Mythology and characters (archetypes?)

[Jonathan]

I've noticed that there is a trend in fiction to rely upon archetypes or even basing characters and ideas off mythology. For instance you have the Artemis character (Katniss is a huge example of that), the Maze idea from the Minotaur myth, the Merlin wizard character (Gandalf, Kvothe etc.) which in turn seems based off some Greek/Roman mythologies again in a degree. So what do you think about archetypes and characters from the same type of mould?

[[deleted user]]

I think it makes since. You can only make a original character to a point, and by going back into history to find a story or character you can use, you have a better chance of finding something no one can remember.
And all of a sudden you're original:)

[Elizabeth]

You should read Steal Like an Artist that book deals with that a lot. I think that the archetypes ( I am always fascinated with those within fairy tales) really show their staying power with the way that they can be constantly manipulated and changed in order to create new meaning. I think it's important to make good use of them, as they are the most accessible of characters- they remain because they stick with people, and if you can get out of the gate with that connection you can spend more time on what you want to say than fighting to invest the reader in the story. They are also great tools for critique when the archetype gets flipped on its head- which makes for beautiful controversy.