While this way of life can bring heartbreak and sorrow, the lover is always hunting for intimacy and commitment. They are passionate and determined in their quest for love, and long for sustained loving relationships with everyone they care about.
Goal: Bliss
Fear: Loss of love
Classic Lover: Jonah Simms from Superstore
Other Lovers: Terry Jeffords from Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Jim Halpert from The Office.
Read More Here: From Harry Potter To Batman: How Carl Jung’s Map Of The Soul Has Left A Deep Impact In Modern Pop Culture
Final Words
These are the first six archetypes, but the story doesn’t end here. In Part Two, we will explore the remaining six archetypes, which tend to emerge as we wrestle with change, authority, personal truth, and transformation.
Ready to continue your wellness journey by learning more about yourself? Download my free values quiz today. This guide will help you figure out if you are on your way to mental wellness through values-based living.
References
Jung, C. G. (1959). The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious (2nd ed., R. F. C. Hull, Trans.). Princeton University Press. (Original work published 1934–1954)
Pearson, C. S. (1991). Awakening the heroes within: Twelve archetypes to help us find ourselves and transform our world. HarperCollins.
Written by Dr. Mary Kate Roohan
Originally appeared on Psychology Today
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