Everyman

Definition

Everyman is a character archetype representing an ordinary person, typically embodying the human experience and relatable struggles. This figure often finds themselves on a journey, confronting moral dilemmas and existential questions that resonate with the audience, ultimately illustrating universal themes of life, death, and redemption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Everyman is often depicted as a composite of common human traits, making them easy for audiences to empathize with and relate to.
2. The most famous use of the everyman archetype can be found in the medieval morality play 'Everyman,' where the protagonist must face death and account for their life choices.
3. Everyman's journey typically involves encounters with personified concepts such as Good Deeds, Knowledge, and Death, reflecting the inner struggle between virtue and vice.
4. This archetype serves to remind audiences of their own mortality and the importance of leading a meaningful life, emphasizing that everyone has flaws but also the potential for redemption.
5. In contemporary storytelling, everyman characters can be seen in various genres, including film, literature, and theatre, often appealing to viewers' sense of authenticity and emotional connection.

Review Questions

• How does the everyman archetype help convey universal themes in storytelling?
  • The everyman archetype helps convey universal themes by representing relatable human experiences and struggles that resonate with audiences. This character typically faces moral dilemmas and existential questions that reflect common challenges in life. By embodying ordinary traits and flaws, the everyman allows viewers to connect deeply with the narrative, enhancing their understanding of themes such as mortality, redemption, and personal growth.
• In what ways do everyman characters differ from traditional heroic protagonists?
  • Everyman characters differ from traditional heroic protagonists in that they are not typically extraordinary or superhuman. Instead, they possess relatable qualities that highlight their vulnerability and imperfections. While heroic protagonists often embark on grand adventures or exhibit exceptional abilities, everyman characters confront everyday challenges that mirror real-life experiences. This contrast allows audiences to engage with stories on a more personal level while exploring themes of resilience and moral responsibility.
• Evaluate the significance of Everyman's journey in the context of moral lessons presented in literature.
  • The significance of Everyman's journey lies in its capacity to impart profound moral lessons that resonate across cultures and time periods. As Everyman confronts personified concepts like Good Deeds and Death, he embodies the struggle between virtue and vice, illustrating the consequences of one's actions throughout life. This exploration serves as a reminder for audiences to reflect on their own values and choices, reinforcing the idea that personal accountability and seeking redemption are essential aspects of the human experience.

Related terms

Allegory: A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize broader concepts and moral qualities, often used to convey deeper meanings and messages.

Protagonist: The main character in a story, who often drives the plot forward and faces central conflicts, typically undergoing significant personal growth or transformation.

Moral Dilemma: A situation in which a character must choose between two conflicting moral principles or values, often leading to profound personal consequences.