The Caretaker is a peaceful archetype whose main purpose is to take care of others, particularly the hero. This can manifest in many ways, but especially in the roles of parent, best friend, mentor, or teacher. In Jungian tradition, the Caretaker is the Mother. 

While every character is the hero of their own journey, the Caregiver’s role is to help the hero succeed through support and unconditional love. They can be the hero, but are often a supporting character to the hero (parent, best friend, teacher, mentor, sibling…)

Goal: To help others

Guiding Traits: Compassion, helpful, generous, selfless or altruistic, honorable, sees the best in others, often willing to sacrifice themselves in order to help or save another

Guiding Motivation: to protect those s/he loves

Flaws: Over-indulgent, over-protective, martyrdom, vulnerable, rose-colored glasses, inability to see the ‘bad’

• Well-known Caregivers

  • Mary Poppins, Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web), Miss Honey (Mathilda), Mrs. Weasley and Hagrid (Harry Potter), Mammy (Gone With the Wind)

Download Cheat Sheet The Caregiver