The Everyman Archetype: Relatable, Dependable, & Humble

The Everyman Archetype represents the ordinary individual, making them relatable to a wide audience. This archetype is defined by its emphasis on common, everyday experiences, connecting deeply with readers and viewers. In narratives, the Everyman serves as a proxy for the audience, experiencing the story’s events and challenges from a perspective that feels familiar and accessible.

You often see the Everyman archetype in stories where the main character goes through life-changing adventures or personal growth. These characters are not superheroes or exceptional beings, but regular people like yourself. Their relatable nature makes it easy to empathize with their struggles and victories, creating a strong emotional bond.

By focusing on the Everyman, stories can explore universal themes that resonate across different cultures and experiences. This archetype’s power lies in its ability to reflect our own lives, hopes, and fears, making it an essential element in storytelling. Consider characters like Bilbo Baggins or Harry Potter, who start out as unremarkable individuals but become heroes through their journey and growth.

Origins and Historical Context

Literary Roots

The concept of Everyman originates from medieval European literature. The most notable example is the 15th-century Morality Play, tThe Summoning of Everyman, also known simply as Everyman.

This drama presents Everyman as a representation of all people facing judgment after death. Through allegorical characters like Fellowship, Goods, and Knowledge, the play explores themes of life, death, and salvation.

Another work that contributes to the literary understanding of the Everyman archetype is Elckerlijc, a Dutch play similar to Everyman. These works highlight the struggles of ordinary humans dealing with moral decisions and existential dilemmas.

Both emphasize human vulnerability and the need for redemption. Meanwhile, modern literature, such as Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, introduces characters like John Watson, who serves as an Everyman figure contrasting Holmes’s brilliance.

Cultural Evolution

Culturally, the Everyman archetype has evolved to reflect societal changes and perspectives. Initially rooted in religious and moral lessons, it has expanded to encompass broader themes. In contemporary culture, Everyman figures tackle ordinary challenges that resonate with a wide audience.

In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick Carraway functions as an Everyman, providing a relatable viewpoint amidst the extravagance and moral decay of the Jazz Age.

The Everyman archetype now appears in various media, from novels to films and TV shows, often representing common individuals navigating complex situations. This evolution underscores the timeless nature of this archetype, making it relevant across different eras and cultures.

Characteristics and Representation

Traits & Personality

The Everyman archetype represents the Common Person and is often depicted as relatable and ordinary. These characters typically embody humility, honesty, and hard-working nature.

They are grounded and possess a strong moral compass. Unlike other heroic figures, Everyman characters don’t exhibit extraordinary skills or powers.

Humility and honesty are their core strengths. They are humble individuals who often face significant challenges but remain grounded.

Their ordinariness makes them appealing and allows you to connect with them on a personal level. This archetype exemplifies a life most people can relate to.

Examples in Literature and Film

In literature, Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit embodies the Everyman archetype. Despite his humble beginnings, Bilbo’s courage and integrity stand out.

In film, Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump and George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life are perfect examples. Forrest’s simple, genuine nature and George’s unwavering moral compass resonate with many.

Jim Halpert from The Office portrays an Everyman in a modern setting, facing everyday struggles and triumphs. Even in more intense narratives, like Fight Club, the unnamed narrator represents the Everyman, confronting issues of identity & purpose.

Relevance in Modern Media

Everyman characters continue to be relevant in today’s media because they reflect the experiences and emotions of the audience. In film and television, their stories bring forth themes of ordinary life, moral dilemmas, and personal growth.

For instance, The Office’s Jim Halpert provides a grounded perspective amidst the absurdity of office life. In more dramatic storytelling, such as The Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne’s journey emphasizes resilience & hope, aligning well with the Everyman traits.

Even in genres like horror, such as in Dracula, characters who combat supernatural forces often start as relatable, ordinary individuals. This connection taps into the universal human experience, making Everyman archetypes a timeless element in media.

These representations show how the Everyman archetype remains essential, offering a mirror to the audience’s own lives & values.

The Everyman Archetype & Personality Typing

When you think of brands that embody the Everyman archetype, names like Levi’s, Ford, Home Depot, and even local favorites like Jack Allen’s Kitchen come to mind. These brands resonate because they champion the traits of “the average joe.” But let’s pivot from marketing and branding to something more… personal. So how does the Everyman archetype fit into the personality typing paradigm?

ISTJ & ISFJ: It Is What It Is

In our view, the personality types that best embody the Everyman archetype are the ISTJ and the ISFJ types. These types are among the more common personalities, and for good reason. They are unassuming and blend right in, holding up the status quo without making a fuss. Yet, their reliability and down-to-earth nature make them remarkable in their own way. All signs so far point to Introverted Sensing (Si)

ISTJs & ISFJs are the backbone of our communities & society. They don’t bang their drums too loud but their strength lies in their consistency, dependability, and practical approach to life. Just like the Everyman brands we mentioned, these personality types provide a stable foundation upon which others can rely. As far as having a moral compass & community building, you are looking at Introverted Feeling (Fi) & Extroverted Feeling (Fe) respectively

Traits That Connect

Let’s dissect the traits that connect the Everyman archetype with ISTJ & ISFJ personality types:

1. Relatability & Sincerity: Both personality types are relatable because they are genuine and honest. They don’t put on airs or try to be something they’re not, much like the brands that champion the Everyman archetype.
2. Dependability & Pragmatism: These types are known for their reliability. They approach situations with practicality and common sense, traits that are highly valued in both personal and professional settings.
3. Humility & Empathy: ISTJs & ISFJs are humble and empathetic. They care deeply about others and often go out of their way to help, reflecting the Everyman’s community-oriented nature.
4. Resilience & Adaptability: These types are resilient, able to weather life’s challenges without losing their sense of self. They are also adaptable, adjusting to changes and finding practical solutions, much like the Everyman archetype’s flexibility and resourcefulness.
5. Unpretentiousness & Approachability: ISTJs and ISFJs generally avoid showiness, preferring simplicity and authenticity. Their unpretentious nature makes them approachable and easy to connect with, embodying the core values of the Everyman archetype.

The Foundation of Society

It’s worth noting that while ISTJ & ISFJ personality types may not seek the spotlight, their contributions are invaluable. They are the silent heroes who ensure that everything runs smoothly. From maintaining traditions to providing unwavering support, they are the glue that holds communities together.

In essence, the Everyman archetype and these personalities share a symbiotic relationship. Both are essential for creating a sense of belonging and stability. They remind us that being average is not a limitation but a strength. It’s about being reliable, approachable, and fundamentally human.

By understanding this connection, we can better appreciate the quiet yet profound impact that the Everyman—and those who embody this archetype—have on our lives.

What brands do you know that uphold the Everyman Archetype? Do you have any ISTJ or ISFJs in your life, how do they live up to the traits of the Everyman Archetype? Thanks for reading & let us know in the comments below!