What is an archetype? an object or person that stands for itself but also something beyond itself. a character, object, or situation that recurs throughout literature and life. a line or phrase that is repeated in poetry or literature. the universal truth that is the message of the story or poem.?

The answer is: a character, object, or situation that recurs throughout literature and life.

A stereotype is a recurring character, object or situation in the arts. It usually is devoid of depth and it follows more common sense or habitual characteristics easily recognized by anyone, both in literature and in life. Although they may lack depth, they can be great aids for writers to explore different themes of a universal and deep nature. One good example would be Moliere´s The Miser.